Teenage years can be difficult for many families. Young people may develop ideas, values and beliefs that are different to those of their parents. This is part of the normal process of moving towards independence. Parents may struggle with how much independence they should allow their children at different ages and in different circumstances. There is no prescription for this. Each young person is an individual and needs different advice.
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Relationships with parents and families: how they change in adolescence
Independence for pre-teens and teenagers is about trying new things, taking on more responsibility, making decisions by themselves, and working out who they are and what they want to be. Supportive, strong relationships help teenagers feel safe and secure. When teenagers feel safe and secure, they have more confidence to try new things, and discover who they are and what they want to do with their lives. It also makes it easier for them to bounce back from mistakes or challenges. As pre-teens and teenagers go through the physical, social and emotional changes of adolescence , they often experience intense and sometimes overwhelming emotions.
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Jump to content. The ages from 15 to 18 are an exciting time of life. But these years can be challenging for teens and their parents. Emotions can change quickly as teens learn to deal with school, their friends, and adult expectations. Teen self-esteem is affected by success in school, sports, and friendships. Teens tend to compare themselves with others, and they might form false ideas about their body image.
You probably talk to your friends way more than you talk to your parents. That's natural, even if you and your parents have a great relationship. Still, it's good to have a parent's help, advice, and support. You can get support from other adults in your life, too. Maybe there's a teacher, mentor, or coach you like to talk with. At first, it might seem awkward to open up, especially when talking about some subjects. Or it might feel harder if it's been a while since you had a good heart-to-heart. Here are some tips to make it easier to talk.