Managing the teen years

The teen years can be difficult for parents and their children, who are undergoing countless physical and emotional changes.

Here are some suggestions to help you and your child navigate the teen years a bit more smoothly:

* Do your homework on the challenges that your child is likely to face as a teen, and how they may change your relationship.

* Talk with your teen early on about puberty and the changes that will occur.

* Put yourself in your child's shoes. Be patient and sympathetic.

* Let your child develop his or her own personality, and don't fight over every little thing.

* Understand that your child may be resistant to the rules you impose.