Adolescence can be a time of turmoil and turbulence, of stress and storm. Rebellion against authority and against convention is to be expected and tolerated for the sake of learning and growth.

When gentle persuasion [of children] falls on deaf ears, we resort to ridicule and rebuke. Then we return to threats and punishment. This is the modus operandi of a mutual frustration society.

The search for a personal identity is the life task of a teenager.

Many teenagers are tormented by terrors they deem private and personal. They do not know that their anxieties and doubts are universal.

Parenthood is an endless series of small events, periodic conflicts, and sudden crises which call for a response. The response is not without consequence: it affects personality for better or for worse.

To sense when a teenager needs understanding and when misunderstanding is a difficult and delicate task. The sad truth is that no matter how wise we are, we cannot be right for any length of time in our teenagers' eyes.

Wise parents know that fighting a teenager, like fighting a riptide, is inviting doom.

Teenagers crave independence. The more self-suf-ficient we make them feel, the less hostile they are toward us.