How much independence should parents allow teenagers who claim rights and privileges but do not take responsibility, show excessive confidence and test the boundaries of discipline? To what extent should parents try to understand and accept changes in their adolescent child when he doesn't fully understand these changes himself? How can parents cope with the physical changes and emotional challenges in their adolescent child? Margot Waddell offers helpful advice to parents whose children have reached the turbulent teenage years. From conflict management to addressing issues of bullying, stealing and same-sex friendships, she guides parents as they watch oft en helplessly as their children alternate between maturity and immaturity and wrestle with questions of identity on their journey to self-definition. The author also encourages parents to accept that they may come second in importance to their child's friends, and may not be privy to secrets.