Positive communication between parents and teenagers can sometimes be difficult.  Teens are seeking both independence and support at this stage in their life. Peer pressure, body changes and other stressors can often make communication tough. Take time to stress the positive about your teen, rather than the negative. Above all, the message needs to come from your heart.  Although teens do not always agree with parent messages, they do consider them. For effective communication, parents need to remember to get the facts, encourage questions, and most important ... LISTEN.

• How Parenting Styles Impact Children
• Interactive Quiz - What's Your Parenting Style?
• Parenting Your Teen (13 to 18 Years)

Parenting Links from Public Health:

• Teens

Downloadable documents:

• How to Talk to Your Teen About Drugs, Alcohol & Sex 
• Navigating The Teen Years – A Parent’s Handbook for Raising Healthy Teens (Parents.  The Anti-Drug)
• Teen Parent Communication  
• Teen Talk  

Helpful External Links:

• Canadian Mental Health Association
  Helping parents to better understand the ways that mental health problems can impact teens' lives and learning.
  
  
• Youth Suicide Prevention
  Online source for suicide prevention information and resources.