Parent-Adolescent Relationships As a child begins to enter adolescence, there appears to be an increase in conflict between the adolescent and his or her parents. The extent of conflict differs from family to family and depends on many factors. This is mainly due to the changing characteristics and growth of the adolescent and how the rest of the family adapts to these changes. Adolescence is a time of challenge and change for both adolescents and parents. Adolescents are at a stage in their lives where they face a multitude of pressing decisions, including those regarding friends, career, sex, smoking, drinking, drugs, and parental values. At the same time, they face profound physical, social and emotional changes. Myths about adolescence are perpetuated because adults do not spend the time and effort necessary to learn the normal changes expected during this period. It's much easier for us to assign a label to people rather than try to understand them. The adolescent years are truly “high-speed, high-need” years. Here are some conflict concepts and areas to watch out for. Although most parents realize that there are normal struggles between parents and adolescents as their sons and daughters struggle for independence and identity, they are often shocked by the duration and intensity of the conflict. They are stunned by the apparent rejection of some of their most sacred values ​​and confused by the fact that their teenagers are "acting out" and "acting out." In trying to become psychologically independent from their parents, adolescents often attempt to completely distance themselves from any control or influence of their parents. When the rejected adolescent reaches the limit of patience and tolerance, he lashes out - rejecting family, school, church, middle of paper......en.As a parent, you also need to make sure that you have certain expectations that must be met. You should expect cooperation and courtesy at home and be able to get a good night's sleep without worrying about where your teen is. There are no magic and easy solutions. However, it is wise for a parent to communicate absolute support to a young adolescent by letting them know that you love them and will always be there for them. As an adult, you must model acceptable adult behavior in all situations. If you can say, "I'm sorry I got angry" or "I apologize for criticizing you before listening to everything you have to say," teens will have more respect for all adults. It is also helpful to remind young adolescents that it is easier to treat them like adults if they behave like adults. And it is very useful for adult parents to remember that they themselves were teenagers..