Being the parent of a teenager represents for many parents the ultimate test. This is the time when the rubber meets the road as a parent, as all of the challenges that we thought were merely child's play during infancy or during the toddler stage are now full blown battlegrounds.

Parenting teens is one of the toughest parts of parenting. For many people, it is the ultimate test of their parenting skills, as the child raised from youth turns into a machine that talks back, smokes, and likely drinks.

It's difficult because we know we have to let them go through it, and often we can't do anything to make it easier on them. Teenagers are trying to figure out who they are and where they fit in socially. They will seek out friends to whom they feel they are similar and who enjoy their favorite activities. Teenage rebellion is often a deliberate effort to do the exact opposite of a parent's desire and can be at the root of many unhealthy decisions.

A lot of adults apply parenting skills based on their own experiences growing up. Often parents don't know the difference, but the problem may be due to poor parenting which manifests itself in bad behavior in the child. In many cases, children who are repeatedly violent and disruptive in school are found to have deeply rooted problems at home, caused by bad parenting.

Teenagers react differently according to their problems. Parents need to know their child's needs and help them as much as possible. Teenagers like to talk. But they must have a willing listener. Teenagers are interested in many topics that parents are too busy to talk about: marriage, politics, aging, religion, love, and the past. Take the time to talk and to listen to your teenager.

Peer pressure is a stronger issue than ever before with teenagers. Parents must set a good example at home.

Teenagers are at the point in their lives when they are trying to discover who they are and what they want out of life. One of the most important parenting skills is patience.