Teenage Years - Years of Adaptation?

Teenagers are neither children nor adults, but at a vulnerable age, entering the world of adulthood.

They are often lonely, because they belong to neither young or old.

They are not completely sure of themselves as yet, because the age of consent has not yet been reached, and they are often mistrusted and misunderstood! The only friends they have are those of their own age! As a parent it behooves us to take more than a casual interest in where they are going, because due to their uncertainty and lack of experience, their future can be destined to be one of regretful unhappiness or unsatisfactory accomplishment.
A father should take an interest in his sons ambition and, considering his education and personal aptitude, sanction it with encouragement, moral and even financial support. With such genuine interest and understanding, the son will respond with appreciation, trust and respect.

Even though he may never admit it, he will lean on dads' superior opinion and find stability and security in his aspiring ambition, which otherwise may still be lacking at his young age.
Other talents, for which may also have a tendency are also worth encouraging for continued development.

They may give him a lifetime of satisfaction to divulge in for the release from the tensions and exertions of everyday life and enhance the spare hours of his working days! Never say: "You will never amount to anything!" - as is sometimes said in anger! Coming from Dad - at that tender age and without much proof to the contrary and the not yet achieved, he may just believe it and as a consequence prove it to be right! Could mum take a greater interest in the fanciful wishes and temptations of her daughters life? Explaining to her the pitfalls of unwanted and premature pregnancies? When at such an age no woman is mature enough to take full reponsibility for what new-born offspring needs? Is she (the daughter) ready for such a commitment, which means the sacrifice of almost all her personal freedom and the total devotion to her newly-found motherhood, without even remotely experiencing the fun of the freedom that most girls enjoy before committing themselves to family responsibility and motherhood? A heart to heart chat between mother and daughter, if she talks as a friend, can work wonders! It must be done, though, in the way to win her trust and not her resentment.

All in all, a little consideration, understanding and sincere helpfulness goes a long way - at least far enough - and hopefully - to win their respect for life, even after they have left home!