Being a teen is tough, but parenting a teen is even tougher, experts say. To make this job a little easier:

Being a teen is tough, but parenting a teen is even tougher, experts say. To make this job a little easier:

l Stay connected. Teens who have close, warm, stable relationships with their parents are more likely to have similar relationships with others.

They have more self-confidence. They do better in school. They are kind to others and they pick friends who are kind in return. So even if your teen suggests that she doesn't need your attention, support or time, give it anyway.

l Be informed. Get to know your teen's friends and how they spend their free time. Teens with "clued-in" parents are less likely to get into trouble than other teens. They're less likely to lie, cheat, steal, drink alcohol or use drugs. When parents have good relationships with their teens, monitoring seems more like caring and less like prying. - Parenting Teens