Printer-friendly versionYou now are the proud parent of a teenager. In her growing quest for self-identity, your teen may try on new looks, new thoughts, new attitudes. Whether a part of the in-crowd, the out-crowd or somewhere in between, she searches for a sense of belonging among peers. You can only hope that in seeking such, she remembers the values and lessons you have spent years attempting to instill.
Outside influences do affect the way your teen views herself and her peers. While your views may not be those your teen seeks first - or at all - with so many outside influences competing for her attention, it's important that you continue to share them and encourage her to share her views, too.
It is during the teen years that the lessons you have imparted about embracing difference begin to have real-world impacts and consequences. It is also during these years that your own beliefs about difference may be tested.
