A teen shares their story

This is a stage where you are your child is moving towards independence. Your relationship may be more about respecting them as individuals.

While the relationship needs to be as strong as ever, the nature of the relationship is going to change. Teenagers still need reminders about boundaries, safety, trust and respect, but equally parents need to mindful of these as well.

Watch some television together and talk about it afterwards – get to know what programmes your teenager likes and have a discussion about them.

Have some debates about real life issues and be open about their views – they might be quite different to yours!