Counselor's Corner

Minimize Pressure 

Don't pressure your teen to be like you were or wish you had been at his or her age. Give your teen some leeway when it comes to clothing and hairstyles. it's natural for teens to rebel and express themselves in ways that differ from their parents.

If your teen shows interest in body art - such as tattoos and piercings - make sure he or she understands the health risks, such as skin infections, allergic reactions, and hepatitis B and C. Also talk about potential permanence or scarring.

As you allow your teen some degree of self-expression, remember that you can still maintain high expectations for your teen and the kind of person he or she will become.

This information was gathered from MayoClinic.com