Purdue News
November 1997
Parenting a teen requires great balance
It seems that children can turn into teen-agers almost overnight. When they do, moms
and dads may need to change their parenting strategies, says the head of Purdue University's
Department of Child Development and Family Studies. Douglas Powell says teen-agers want recognition of their growing autonomy and may rebel strongly against any
signs that parents still view them as youngsters. "However, setting limits is still
a good thing for parents to do during the teen-age years," Powell says. Communication
may be the key to striking the balance in those years between childhood and becoming
an adult. "It's important to acknowledge the feelings and ideas of children at all
ages," Powell says. "Teen-agers especially are working through a lot of issues regarding
their identity and peer group." He says listening is important, even when it's not convenient.
CONTACT: Powell, (765) 494-9511; e-mail, powelld@cdfs.cfs.purdue.edu
Compiled by Beth Forbes, (765) 494-9723; e-mail, beth_forbes@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; e-mail, purduenews@purdue.edu
To the Purdue News and Photos Page