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The teen years. They are truly more of a transition than turmoil. The ability to drive is an important milestone in all cultures now...it is no longer the western concept. It represents an opportunity for teens to become more independent from their families. It helps create an identity, and it symbolises maturity.

Earning a driver`s license is a big event in the lives of most teenagers. One of the challenges today`s teens face is learning how to deal with a variety of new challenges and forms of stress in positive and healthy ways without using alcohol or drugs.

Some of the challenges they may encounter include peer pressure, being rejected by peers, changing schools, feeling insecure or inadequate, difficult classes and home-work, family stress, etc.

Adolescence is a time that is often associated with trying new things and taking risks. Even though all learning involves some risk, some teenagers take dangerous risks that can result in injury or death. Some adolescents seek thrills, act without thinking first, and ignore the potential negative consequences of their actions, believing that, "It can`t happen to me!"

It is essential for parents to help their teenager learn to think carefully before making decisions. The ability to consider many options at the same time and imagine consequences to behaviour expands during the teen years.

Parents can help their teenagers develop this type of thinking and become good problem-solvers. Although conflict between parents and teens may peak at puberty, most young people manage this period without clashing too severely with their parents. Most conflict during the teen years occurs over everyday topics, and parents continue to be more influential than peers on important topics like values.