ParenTeen 

The teenage years are difficult for parents and adolescents. On one front, parents have real stresses ranging from paying the bills to setting boundaries for their kids. On the other front, the adolescent's stress is found in grades, sports and the expectations placed on their shoulders. This can be the perfect storm for chaos at home. Does it seem like everyone is on edge sometimes? This leads to conflict and more stress. The cycle continues.

Whether you are coming from a faith conviction or not, approach conflict with your adolescent as an opportunity to grow in your relationship. If you are like me, sometimes I want to be in control of the discussion and become stressed to the point of raising my voice. In my home, we never argue. We just have "intense fellowship" once in a while. When the storms come, do your best to slow down, take a deep breath, pray and look for an opportunity to take your adolescent off guard with your loving response. This will break the cycle and make your home a grace-zone not a war-zone.

Oh, and only raise your voice if the house is on fire!

Jeff Baxter, Faculty member at Taylor University(www.taylor.edu) in Fort Wayne, Indiana