The biggest challenge is guiding teens to be self‑confident, learn, and develop life skills so that they can become successful adults and good people.

Some teens navigate this stage with ease. But for others, the transition toward independence can cause the teen stress and the parents and family pain. Some parts of this process are normal, others more complex, but in all cases, it’s best to have some good tools on hand.

The following tips are ways parents can prepare themselves and their children for a smoother transition and greater success in their teens’ development:

The ability to speak openly about problems or situations is one of the most important parts of a parent‑child relationship. Developing this relationship and open communication requires time, perseverance, and understanding. The relationship will gradually develop as you spend time with your teen. Sometimes, as parents, we have to calm our anxiety about “knowing everything” and hope that our teens are ready to start a conversation.

It’s healthy to set clear guidelines about what is acceptable and what isn’t. You should tell your teen where you’re going, with whom, and when you’ll be back, and hope that your teen will do the same. Teenagers need clear guidelines just like small children do. Setting limits shows them that they matter to you. But we should try not to be “helicopter parents” who want to see and control everything.

Your child is maturing, and your relationship with them may be changing. Parents need to adapt to these changes and spend time with their teen doing daily activities as well as things they enjoy together, like going to see a movie or playing a sport. Adolescence is exhilarating and delightful. Enjoy it; soon, your teen will be an adult. Let them know that you will always be there for them if they need it. The “job” of parenting doesn’t end when they turn 18; the concerns and needs just change.

Growing up means responsibilities. Teens should start having more challenges related to their future adult life, beyond getting good grades or keeping their room clean. For example, they need to learn to manage their own money, whether it’s an allowance or their own bank account. They even need to learn to make their own doctor’s appointments.

This doesn’t mean you should tell your teen which friends they can have or where they can or can’t go. It means that they should know how to identify if a situation is risky and make decisions that will keep them away from risks and danger. One obvious example is when they start to drive. Decisions on the road are critical.

These are complex processes that occur gradually and start in childhood. Adolescence is less stressful when parents and children have worked together on these things through their early development.

Another thing parents should understand is that, as their children grow up, parents will no longer be their only source of information. Their children will start to “know life” at school, on the street, with friends. If you have managed to open a channel of communication, your teen will probably consult you on important subjects, whether in search of approval or advice.