From what I can remember when I was a teenager, I was testing myself and "testing my wings". Parents have to understand that this is what teenagers often try to do. They are seeking autonomy and often they will be influenced by their peer group, so I believe that helping your children to develop a strong sense of self-confidence before they become teenagers is very important when they get to become teenagers. Because as I remember some of the things that I did when I was a teenager that weren't very beneficial came from a lack of confidence within myself.
It's very important to help develop your children's confidence in themselves, help to appreciate them and bring out their good qualities as I said before, before they become teenagers and teach them principles in a kind, loving way. I remember my father used to talk a lot at the dinner table, and about what happened in his day. I didn't realize at that time that he was teaching me principles. But he was. He was sharing with me his life and how he related to other people. When I became an adult, I realized that's how he was teaching his principals.
So the way we communicate with our children is very important. Learning how to talk with them, be friends with them and share with them, that's what my father did with me. He shared with me, he talked with the family, we shared close times. He shared his life and his feelings and things with us, and his principles.
So if you develop a strong sense of connection and communication with your children by talking to them as my father did at the dinner table, and my mother did by showing her love, then it will often ease the teenage years when they are influenced by their peers.
Here's a nice little English saying, "A family that plays together stays together."