When your child was young, he placed you solidly in the middle of his world and turned to you continually for approval and support. Today his friends occupy that central spot.

This is a healthy and normal stage in your teen's development. Try to view it as a sign of your success as a parent. You're achieving your role in launching an independent young adult. You may find it helpful to remember that once the break has been made, most parents and children draw back close to each other again.

In with the in-crowd
Your teen is increasingly eager to spend time away from home with friends of both sexes. Friends' approval is extremely important to him and he may be devastated by their rejection. He's concerned about his popularity in general and his ability to attract the opposite sex. Some teens become very depressed when friendships break up.

His desire to be accepted by his peer group may lead him to slavishly adopt their fads in fashion, music or even attitudes. He's unconcerned if such fads make him stick out in society - the vital objective right now is to avoid sticking out in his group. Look out for negative peer pressure, encouraging experimentation with alcohol or other drugs.