Decide what's important to you and be flexible on lesser things. Hold firm on important matters.

Show yourself prepared to understand your teen's viewpoint and she will be more likely to understand yours.

Just say 'no'? Not always
If you say 'no' to everything, you will only increase your teen's rebelliousness. Listen, discuss and give a little and you will get credit for being flexible.

Does it really matter how your son wears his hair if he works hard at school? If your daughter has several rings in her ears, but is obliging and respectful to you, give her some credit.

Show respect
Accept your children for what they are. Don't comment negatively on their clothes, hair, weight, music or taste in television. Show respect for their opinions even if you disagree. Don't try to change them into something you want them to be. A useful trick is to imagine they are someone else's teenager and ask yourself, 'Would I say that if it wasn't my son or daughter?' If the answer is 'No', then don't say it.

Avoid being fired as a parent
Most teenagers want to stay friends with their parents and value their guidance. At the same time, they want recognition that they are becoming adults and ask to be treated as such.