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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Family Issues > Trouble with teen daughter
    Posted on: 10/12/2006

    Question

    My daughter will not give me the keys to her car, which I'm the lean holder on. Her room is unbelievable just plain nasty. She doesn't go to school and dresses way too sexy.

    Answer

    Hello, It sounds as though this is a larger issue than what's going on this week; you've most likely had problems over some period of time, and now your daughter is close to age of independence. Most helpful would be for you to get involved in counseling/therapy; it doesn't depend on your daughter attending. Get help for yourself in parenting, and where and when to draw what boundaries. Not knowing what other circumstances (changes in the family, peer problems, substance experimentation/abuse, self-concept problems, future-planning following graduation, etc.) may be playing a role, it is hard to suggest concrete options; but do take care of yourself so you are not simply reacting and ending up with negative moods, and get help and support from a counselor/family service agency who is experienced with this age group. Good luck!


    Answered By:
    Susan McKenzie , LCSW


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