Disrespectful attitudes, not listening to authority figures, refusal to accept responsibility, seeming out of control, bullying or getting into fights, stealing, lying, and engaging in risky behaviors -- these are all signs that your teen is struggling with emotions or circumstances that they don't know how to deal with.

Yet, their developmental stage of transition from child to adult compels them to try to handle their distress on their own. It's part of their growing independence, or what is called individuation.

It can be heartbreaking, confusing, and frustrating for parents to see their teen going through difficulties like this. Maybe you have tried more discipline, but that doesn't really change your teen's behavior, except maybe to make them more resentful and angry with you.

Maybe you tried opening lines of communication, but your teen perceived your questions as intrusive or critical.

You might feel like there is nothing else you can do, and yet you desperately hope that isn't true.

If you feel that any of these situations are true for you and your teen, you are not alone.