Divorce can be very difficult on a family. Teens, especially, feel the strain of divorce; they often feel like their whole life is being disrupted at a time when they most need the attention and support of parents.

Conflict within families is a normal occurrence. By recognizing that individuals develop different patterns of behavior, it is easier to understand their reactions when conflicts arise.

Many teens suffer from low self-esteem and a poor self-image. However, being insecure and not knowing what to do in certain situations is very normal for teens.

Part of being a teen involves learning to make decisions. Often those decisions are influenced by pressure from friends. Unfortunately, sometimes it seems easier to go with the crowd, even if it goes against a teen's better judgment.

Each year one million teens leave home without permission. Runaways come from every social class, race, and religion. Typically, a teen runs away after a heated argument at home and stays with a friend close by for a day or two before returning home.

Some teens begin to hate going to school and find every way they can not to go. It is important for parents to understand that if a teen does not want to go to school, it may become increasingly difficult to keep them there.

Low self-esteem can affect just about every aspect of a teen's life. If teenagers feel bad or unsure about themselves, then they may be unable to participate fully in any activity for fear of failure.

Unfortunately, incest, rape, and other forms of sexual abuse occur to people regardless of race, income or social status. The abuser may be a family member, a friend, an aquaintance, or, less often, a stranger.

The use of drugs and alcohol by teens continues to be a problem in our society. Being a teenager means going through rapid physical and emotional changes.

When different families come together under one roof, there may be some problems. The two parents in love have made the decision to live together, but the children may or may not be happy about the situation.

Each year about 400,000 teens try to kill themselves. Many people who talk of killing themselves or actually attempt suicide are trying to get someone to notice how unhappy they are.

Teens may get involved in cults or gangs because they need friendship and a sense of belonging. Parents can encourage their teens not to follow the crowd and to be more secure in their abilities.

If teens have sex without using birth control or use it improperly, they risk becoming pregnant. The number of teens who have sex without birth control is very high, and consequently, the number of teen pregnancies are high, too.

The best time for adolescents to decide what they will and won't do about sex is before they are actually faced with the decision. Once involved, it is much harder to think clearly.