We are experiencing the first 'taste' of the trials of teens... and I have to say it's as hard as they say... and our DD is no where near as rebellious It really gets kinda frightening when you know that they have the power to just turn on their heels and walk out the door if they don't like what you are telling them to do. My DD hasn't actually done this yet... but it's only a matter of time...

Somehow you have to prove to them that you do actually have thier best interests at heart. You have to gain their trust. you have to tell them you love them even when you are angry. This is so hard. When they were children they would do bad things but you would get over it yourself relatively quickly... nowdays, I find that I am angry longer and it takes more for me to swallow my pride and tell her that I love her despite the fact that she is being the rudest little b*tch at the time. You have to draw the strength from somewhere each night to give them a kiss on the cheek as they go to sleep... however I think that if you can manage this (not let them go to bed angry) it will seep into their subconsciousness during the night that you do love them and they will more likely wake up with a better attitude. Good luck!