We know that many parents struggle during the teenage years with emerging demands of puberty, peer influence and risky behaviour. Calls to parenting helplines in Scotland feature a significant number of calls about parenting teenagers. Behaviour and relationship issues are among the main areas of concern, as parents find ways of dealing with conflict, sharing parenting responsibilities, or managing their teenagers’ increasing independence. However, compared to provision for early years, there are few support services available.
This is your chance to engage with a new review of research relating to issues raised in helpline calls around parenting teens and to explore the implications and opportunities for developing your own area of work. This first About Families Forum will bring together stakeholders who have knowledge and interest in the issues of parenting teens to discuss key issues raised, including:

• Conflict between parents and teens
• Where parents get support
• Maintaining good relationships and good communication
• Managing teenagers’ increasing independence
• Disabled parents, disabled teenagers
• Divorce and re-parenting
• What do parents know about their teenagers?

The forum will focus on developing action plans to address key issues raised.