My kids are yet to wear the label 'teenager', but I have worked with and known teens throughout my adult life, and I have always felt they get a bad rap. The teens I have tutored recently, for example, have been delightful, smart, interesting people to spend time with. Their energy and curiosity impresses me. Another example; the skate park, where I have been consistently astounded by the level of support for smaller kids and the kindness that I've witnessed from young adults there. This experience is in stark contrast to how teenagers are represented by the media and in popular culture, where they are presented as being moody, belligerent, selfish and rude. Why the disparity? And how can we support our teenagers well so that they can grow into their best selves? Parenting by Connection offers some key considerations for parents, caregivers and those wanting to be allies for teenagers. It's good to keep these in mind as we aim to support our precious kids. 1. The s