Raising teenagers is part of having children, and no matter what, there will be lots of bumps in the road. However, there are a few things you can do as a parent, to make things a little easier.

School

If your kids are the kind who always bring home good grades and rave reviews from their teachers, consider yourself lucky. If not, welcome to the club. There are a few thing you might want to think about before you start freaking out over their report cards.

What kind of grades did you take home? If you were a straight A student, think about all the pressures you were under to get those marks. Or, were your report cards less than perfect? I'm not saying you should throw a party over a C average, but remember that they are trying and at least they're still in school.

Styles

Your kids are going to try and find their unique voices. Some of the clothes and hair styles they choose will make you think that they've gone completely insane. However, stop and think about some of the styles from your generation. Anyone remember the big hair look of the 80's? How about the polyester suits of the 70's? For that matter, what about any style from the 70's?

Each generation finds a niche that defines them as a social group. I still own a pair of parachute pants, I just can't get into them anymore.

Friends

Has one of your teenagers ever brought home a friend that you were sure was the devil himself? Or have they come home with a new girlfriend or boyfriend you wanted to hurl out your front door? Well, stop and think about some of the people you hung out with in school. Were all your friends picture perfect individuals, or were there a few in there that made your parents cringe?

Give your kids' friends a chance. Just because they look different and speak a language only they can understand, doesn't mean that they're all bad. Besides, when they come to your house, you might be giving them the only shot at a normal existence they've ever known.

Music

There will come a time when you'll hear strange, loud noises coming from your teenager's room. Don't panic!! This is only their version of music. So, before you go flying into their room to save them from whatever demon is in there with them, take a moment to reflect on the music you grew up listening to. In the 80's, we listened to groups with bright clothes and long hair. In the 60's, Elvis Presley was only shown from the waist up because of his gyrating. And think about this, how many times did your parents complain about your music?

So, when your teenagers seem to be getting out of control and you're thinking that they've become a lost cause, remember your own teenage years. If nothing else, remember that you can always look them in the eye and say, "I hope someday you have a child just like you. Then you'll know what I'm going through".