Are you a parent to a rebellious teenage child? It is the most worrying and trying time in a parents life. From drugs, sex, alcohol, school expulsions to running away, exam failure...it's a nightmare for many parents. The reality is that rebellion is essential and is an expression of freedom and independence and an indication of psychological development. The teens are testing and developing new skills and testing your tolerance power. Its a period of forming their own beliefs and values, which parents will do well to respect and create an environment where there is open communication and space to make mistakes and learn from there. In counselling, parents also develop a better understanding of the developmental needs of their children and how they can start giving charge to the teens as they become more responsible and accountable for their actions.