While adolescence presents parents and teenagers alike with many challenges, for adolescents with ADHD, peer pressure and the fear of failure both socially, and in school, are particularly hard to deal with.

Social acceptance is important to girls and boys. Because they may have difficulty reading social cues, your child may find themselves unpopular, which, in turn, can have negative effects on their self esteem. Books or audiotapes may prove helpful in teaching your child techniques for developing interpersonal relationships.

Girls and boys with ADHD may have co-existing conditions such as depression, substance abuse, and low self-esteem. The teenage years may also bring about experimentation with alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. When it comes to alcohol and tobacco, setting a responsible example will teach your children respect for harmful substances. Additionally, if there is a family history of depression or other illnesses, advise your healthcare professional. They can advise you of early warning signs to be aware of with your children.

This is also a time when your son or daughter may become sexually active. Girls face the risk of unwanted pregnancy. As a parent, sex education should be started early. Establish an open relationship with your children about sex, and encourage them to talk with you if they have questions.

This is a time in your child's life when the rules must be easy for them to understand, and have straightforward consequences. Good communication with your teenager is very important, as it can help him or her understand the reasons behind the rules. Some experts suggest posting a chart somewhere in your home that lists all the household rules, as well as the rules for school and social activities.

It is also advisable to respond calmly to inappropriate behavior or rule breaking. Consequences are best used sparingly. Since a quick temper and impulsive behavior are associated with ADHD, providing your teenager with some time alone might help to calm the situation.

If you have a teenager with ADHD, you may find the following list of recommendations helpful (adapted from "AD/HD and Driving: A Guide for Parents of Teens with AD/HD," by Marlene Snyder, Ph.D. as posted on www.additudemag.com):

• Get to know your child's friends and their
  parent(s). You might find that you share similar concerns regarding behavior or school issues, and can provide each other with support.
• Get to know your neighbors. Ask them if they could be alert for any problems they might detect around your home when you are not there.
• When possible, come home early — be unpredictable in your routine for running errands etc.
• Don't allow your child to go out with a group of peers you don't know or trust. Don't give your child permission to drive or spend time at another person's house if you suspect that he or she may become involved in alcohol or substance abuse.
• Stay in contact with your child's teacher(s), so you can be aware of any problems regarding behavior or schoolwork, as soon as they arise.
• Make sure you are always home for your child's curfew time and that you stay awake with the lights on until he or she comes home.
• Make sure you can always enter your child's room — don't allow him or her to keep you out. You can still respect his or her privacy without surrendering the right to enter, particularly when you are concerned about his or her safety.

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