Adolescence is incredibly stressful. Bodies are changing and hormone levels are skyrocketing. These internal changes, coupled with the tremendous external pressure that our culture produces, place an inordinate amount of stress on kids. Unfortunately this sometimes results in kids gravitating to dangerous behaviors, such as smoking, as a way to cope with stress levels. As parents, we may often feel like screaming when we get the dismissive roll of the eyes or condescending sneer, but this is a time when our kids need us. Here are a few ideas on what we can do to help ease our kids through this transitional period.

We all want our kids to grow up being respectful and respected. After all, this a cornerstone of life in a democratic society. Respect is a learned quality that starts in the home and grows from there. Show your kids the value of respect by following these guidelines.

Leading a healthy, active lifestyle means your child will be less inclined to try cigarettes and/or become a smoker. It's harder (but not impossible) to pull couch-potato teens off the couch. It's much easier if you set your family and your kids up early with an engaged, active lifestyle. Here's how it's done.

How can co-parenting impact a child's self-esteem and how can we make sure we don't negatively impact it?

Although you may not be a teacher, you can help your children in school through positive coaching. Keep these seven principles in mind

Research has shown that reading skills are the best predictor of current and future school success, algebra skills, success in college, future career success, and earning power. Reading is the key to learning almost anything, and our schools are heavily geared toward rewarding good readers.