between age 12 and 23.  When my kids were young, I have to admit being very fearful of the teenage years.  However, I've been pleasantly surprised...overall, I've really enjoyed watching my children develop into adults.  Not nearly as scary as I thought it would be.

We've been very open with our kids.  Frankly, I wouldn't know how to do it any other way.  We talk about everything.  We aren't big on punishment, rather we tend to use problems as learning experiences.  We realize that certain behaviors are normal during these years, and if a behavior became problematic, we'd certainly intervene...but you know, it's rarely been necessary.  We have certain expectations that are well understood by the time our kids enter this period, and I think that helps.  We respect privacy unless there is a compelling reason to suggest we need to do otherwise.  Honestly, my kids tend to tell me about the things that other kids would hide from parents.  This, ofcourse, means that as a parent, one needs to listen and not freak out.

My kids have been much tamer as teenagers/young adults than I was.  There's been a very small amount of experimenting with drinking, but this has been when they were in the 17-20 year old period.  Its been very mild, and frankly, done mainly at home.  A  few drinks seems to satisfy that urge to experiment.

None of mine have been sexually active before the age of 18.  All with only one partner, in long term relationships.  They've been very responsible with birth control.  That was a point I hammered into their heads for years.

We aren't "religious", but we set what I consider to be high moral expectations.  I share my belief system with my kids, but in the end, each of us has to find our own spiritual path.  It would be great if we could do this for them, but we can't.