16-year-old protests when stepmom forbids her from driving car to mom's house over 1 hour away: 'Her mom encourages some bad behaviors'

How much independence should parents allow teens?

If there is one thing that is almost guaranteed to pop up once teens reach adolescence, it's that they are going to want more freedom. It is only natural to desire more control over what you do and how you do it when you have spent your entire life having to obey the adults in the room.

As a result, maintaining boundaries over a child's independence is one of the most stereotypical struggles that parents have when dealing with teens. It is fair that they do not want to be treated like a kid anymore, but they still need the guidance and support to help them through this rocky period of life without creating problems for themselves.

Just like any other developmental stage, parents and guardians are not going to get the balance right all of the time. Even when they make a decision that seems to be common sense, it's inevitable that teens are going to protest it anyway. The real trick is understanding when to hold firm and when it is worth making a compromise. The correct option is not always obvious from a brief assessment of the situation at hand.