Teenage Problems
Is your teenager causing problems which seem completely unstoppable? There's no need to put them on a leash, just read what I've got to say.
I know the situation that you're in. You feel like you're a good parent, but your teenager refuses to listen to you. You've gotten to the point that they're in control. They're associating with bad influences, who are sneakily manipulating your teenager into having sex, abusing drugs, and quite generally deceiving you. Their studying habits are poor, they want to leave school, and for what? They don't know.
The fact that you are reading this, and that this resource is available, implies that these are all normal problems. They happen every day. Teenagers will, at some stage, knowingly or unknowingly, deceive their parents. Think back to the teenage problems you caused for your parents. Can you remember why? I bet you can't. Do you regret having done what you did? I thought so.
Disabling Communication with Bad Influences
Allow your child a chance to introduce you to their "friends." Sure, it's rude to judge - but in this case, your gut feeling will probably be right. Choose who you want your child to associate with.
Prevent communication with anyone else, but those that you have chosen as people you feel comfortable with - until you think your child has earned back your trust. You can do this by taking away their mobile phone, installing an Internet filter on their computer (and monitoring the websites that they visit), limiting access on the home phone to those that you chose as safe associates, and most importantly - not letting them out of your sight, unless you know exactly where they are, and that they are being supervised by someone who you trust.
Talking with Your Teenager
Generally, this is all that they are really after - some time with their busy parents. You really have to ask yourself how much you have been communicating with them in their growth, or have you gotten to the point that it sounds as if all you ever do is nag? Ask your child when you want them to do things, don't command. Discuss the benefits of whatever it is you want them to do. Teenagers like justification.
Quite broadly, talk. Talk about your teenage years, and about choices that you regret having made. This will act as justification, and will prevent them from making the same choices.
Teach them about your interests. Learn about their interests. Introduce them to new interests. This will help you to develop a strong bond, and you will understand the ways that they think - and the reasons behind their thoughts.
Realizing Change
Get out of the mindset that your teenager is problematic. If you do not trust them, how do you expect them to trust you? Don't look for problems, otherwise they will happen.
As soon as your child learns that you are a trustworthy person, who has no reason to be deceived, your teenage problems will exist no more. Enjoy life, restored to a happy state, and continue to build your relationship with your child.