All children, no matter what age, need something or someone to hold on to.

For the most part, parents are the main source of security when children are learning to walk, drive a car, or complete the simplest of tasks. As little ones become adolescents, they will change developmentally, emotionally and physically.

However, the truth is they still depend on their parents to serve as their foundation, their rock. They need to know there is someone who they can consistently turn to when they are frightened, indecisive or unsure of themselves and the decisions they feel forced to make.

In order to foster a close relationship with a teenager, it is wise to spend quality time together, talk honestly and openly and think positively about future plans.

I’ve heard some adults say, “At least disagreeing or arguing is still a form of communication.” This means simply the adult is proud to know that some form of dialogue is being shared and a wall is not placed between the two. Also, children may appear as though they are not listening; however, they do hear what is said and reflect on it at some point in time.

Listening carefully to what your child is saying is paramount to understanding their actions.

Parents who set rules for their children-establish a safety net with boundaries that children learn to become comfortable with. As children mature and learn to complete tasks independently, it is imperative that parents remember to praise them for even the smallest accomplishments. Knowing your child’s interests and supporting their hard work and habits of good discipline is also vital to raising healthy young people who set positive goals and strive to do their best.

Moreover, explain to your child that rules are set for safety measures and that consequences are practical for learning a lesson, rather than a form of retaliation.

As teens become more involved in activities, it is crucial that they know they are being monitored at all times. Keeping close tabs on an adolescent will often keep them from following the wrong crowd. Children may not show it at all times, but they respect those adults who look after them.

Teens particularly need to be monitored if: there is a drastic change of friendships and attitude; minor trouble has become a repeated pattern; your teen seems exceptionally stressed; or substance abuse has been identified.

Staying in tune with your child means staying involved, providing encouragement, listening effectively, and disciplining consistently.

Teens may feel as though they need space, but at the same time, they need security and support. Being a great role model means setting good examples and delivering clear messages about what is right and wrong.

In today’s society, many parents feel busy and overwhelmed with life’s responsibilities. However, keeping a daily, weekly and monthly checklist for home and family is just as important as making lists at work.

Dr. Sonya Rogers is a certified counselor who lives in Daphne.

Her column twice monthly appears in the Daphne Bulletin and Spanish Fort Sun.