Parenting - Growing Good Men

If you are struggling as a family and grappling with teenage boys, clear thinking, honesty and practical advice can seem invaluable.

Celia Lashlie, parenting expert and author, offered this in abundance, particularly to mothers of adolescent boys. Here are some of her gems:

• Don't let your fear poison your relationship with your adolescent son
• Your job is to laugh, relax and enjoy
• Boys learn when the consequences of their behaviour bite them on the bum.

Lashlie advised mothers of adolescent boys to "say it and shut up" and fathers of adolescent boys to "step up". To fathers of adolescent boys: "He didn't come to fulfil your dreams but to find his own. Fathers you need to walk with him".

Lashlie's best seller He'll be ok: Growing Gorgeous Boys into Good Men, is recommended reading.

Ms Shauna Lipscombe

Senior School Psychologist