Dealing with teenagers is easy, the real problem is cars.
Most parents get pregnant, and decide to move to the suburbs to raise their kids. This is the wrong decision. Suburbs are built for the car. Kids can’t drive. And little Timothy might be happy to walk to the park and be driven to playdates, but teenage Tim wants independence. He wants to go to the mall on his own two feet. And if his neighbourhood isn’t walkable, he can’t.
If you want easy teenagers, then live somewhere with good walkability and transit access, and teach your kids how to take the bus when they’re little. They ought to feel safe going out on their own for errands by the time they’re 10, and they ought to have a late curfew and plenty of options for getting around by 15. That’s the secret. Independence. That’s what teens want. Provide a safe environment at home and let them explore the world on their own terms with the courage and street smarts you taught them. And when you have a kid, remember that you’re preparing them to be an adult and yes, a teenager. Teach them the skills teenagers need.