Teen years is also a time for developing one’s identity. At this time people start thinking about who they are or what they want out of life. It is at this time that people begin to become independent of their families. Peer groups become significant in an individual’s life and actually begin to exert more influence then family members. Consequently, it is very important to know the members of a teens peer group. It is particularly important because moral development is occurring during adolescence. Moral development is the formation of beliefs and values that shape the future behavior of the individual. After all prison or death is not in the best interest of a teenager.

Effective discipline is created through communication that is fair but loving, authoritative yet sensitive. It socializes a child without destroying the bond of love and trust between parent and child. Children should feel free to express their deepest feelings. However, this does not mean they can do whatever they please. Rather, the child is allowed to move freely within consistent, well-defined boundaries for acceptable behavior.