I don't know about you, but my almost 15 year old thinks she is the decision maker around her. I look at her sometimes and think, "who died and made her queen." True, I have been working more hours lately and her step-dad has been making more hands-on decisions. But he is usually more strict than I am. So we have had to go over the "rules" yet again and remind her that she doesn't yet pay rent, buy the groceries or pay the bills around her which limits her power.

Lately, she has resorted to pulling fits to try to get her own way. I thought we were over this stage. Needless to say, she has been grounded from activities (except for work) and no texting, cell phone or computer. After a few days, she has calmed down and is being her old sweet self... but I wonder if the attitudes of her friends have a profound effect on her. Most of the kids she knows are just great but some are rude to their parents. And what about the ones I don't see much of? Just how affected are our kids by peer pressure and the perceived ideals of their friends? I am eager to hear from other parents on this and how they cope with teen generated stress.