They used to be so cute when they were small! Obviously I have an extremely romantic view of my children when they were much younger.

Surely I know that this is not entirely true, there were better and worse moments, but I feel as if I only experienced good moments.

Now they are teenagers and from time to time I struggle.

I searched on the internet for good information in order to enable me to guide them well through turbulent years of hormonal imbalance.

I always try to understand, but unwanted behavior will always be corrected by me.

Talking to other parents I noticed that I can appreciate their honesty about their home situation.

Obviously it could be much worse, too.

Nevertheless I read about delayed development of the frontal lobe which makes teenagers more impulsive, making bad decisions, is this an explanation?

Also a psychology professor once said that the parents of a child should let it be free but always stay the safe harbor where it can return to. I always try to keep this in mind.

She developed a habit of pretending to have had breakfast, but in reality simply taking a bowl and a cup, making it wet and saying that she ate cornflakes and drank milk.

Deep inside I know it is not true, as I heard her head downstairs just a few seconds ago.

Am I more upset about skipping breakfast or the fact that she lies to me?

Also I need to demand that cell phones are brought to the living room. Countless times she is in her bed, pretending to sleep, while in reality being on her phone.

Yes, she knows it is unhealthy and still it is necessary for me to sneak upstairs, suddenly open the door and insist on all electronic devices to be handed to me.

Why is it impossible to take care of these things herself: hormones or frontal lobe?

Well, the positive, she does not drink and has good grades in school.