Parenting and growing up are both becoming increasingly difficult. Today's teenagers are faced with pressures new to this era, such as AIDS and easy drug availability. Other consequences of our technical, fast-changing society are manifested in increasing competition, conformity, and divorce. Characteristics of a normal, well-adjusted adolescent include the ability to care for others, handle stress, think logically, and enjoy life; a desire to succeed; and a general feeling of good physical health. Behaviors to watch out for include dramatic mood swings, self-isolation, a change in friends or habits, school problems, and depression. Major threats to teens can arise from stresses in the home (divorce, parents' substance abuse, family rules, and abusive behaviors); premature sexual activity; drug and alcohol abuse; eating disorders; and suicidal depression. Parents can help by keeping communication lines open, avoiding judgmental behavior, knowing when to seek help, and selecting a good counselor. Parents are further advised to spend time with their children before they become teenagers, develop relationships with parents who also have teenagers, monitor what's happening, and express their own values directly and clearly. Directory information for national hotlines concerning AIDS, substance abuse, dropouts, delinquency, runaways, and suicide are provided. (11 references) (MLH)