Negotiating the adolescent stage is neither quick nor easy. . . . I have often said to parents, "If it isn't illegal, immoral, orfattening, give it your blessing." We do much better . . . if we find and support all the places we can appropriately say yes, and say only the no's that really matter.

I own me, and therefore, I can engineer me. I am me, and I am Okay.

I want to appreciate you without judging. Join you without invading. Invite you without demanding. Leave you without guilt.

The message sent is not always the message received.

The recommended daily requirement for hugs is: four per day for survival, eight per day for maintenance, and twelve per day for growth.

Life is not what it's supposed to be. It's what it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.

So much is asked of parents, and so little is given.