Learn how to connect and communicate better with your teen.

With 87 percent of teens ages 12 to 17 using the Internet -- half of them daily -- and 19 million teens running their social lives via text messages, it's more important than ever that parents become technology savvy.

As kids get older and their desire for independence grows, parents often step back to give them space. But, if you're parenting teenagers, research shows that no matter what your kids may say or how they may act, they want to stay involved with their families.

When parenting teens, it often seems easier (and more fun) to forge a close relationship with kids by playing the role of best pal instead of parent.