More on youth development and the 40 Developmental Assets needed by 12 to 18 year olds, as described by the Search Institute.

5) Positive Peer Influence: where a teen’s best friends model responsible behavior.
There is no doubt that your teenager’s friends and peers have a profound influence on your kid’s behaviors.

Take an active role in interacting with your kids friends.

Talk to your kids about choosing quality friends. Make sure you are a part of the lives of your kids’ friends and seek to be a positive influence on them as well as your own teens.

Become a great friend of your kid’s friends.

6) High Expectations: where both parent(s) and teachers encourage the young person to do well.
Communicate with your kids, starting at a very early age, about your expectations of them. This type of communication will vary depending your child’s age.

Be very clear about your expectations of them. From the start, develop a great relationship with your children.

Great relationships are what drive effective communication.