Many parents of teenagers ask, is it too late for my child to change their behaviours? We know, at Six Seconds, that humans are capable of creating change in their lives, no matter what age. What practical advice would you offer to parents of teenagers who may feel it is too late to positively influence the behaviours of their children?

What I think that it is never too late for any person to change his behaviour, and teenagers in this league of people stand the highest chance. For example, just think about yourself and you have a particular way of doing things and have set rules in life which you think are right. Then one day, imagine meeting a person who tells you to change your way. You obviously wouldn't. Because when someone tells you not to do something, you would want to do the same thing. It is human nature. Now, imagine the same person being your friend and talking to you calmly, logically to change your certain behaviour sighting the effects it is having on your personality and on others as well. Since, he is your friend you at least are going to listen to him rather than outrightly dissuading him, like you did to the previous guy. Also, because this friend is close to you, you will analyse what he said, and you will give him reasons for your behaviour. And if you otherwise is a mature person, you will see yourself in an unbiased way and you will realise that yes, these are really the things you need to work upon. And whether you become successful in it or not is another thing but you will at least work on it. Now, apply this to your teenage son or daughter. You first have to be a friend to your teenage children, so that they at least consider and listen to what you are saying. Here, you have an advantage over a friend, which is you are a parent who get to spend more time with your kid. So, you can have more and more talks, discussions with your kid. You need to respect the child's opinions as well and with right direction and logical talk and reasoning if you think there is some behavioural changes that need take place will happen. And in this process, do not become a preacher. Always have a two way flow of conversation.