The passage to adulthood can be one bumpy ride. Rough on teenagers, rough on you.

This website can help you and your teen smooth the ride out. Here you'll find discussions of the typical behavioral challenges teenagers face and a wealth of informational resources. Within each of the topics listed below you’ll discover insights that will help you determine if your child's behavior is normal or a sign of something more serious. You'll also find strategies and tips to effectively communicate with your teen and work together.

Peer Pressure & Self Esteem: Teenagers are influenced by their peers every day. The pressure to be popular, to "fit in," to "go along" can be overwhelming for a teen, especially if that teen lacks self-esteem. Building the confidence to say "no" to other teens is explored in Peer Pressure.

Anger Management: The everyday pressures of being a teen can cause them to lash out in anger. Anger is a normal emotion, but when is an angry outburst a more serious problem? You'll learn the warning signs to look for in Anger Management and how to help your teen control and manage their anger appropriately.

Stress Management & Health: Today's teenagers find themselves pulled in many directions--school, homework, friends, family, extra-curricular activities, part-time jobs. Check out Stress Management and Health for tips on how a healthy diet, adequate sleep and exercise can help your teen stay healthy and cope with the demands of teenage life.

Depression & Mood Swings: The teenage years can be a trying time of transition, conflict and confusing emotions. As a parent, you need to know the difference between normal mood swings and serious depression. Learn the behaviors to watch for--and how to address them with your teenager--in Depression and Mood Swings.

Bullying: When a teenager is repeatedly picked on by another teen, that's bullying. Bullying can be physical, verbal or technological in today’s world of text and instant messages. If you worry your teen is being tormented by a bully--or that your teen is a bully--we've got the information that will help.

Risky Behavior: Sex, tobacco use, alcohol and drug abuse are all associated with Risky Behaviors that put thousands of teens in jeopardy. Talking to your teenager about these issues can be difficult, but it is easier when you're well-informed.

Taking Care of You: You can't always be there for your teen if your own health and emotional strength is suffering. We'll show you techniques to help you survive those difficult days. Coping with your teenager is less stressful, if you're Taking care of you.

Additional Resources: Blue Health Connection has compiled a list of Additional Resources for you and your teen. This Web-based information includes insightful articles and discussion guidelines that represent the best thinking on teen behavioral problems today.

The BlueCross BlueShield Government-Wide Service Benefit Plan contracts with McKesson to provide Blue Health Connection & Healthy Families at no additional charge to you. Blue Health Connection & Healthy Families are service marks of the BlueCross and BlueShield Association, and the cross and shield symbols are the registered service marks of the BlueCross and BlueShield Association, an Association of Independent BlueCross and BlueShield Plans.