Britt Rathbone, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with teens, has seven answers.

• Self-respect. Teens need to know their strong points and weak points. They must learn to highlight their strengths. And they need to accept that they are not perfect.

• Goals. Teens should have some idea of where they want to go and what they want to be.

• Communication skills. Teens need to express themselves calmly and effectively.

• Social skills. Teens need to know how to behave in a variety of situations.

• Stress management. Teens need skills in solving problems. And they need to know how to relax.

• Exercise. This is necessary for top physical and mental health.

• Family support. This may be the most important of all. It provides teens a foundation for achieving the other six habits and qualities. They may not show it the way they did as small children. But teens need your love and acceptance very much.

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