People will offer conflicting advice about your child. Paradoxically, the most outspoken advice may come from those who have no children, who have young children, or from others who never faced such a situation. They are likely to defend their own theories of raising children and to criticize yours. They may argue that your methods are wrong because your child rebelled and their child didn't. To add insult to injury, they may explain what you should have done, or what you should do now.

The advice from those who don't have children may (predictably) conflict with the other advice. Some parents whose children have rebelled or left home may explain what they wish they had done. Others will warn you about issues that may have caused problems in their own experience. You may not necessarily face the same problems if you take the same steps.

There is no way to prevent the stream of strong, animated, and conflicting advice from those people. Rebellions are laden with emotion and feeling, and people will have things to say. They will all try to persuade you to agree with their point of view.

This problem is exacerbated when authoritative, well-meaning individuals, such as your boss at work, step in with comments. It is very difficult to tell some people to mind their own business.

These people may realize that you are vulnerable, because your child has rebelled. Those who lead you in conflicting directions will only increase your agony and suffering.

Handle the situation in a sensible way. Sit down with your family and be straightforward and honest. Present the issue in an open and honest manner and form a family policy. Get outside help if you need it. After developing the policy, do not deviate from it - despite what others may say. The integrity of the rest of your family is at stake.