Though their behavior can be maddening, sometimes the wisdom of teenagers inspires. Here are some examples:

• “I think I need my mom more now as a teenager than I did when I was younger,” Shante, age 18.

• I didn’t want to wait ‘til I am 16 when my birth mother will get out of jail. I needed a family now,” Traci, age 14.

• “I wish I had a mom and dad that would tell me I can’t go out tonight – that we are going to stay home and have dinner together as a family.” Emily, age 17.