Article: Remember, teens are very insecure and self-conscious. They're also striving to carve out an identity, which may explain bouts of rebellion or acting out. On top of all that, your teen's brain is still developing, and he doesn't yet have an adult-sized capacity for things like impulse control and decision-making. Try to remember your own teenage years. For example, if he wants to stop an activity he once enjoyed, put yourself in his shoes. If he was forced to play hockey during middle school, he may want to try something different so that he can gain a sense of individuality. It's important to understand the changes your teen is going through as a parent. One of the best things you can do to understand teenage boys is to educate yourself about your teen.  Read articles about teenagers, especially ones about the hormonal and mood changes they undergo. Young adult fiction books can also help you remember the emotions teens undergo. Keep in mind that this research may not describe your teen exactly. It's important to get to know your teenage boy, not just the boys described in literature. Take an interest in the things your teen is passionate about to connect and get to know him better. While it's important to know what your teen is doing and who he is with, remember teenage years are part of the transition into adulthood. It's important your teen feels he has some privacy in your home, so be respectful of his need for space and occasional alone time.  While it's reasonable to want to know where your teen is going and with whom, you should give him some privacy. Your teen may feel he needs a certain amount of privacy to establish his identity. Things like text messages and phone calls should be private. Consider lessening some rules as your teenager ages. If he is unreliable or violates your trust, however, you may need to keep stricter rules in place for longer. The teenage brain is not fully developed. As a parent, it's vital you understand teenage boys often have a limited understanding of consequences. This can result in engaging in risky behavior, so be sure to be vigilant. You should make sure your teen is not taking major risks, such as using drugs or alcohol.  A teen's developing brain does not give them a free pass for reckless behavior. Consequences are how he learns to make good choices. You should still have expectations and boundaries. Things like bedtimes and curfews should still be enforced, and you should know where he is at all times. Teenagers undergo a lot of hormonal changes. This can lead to things like mood swings. Try to be patient if your teen seems aggravated or is easily angered. You should make sure your teen faces consequences for inappropriate or rude behavior, but try to be understanding. It will take a few years for your teen to adjust to hormonal changes.  Have patience. Many parents feel the teenage years will never end, but your son should eventually grow out of mood swings and anger problems caused by puberty. Once he has calmed down, discuss his behavior. Don't lecture. Instead, focus on what he can do differently in the future. Odds are, your son will start thinking about sex during his teenage years and may even explore pornography. Recent research says the majority of adolescent males explore pornography websites. While this is a normal part of growing up, it's important you talk to your son about sex and porn.  Talk to your son about sex and sexuality and let him ask questions. If he's uncomfortable discussing the subject with you, find a trusted third party, like an uncle, to help.  Don't panic if he asks about sex; it doesn't mean that he's having sex or considering doing so. He may just be curious, which is normal. Leave any conversation you have about sex open-ended. Say something to your teen like, "If you have any questions, it's always okay to come to me with them."
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Put yourself in your teen's shoes. Do research about teenagers. Allow your teenager some privacy. Make sure your teen does not engage in reckless behavior. Be prepared for the effects of hormones. Expect that he will start to think about sex.