"Dealing with Difficult Teen Attitudes: A Parent's Guide"

A parent seeks advice on dealing with their 16-year-old twins' rude and mean behavior within the family. The columnist advises the parent to recognize the role of permissiveness in shaping the twins' behavior and suggests making small, consistent changes while seeking support from resources like books, parenting groups, and therapy. The parent is encouraged to hold family meetings to communicate new rules and expectations, teach independence, and set consequences for disrespectful behavior, all while maintaining compassion and understanding. The columnist emphasizes that change will take time and effort, but with support, consistency, and humor, the family can navigate this challenging phase.