Here are half-dozen principles of care and feeding ,along with an application for each:

-The Truth. Mom and Dad would rather know the truth about something up front-no matter how horrible it may be than to find out later they have been lied to and conned.

Application:: Tell the truth,whatever it is.You may have to take some heat,specially if you are coming clean.The benefit is that now there are more brains working on whatever problem you are facing.

-Trust. Trust in a family is like tokens in a video-game room.In a video game place,the more tokens you have,the more games you can play.In a family,the more trust you have,the more you are able to do.

Application: Ask youself, "Is what I'm doing going to build trust or break trust?" When trust is broken,begin the repair job right away.

-Nag,Nag,Nag. I've rarely if ever seen a situation where one person was nagging without the other person being irresponsible in some way.If you think your parents  are nagging you,look for places where you may have been irresponsible.

Application: Figure out how to get out in front of situation by taking care of it,like doing the chores,whatever before they can even mentioned it.

-Perpective. If you're 16,it's a safe bet you have about 13-to14 year perpective on life.You parents, on the other hand,have been watching you your entire life and can even remember life before you.

Application: Give them some room when it feels as if they are treating you like a child.Negotiate with them.Remember,they are just showing the Love they have for you.

The W's.The more trust you have,the more you can do.Tell your parents who you are going to be with,what will you be doing,where you will be and when you will be home.

Application: When you approach your parents about going out,supply them with the W's before they ask.

Information. Parents have this currious little habit of being interested in your life.

Application. Sharing information with you parents allows you to get out in front of something before it becomes a problem.