Parents have a responsibility to protect their children from harm. Conversely as children grow they need opportunities navigate life on their own and develop their individuality. The challenge for parents is to maintain a safe space for growth, somewhere between restrictive and indulging. It helps when parents are able to separate their own hopes and dreams for their child in order to recognize their child’s perspective. Supporting a child to pursue their interests, hopes and dreams develops intrinsic motivation and a sense of “self.” It helps us, as parents, to know when to step in to prevent harm and when to allow autonomy. Achieving harmony as a parent of an adolescent is one of the most difficult dances of life.