Although you may be able to “control” young children, the key word for teenagers is “influence.” Here are five words that describe different ways you can influence teens. 1. Teach – provide them with new information or help them understand another facet of life. 2. Encourage – remind them of the benefits of moving in the right direction. 3. Entreat – earnestly ask them to act in a mature, responsible, and wise way. 4. Admonish – warn, caution, or advise them by anticipating possible negative consequences. 5. Persuade – use relationship, incentives, and natural consequences to motivate them to make wise choices (Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller).