Parents are the experts on their own children because each child is so different. But, Catherine is the expert on children in general.

The biggest mistake parents make is thinking they're done parenting when adolescence kicks in. They just have to take a step back, but remain involved. They can't let the child push them out of their lives.

Their brain starts to change and they start questioning authority because they begin to see the big picture stuff, which in turn, makes them challenge authority. The good news is their brains are developing, which is the exciting part.

It's important to be involved with the life of young preteens and to set firm limits for them, while fostering independence, which is challenging.