Some of the best ways to prepare America's teens to become successful adults are within the walls of their own homes and communities. Parents are their children’s primary role models and first teachers; communities help fill the gaps when parents can't be there. The reality we must face is that childhood does not last forever. Adolescence is not a process that has a predetermined end date, nor in this culture does it guarantee that if left to their own devices, adolescents will learn the values ​​and skills they will have needed to become responsible adults. It is parents who set the limits; give their love, their time and their encouragement. Even though adolescents make their own choices, a good family life can increase their chances of avoiding the pitfalls of adolescence. In particular, a kind, warm, and strong relationship with parents who show respect for their children, are interested in their children's activities, and set firm limits can directly or indirectly deter criminal activity, drug use, and illegal alcohol, negative peer pressure, delinquency, sexual promiscuity and low self-esteem. Parents have the heavy responsibility of teaching their children; Some important concepts to teach young people are how to be a critical thinker and how to reason. By reasoning, we make sense of something and give it meaning in our mind. One of the challenges young people face is learning how their emotional lives influence their learning. Emotions can facilitate or hinder learning. Parents can help their young people discover rational thinking, the power of sound reasoning, and experience non-self-centered thinking. If parents value bringing together their ideas, emotions and will as a basis for problem solving and critical thinking, middle of paper ...... curfews as a punitive measure to stop bad behavior. Many activities associated with at-risk youth take place late at night. By limiting the times young people can go out alone, you limit the possibility of them committing a crime. They will also limit themselves to being exposed to seedy nighttime activities, which will have a negative impact on them.Sources1. Stephens, Gene. “Community programs can help young people.” Opposing points of view: American youth. Ed. Romain Espejo. San Diego: Green Haven Press, 2003. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale of wind. Western Governors University. September 30, 20092. Ward, J. Richard, Jr. “Curfew Laws Can Reduce Teen Crime and Violence.” Opposing points of view: adolescents at risk. Ed. Auriana Ojeda. San Diego: Green Haven Press, 2004. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Gale of wind. Western Governors University. September 30. 2009