Adolescence is not unlike living on a remote island-a place of isolation and separation from adults. No matter how well intentioned, adults are perceived as invaders. Like doctors arriving by airplane to a place that has never seen either medicine or flying machines, trust needs to be earned through learning the natives' dance before goodwill is accepted.

The same is true with the relationships between adults and adolescents. No power positioning or "I am the boss" posturing will take the place of unconditional love and time spent listening and respecting the rituals, feelings and thoughts of the adolescent.