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).