The Undercover ParentName:Institutional affiliationThe Undercover ParentChildren’s behavior originates from the forces of nature and nurture. Nature is who is as the result of the genes, while nurture is from the environmental factors. Parenting refers to the conscious efforts by the parents to mold their child’s behavior. It is the desire of most parents that their children develop into responsible adults. However, the outcome does not always meet the expectations. Common approaches to parenting include authoritative, neglectful, permissive, and authoritarian. Each style has its distinct impact on the child’s physical and emotional development. The choice of style is often influenced by the societal expectations, religious beliefs and family roots among other sources. Effective parenting should take into consideration the nature of the child, such as the age, gender, capabilities and need for special care. Parenting teenagers should never be ‘under cover’ to create a conducive environment for open communication and prepare them for adulthood challenges.Raising teenagers can be the most challenging part of parenting. Unlike younger children, at the age of 15 and above, most children crave independence to make their own decisions. Permissive parents, parent from a distance, and would