Forget the generation gap, teens relate to parents

NEW YORK, June 13 (Reuters Life!) - Forget the generation gap. Most teenagers have a close relationship with their parents, according to a new survey.

The poll by the America's Promise Alliance, a non-profit group that aims to ensure the well-being of children and youth, found that 80 percent of teenagers in the United States were close to and could talk to their mothers and 70 percent had a good relationship with their fathers.

"People will be surprised to find parents are important in young people's lives," said Marguerite Kondracke, president of the Alliance, in an interview.

"The message is for parents to re-double their efforts. Kids need and will listen to their advice."

The Alliance questioned more than 2,000 teens and their parents across the United States to determine the role parents play in ensuring their children have what they call the Five Promises: caring parents, safe places, healthy start, effective education and opportunities to help others at home, in school and in the community.

These factors, developed by a group of experts and declared a priority at a Presidential Summit on America's Future in 1997, are meant to ensure children will be successful in later life.

The poll showed that teens who are close to their parents experience more of the promises. Adolescents with a high level of parental influence were also healthier, had better grades and better social skills.

"I found this research a pleasant surprise," Kondracke said. "Kids value their parents' point-of-view more than we might realize at times."

The Alliance, which was founded by General Colin Powell, plans to use the research as part of a five-year plan to ensure 15.5 million youths experience the promises.