Parent-teen conflict starts during early adolescence, peaks at ages 14 to 16 and declines at ages 17 to 18.

Most teens are inexperienced when handling conflicts, which only compounds this period of yearning for independence. Some may act out with aggressive behavior; some experience symptoms of depression; others may attempt to isolate themselves for long periods. Some adolescents become involved in criminal offenses and the courts, or other programs, may refer the adolescent and parents to mediation. Other times, parents or the teen may seek out the help of a mediator on their own. 

Parent-teen mediation is offered by a variety of organizations, including community mediation centers, religious organizations, social service organizations, juvenile and family courts, plus programs that deal with minor juvenile criminal offenses.

Typical issues for most families are household rules, such as what the teenager is expected to do at home; navigating friendships and dating; identity issues, such as groups, appearance, and behavior; and life choices, such as leaving home, college, military, and career. And then there’s curfews.

Like other forms of mediation, parent-teen sessions provide a safe, neutral setting where family members can speak directly to one another, explore areas of disagreement, and develop solutions agreeable to all parties.

What makes parent-teen mediation different is how the engagement empowers teens and acknowledges the their need for greater autonomy in a way that is acceptable to all involved. Some programs provide an experienced adult and a trained teenager to conduct the sessions. The obvious advantage of co-mediation is how the presence of the teen who is trained can serve to allay the participating teen’s perception that the adults are “running the show.” At times the teenage mediator can act as an “interpreter” of the adolescent’s language and perspective.

Parent-teen mediation is one of the more challenging and difficult of settings. While family members or friends may offer to serve as a mediator, unless they are trained and experienced in parent-teen mediation, the outcome may actually worsen the situation.

One lesser known area of mediation is focused on elders.

It is estimated in the United States older adults will number 78 million by 2035 while those under age 18 will number 77 million. By mid-century, one-in-five residents will be 65 and older. That growing population has brought a renewed focus on elder mediation. 

In general, elder mediation is a voluntary process in which a mediator works with parties to address disputes involving older adults, family members, or others in their lives with age related issues. The overall goal is to enhance the decision-making rights of the older person and promote quality of life for all involved. 

A wide range of issues can be addressed, including turning in one’s driver’s license, living arrangements, caregiving needs, family business issues, and end-of-life decisions. 

Elder mediation does not replace legal advice. It should be complementary to the practice of elder law. Elder mediation should be used to identify and address the underlying concerns in a cooperative, non-adversarial setting. Attorneys should be consulted for legal advice and drafting of legal documents as a result of decisions made during such sessions. 

Mediators with the background and skill to conduct elder mediation will typically identify themselves as family mediators with additional training to address the aging process and family dynamics. With training in aging, elder mediators have sensitivity to the issues facing older people and have developed appropriate listening and language skills.

Family members who have used elder mediation typically report the process provided peace of mind and enhanced their lives as family relationships improved.