While an adolescent remains inconsistent and unpredictable in her behavior, she may suffer, but she does not seem to me to be in need of treatment. I think that she should be given time and scope to work out her own solution. Rather, it may be her parents who need help and guidance so as to be able to bear with her. There are few situations in life which are more difficult to cope with than an adolescent son or daughter during the attempt to liberate themselves.

—ANNA FREUD (1958), “Adolescence”*

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* Here and elsewhere, I’ve taken the liberty of revising the 1958-style default to male pronouns by placing “her” and “she” where Ms. Freud had “his” and “he.”