Employers are being urged to go easy on parents who are struggling at work because they have unruly teenagers at home.
The parent-support organisation Toughlove says it is common for employees to lose focus at work because they are worried about their difficult teenagers.
Toughlove chief executive Geoff Andrews says employers should be understanding in that situation.
He says unruly teenagers can cause shame, grief and humiliation to parents.
Mr Andrews says it's sometimes necessary for parents to take time off work to address the problem, for example meeting with teachers and deans at school.
He says Toughlove, which is accredited with Child Youth and Family, offers in-house workshops for parents of teenagers.
Mr Andrews says this can help employees cope, making them more effective team members.
