<p>Does your child have a tendency to argue? Don't worry, it's good for them, as a new study has found that those who regularly fight verbally with their parents cope better with peer pressure and are less likely to turn to drug abuse or alcohol.<br /><br /></p>.<p>They are also more skilled negotiators and can "learn to be taken more seriously" after some verbal jousting with their elders, researchers from the University of Virginia have found.<br /><br />The researchers concluded that parents should consider actively starting rows with their teenagers just to hone their youngsters' skills -- even if it does result in an ear-bashing in the short term, the Daily Mail reported.<br /><br />In the study, the scientists observed and made audio and video recordings of 150 13-year-olds arguing with their mothers.<br /><br />They then quizzed the teenagers three years later about their lives and experiences with drugs and alcohol.<br /><br />Teenagers who displayed confidence and used reason to back up their statements in the arguments were more likely to have refused both, the researchers found.<br /><br />Lead researcher Joseph Allen, a psychology professor, said the connection between resisting peer pressure and a teenager's ability to argue was "surprising".<br /><br />He added: "It turns out that what goes on in the family is actually a training ground for teens in terms of how to negotiate with other people."<br /><br />Joanna Chango, a clinical psychology graduate working on the study, said that although it seemed "counterintuitive" to tell parents to let their teens argue with them, it was worth considering.<br /><br />The study, published in the Child Development journal, did say that parents should have "good reasons presented in a moderate way" during the row so they can set a good example, instead of slamming doors like the teenager might, the researchers added.</p>
<p>Does your child have a tendency to argue? Don't worry, it's good for them, as a new study has found that those who regularly fight verbally with their parents cope better with peer pressure and are less likely to turn to drug abuse or alcohol.<br /><br /></p>.<p>They are also more skilled negotiators and can "learn to be taken more seriously" after some verbal jousting with their elders, researchers from the University of Virginia have found.<br /><br />The researchers concluded that parents should consider actively starting rows with their teenagers just to hone their youngsters' skills -- even if it does result in an ear-bashing in the short term, the Daily Mail reported.<br /><br />In the study, the scientists observed and made audio and video recordings of 150 13-year-olds arguing with their mothers.<br /><br />They then quizzed the teenagers three years later about their lives and experiences with drugs and alcohol.<br /><br />Teenagers who displayed confidence and used reason to back up their statements in the arguments were more likely to have refused both, the researchers found.<br /><br />Lead researcher Joseph Allen, a psychology professor, said the connection between resisting peer pressure and a teenager's ability to argue was "surprising".<br /><br />He added: "It turns out that what goes on in the family is actually a training ground for teens in terms of how to negotiate with other people."<br /><br />Joanna Chango, a clinical psychology graduate working on the study, said that although it seemed "counterintuitive" to tell parents to let their teens argue with them, it was worth considering.<br /><br />The study, published in the Child Development journal, did say that parents should have "good reasons presented in a moderate way" during the row so they can set a good example, instead of slamming doors like the teenager might, the researchers added.</p>