funnily enough newsdesk, im quite the opposite. My 16 year old son has loads of freedom but because of the way he was brought up, he doesn't abuse it. If he goes out, he goes to someones house, he has never roamed the streets and i wouldn't be happy for him to do that. I would rather have them all in my home than that.
I reckon im really laid back as a Mum but my son knows where the boundaries are set. I dont think you have to rule them with a rod of iron to gain their respect. I also think giving respect to them as teenagers gets you the same back. I never ever forget what it was like when i was his age.