i don't think parents should control their children, that's harsh. it's important to be involved in their lives, available to listen and talk to them, and discipline them when necessary.
i've been raise my daughter since she was 3 mo. old and i was 13 y/o (her bio mother was 15 w/2 kids). 12 yrs later the only problem we have is her attitude occasionally makes an appearance. hell i was much worse at that age so it's nothing. i remind her who i am and what will happen to her. everything is gravy after that. she's my heart.