When a child reaches adolescence, there is apt to be a conflict between the parents and the child, since the latter considers himself to be by now quite capable of managing his own affairs, while the former are filled with parental solicitude, which is often a disguise for love of power. Parents consider, usually, that the various moral problems which arise in adolescence are peculiarly their province. The options they express, however, are so dogmatic that the young seldom confide in them, and usually go their own way in secret.

Which one of the following statements best reflects the central idea of the above passage?

The correct option is: "Parents in general may not be of much help when children are on their way to becoming adults."

To understand why this statement best reflects the central idea, let us analyze the passage step-by-step:
1. The Source of Conflict: The author notes that adolescence brings a natural conflict. The adolescent feels capable of self-management, whereas parents attempt to retain control under the guise of "parental solicitude," which the passage suggests is often a disguise for a "love of power."
2. The Breakdown of Communication: Although parents believe it is their duty to guide adolescents through moral problems, their approach is described as highly "dogmatic." Because of this rigid dogmatism, children choose not to confide in their parents and instead handle their issues in secret.

By establishing that adolescents do not share their problems with their parents and instead "go their own way in secret," the passage conveys that the parental approach is counterproductive. Consequently, parents end up not being of much practical help to their children during this critical transition to adulthood.

Why the other options are incorrect:
- The assertion that parental involvement is "unnecessary" goes too far; the passage criticizes the dogmatic nature of the involvement, not the concept of guidance itself.
- There is no mention of "nuclear families" or their specific capabilities in the text.
- The passage does not judge adolescents as being inherently "stubborn, disobedient and careless"; rather, it explains their secretive behavior as a direct reaction to their parents' dogmatic attitudes.