Teens are fighting for their
independence. At the same time, parents are striving to guide and protect their
child, and it's tough for them to deal with the reality that their children
don't need them as much as they used to.
Parents have probably still centered
inwards terms of what's going on with the family, and most teens are beginning
to focus outwards, paying great more attention to their peer groups as sources
of influence.
As a result, teens argue with their
parents about everything from parties and grades to how their dress and their
choice of friends. You may think your parents are unreasonable when they tell
you to take off the phone after you've been chatting for an hour, but it
doesn't have to turn into a huge dispute.
Here are some recommendations for
managing out your differences.
Get to Know Your Parents
You can put an end to a lot of
misunderstandings with your parents just by hearing more about them.
Take some chance to talk to your
parents and get to know them better. Ask what it was like when they were teens?
What did they do for fun?
Try to find out where they're coming
from and why they respond the way they do.
Give Your Parents a Chance to Get to
Know You Better
Teens who relate best with their parents
are those ready to talk about daily happenings, so their parents have some
understanding of what their child's life is like. Tell your parents about
school activities. Introduce them to your friends.
Give them at least an idea about what
you're thinking and will feel as though you can be trusted.
Address Concerns before They Become
into Havoc
Set aside a time and place to talk when
both of you feel relaxed and stress-free.
Give them advance notice if you're
planning to go out with your friends, not on the day itself. You're going to
have a better chance of getting a yes if you make your parents satisfied with
your plans. You'll be less likely to ease your parents' anxieties.
Be Willing to Negotiate
You will be placing yourself up for
disappointment if you assume things always to go precisely the way you want
them to. Learn to compromise and negotiate. Remind yourself that a partial
answer is better than getting nothing at all.
They’re Not Your Enemy
Your parents are on your side. They're
looking out for you and aren't getting thrills about telling you no.
Parents want you to grow up and become
well-adjusted, successful adults. It's just their way of showing may be
different from what you'd like to.
Remind yourself that your parents will always be your parents; they will
be eternally there through ups and downs - no matter what decisions you make in
life.
