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What Parents Wish Their Teens Knew
What Parents Wish Their Teens Knew
by Larry Greider
Teens, did you know your parents wish they
could say yes to your requests more often than they say no?
Parents find themselves in a strait. They want their teens to respect and like them,
yet they often must restrict their teens' behavior.
As a parent I often hear, "You don't know what it's like!" For many stressed-out
parents that is certainly true. Trying to decide which dance, sleep-over, party or
trek to the mall is appropriate, and when it might be putting your teen at risk,
takes the wisdom of Solomon. Parents want to believe the best and offer teens the
experiences that will help them mature and grow. But often they see their children
walking through a minefield in which each step can bring unexpected dangers.
Making good decisions
If you want trust from your parents, you need to learn to make good decisions.
Telling your parents you are staying after school to catch up on your grades by doing
extra assignments, and then going to the gym to watch the cheerleaders practice or
visiting a friend's house to shoot hoops, is deceitful. If you want to be trusted,
show that you can be. Learn to be honest and tell your parents your plans. Most parents
want to give you freedom to make choices. But you must earn their trust.
Pushing the limits causes stress and tension for everyone. I remember many a night
sitting up and waiting for one of my teens to come home, thinking that for every
minute that passed after curfew some great tragedy was stalking him or her. Learn
to communicate with your parents. Making a phone call and checking in goes a long
way toward demonstrating your maturity and respect for them.
Be proactive
If you want to go places and earn perks from your parents, don't wait to be nagged
before doing chores and other work around the house. Emptying the dishwasher or taking
out the trash rather than crushing the last milk carton down just millimeters from
the top of the trash receptacle might not always get you pats on the back, but little
things add up. Learn to make your bed and keep your room tidy and clean. You'll be
surprised how such actions improve your parents' attitude toward you.
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