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Dealing with Parents

 

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Dealing with Parents

parents

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​You feel a need for independence. Your parents aren't quite ready to let go. They may see you as younger than you really are and think that you want to do more things than you can handle.

Here are some steps you can take right now to help your parents realize how responsible you have become. Even though, you might not ever be totally independent from your parents, you can have a great relationship that is built on mutual respect. 

While they will always be your parents, and they will always do “parent things" these steps will help you begin to build a stronger, better, and more adult relationship.

  1. Set a time to be home, and stick to it.
    This develops trust. Mom and Dad are more likely to be flexible if they can trust you to get home on time. 
  2. Check in.
    If for some reason you're going to be late, let your parents know. If your plans change, tell them. When you get home, don't head straight for your room; talk to your parents.  
  3. Keep your promises.
    Keeping promises not only shows a great deal of maturity and develops trust; it also shows how responsible you can be.
  4. Put aside some time for Mom and Dad.
    Your friends are important, but so are your parents. They also can be great friends if you give them a chance.
  5. Share your feelings.
    If they have to guess how you are feeling, it's likely that they will guess wrong. That can lead to more questions or negative statements or consequences. Then you or they feel irritated or upset. It's simpler to tell them what's going on.
  6. Admit your mistakes.
    This scores huge points with parents. Instead of making excuses when you mess up, calmly say that you made a mistake. If your dad or mom criticizes or scolds you for what you did, don't respond angrily.
  7. Accept consequences.
    Accepting a consequence is one of the toughest things for teenagers to do. You must avoid making matters worse by arguing or getting angry. You may feel upset, but for now, practice self-control.
  8. Do good things.
    Take charge of your life so that you can make a difference. Do good things. When your life is finished, people should think that the world is a better place because you were around.

Who's in the Mirror? Finding the Real Me, Ron Herron & Val J. Peter, Boys Town Press​​

 

You don't have to face your problems alone!

Counselors are standing by.

Ways to Get Help