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Strict ParentsFamilyStrict Parents<div class="ExternalClassEBD340F6657D432CAD230CB2B4C1A4C5"><p>​<span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4" style="">Hey there! I wanted to get some advice. I'm old enough now to know the differences between what I should and shouldn't be doing (a.k.a. don't drink and drive, no drugs, etc.) And let the record show that I'm a clean person in that aspect. Either way, when I simply want to ask my extremely strict parents to let me hang out with my girls for a little while, my parents won't budge. </span></p></div><div class="ExternalClassF41FBD78A8EC406DB7CAED284919B9A2"><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">Thank you for contacting Your Life Your Voice.  It has to be very frustrating that your parents are not allowing you some independence, especially when you are trying to do the right things!  One thing that you can do is to sit down and talk to them and let them know that you are very responsible.  Your past behavior is evidence that you are very mature.  You can also attempt to find out what their concerns are if you hang out with your friends.  </span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">See if you can talk to them about hanging out with your friends for a short period of time.  You can check in with them when you are out if that would help.  You can start out by only hanging out with them for about an hour.  Then as they become more comfortable, you can increase the time that you spend with your friends.  </span> </p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">You also may want to consider that part of their hesitancy may be that they do not know your friends.  If this the case, ask if your friends can come over to your house so that they can get to know them.  Even if they do know them, having friends over at your home may be a way to satisfy their strict rules but allow you time with your friends.</span> </p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">Another thing to consider is, your parents may not have a problem with you hanging out with your friends but they might instead, have a problem with the activity or the time of day when it occurs.  Talk to them about this as well.  If this is the case, do some brainstorming and come up with a different way you can spend time with your friends.</span> </p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">Communication will be key.  Talk it out.  Stay Calm.  Don't assume that they are saying no just because they are strict.  Take the time to find out the reasons behind the current "no" answer.​</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">We want you to know that we are here for you.  Please take care and let us know how you are doing.</span></p><p><span class="ms-rteFontFace-1 ms-rteFontSize-3 ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-4">Nancy, counselor</span> </p></div>16

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