| Problems with Parents? | ||||
| Lot's of teens have problems with their parents. They don't trust you to make your own decisions, your curfew is WAY earlier than everyone elses, they treat your siblings differently. Problems with parents come in all different sizes and all different topics. Here's something that me and my friends find very helpful when trying to talk with the average parent. 1 - Tell them that you need to talk to them about something that is bothering you. Set a time when there will be no distractions for anyone. This way you dont need to worry about them having to leave or you having to leave. Make this time at least 30 minutes long, chances are once you get the ball rolling, more problems will pop into the conversation. 2 - Before you start talking about your problem, set a few guidelines. Tell you parents that you would greatly appreciate it if they let you finish what you are saying BEFORE they comment on any of it. Have the same respect for them and save your comments until they are finished talking. Trust me things will go a lot smoother. 3 - If your parent(s) get angry or raise their voice at all, walk away. Tell them that you are willing to talk about the issue when they are ready to do it in a calm way. Again, have the same respect for them by not raising your voice. If you get annoyed and start to raise your voice, leave. Tell them you are unable to talk yet without arguing. 4 - Try to find a common ground. Yeah, I know that this one's hard, but try your best. If you find that you're getting nowhere, and that your parents aren't willing to change their minds, tell them you'd like to try to find a common ground. If you wanna stay out until 1am and they want you home at 10 try 11 or 12, or try being home at 12 and doing extra chores. Ask them what they think might work. We all know you can't gain their trust if they won't let you prove it. They just don't seem to get that part. 5 - If you have re-occuring problems that just don't seem to go away, try family therepy. I know, it sounds really stupid! But hey you might as well give it a chance. If things aren't going well for you, or them, maybe it can help to make you all happy, and to find a common ground. GOOD LUCK! I hope this helps you out! |
||||