LIFE

Parents can be embarrassing, we know. When your mom shows up in that minivan from the stone ages or when your dad paints his face with your number at your field hockey game, you just want to cover your face and disappear. Here's how to cope when your parents are more corny than cool.

Tell them how you feel. Speak up, especially if you feel like your parents go out of their way to embarrass you. But be nice—usually, mom and dad aren't doing it on purpose and act the way they do simply because they love you so dang much and want the whole world to know. 

Laugh it off. If your dad made a scene while you were chatting to the boy you've been crushing on, getting flustered and annoyed makes you seem uptight. Instead, use your parents' blush-inducing acts as a way to bond with your peers. You can compare war stories and get to know each other all thanks to Mom calling you Sunshine over the intercom. Trust us, *every* girl (and guy) can relate to what you're going through.  

Put it in perspective. Sure, no one likes being embarrassed, especially not at school or in front of the football team cuties. But, before you majorly freak out, take a step back and remember it isn't the end of the world. It's normal and, while it might not be fun, their actions are harmless in the grand scheme of things.

Remember it won't last forever. Soon enough, you'll be moving out to head off to college and you'll be free of your embarrassing parents. So as contradictory as it sounds, enjoy their teasing and their quirks while you can. In a few years, you might look back on the memory of Dad busting out moves on the dance floor at homecoming and laugh. Realize that even the cringeworthy moments are worth cherishing and embracing as part of the normal teenage experience.

What's your best emabarrassing parent story? How did you deal? Let us know in the comments! 

by Amanda Tarlton | 9/4/2016