LIFE

 

When you were younger and wanted to get your way, you threw a temper tantrum...but that doesn't work so well when you're a teen. It can be hard growing up and trying to put the attitude away, especially when you feel like your parents just don't get you. You have a lot of opinions and a lot of things you want, but arguing won’t help you get them. Next time you go to talk to your parents about something that's important to you, keep these tips in mind to handle it without the heated fights: 

Don’t pin one parent against the other.

How many times have we heard our parents say, “Go ask your mom/dad." We’ve all tried to get one parent to take our side, so when it comes to the other parent, they will more than likely end up on your team, too. Usually, it doesn’t work though. Just take it as a no and move on. Going behind the back of either Mom or Dad is never good. 

They have your best interests at heart.

At the end of the day, your parents truly want the best for you, whether or not you see it at the time. Parents try to help you succeed and make smart choices—they’re not trying to hold you back or say “no” just to make your life miserable. 

Sass will *not* get you anywhere.

If parents hate anything, it’s talking back or disrespect. Never cop an attitude with your parents because that will cause an argument in itself. At that point, you've lost any hope of accompishing whatever goal you were hoping for. Be mature and keep your reactions in check.

Listen and try to understand their point of view.

Your parents have more years of experience than you and have dealt with and gone through a lot of similar things that you're currently going through. Listen to what they have to say and ask questions if you don't understand why they said no. Respect your parents and they’ll show you respect back. Plus, being a good listener and trying to compromise proves to them that you are mature.

Explain what you want and why as calmly as possible.

If you want something from your parents (like maybe extending your curfew an extra 30 minutes), explain why it is important to you. Show them that you are deserving of your request and that you will prove you're responsible enough to handle it. Be sure to let them know that they can trust you not to take advantage of whatever it is you're asking for.

Do you ever have trouble talking to your parents without starting an argument? Dish in the comments below! 

by Makaila Nichols | 9/7/2017