LIFE

Flaunt your maturity

Your parents may treat you like you’re still stuck in diapers, so the trick is demonstrating adult skills that will really wow them. Some simple ways to get started would be to do your chores without being asked, go to bed on time (and without sneaking another episode of Glee and finish your homework as soon as you get home (they’ll be shocked!). If you show that you’re capable of taking care of yourself without constant help from your rents, they’ll see that you really are capable of acting like a grownup.

It’s all about trust

Giving your ‘rents a single reason not to trust you will heave your independence out the window. Always be upfront about everything—even if it means ‘fessing up to a bad grade or a stupid thing you did that got ya in trouble. Follow the house rules your parents set to the letter. And if you know you’re gonna, say, break your curfew? Call and give them a heads-up. Yeah, they might be angry, but at least they won’t be worried about where you are. Appearing dishonest or untrustworthy will only limit the freedom your parents dish out. If you build a healthy relationship with them now, that trust will carry on into your high school years and beyond!

Upgrade your responsibilities

Take on some new responsibilities to really prove yourself. Try getting a low-key job like babysitting or dog walking, or volunteer at a local shelter. You could also get more involved at school (try planning a fundraiser for a good cause) to really show your parents that you have what it takes to be in charge of something. They’ll be impressed by your motivation, organization and proactive behavior.

Don’t crack under pressure

by Kaitlyn Baker | 2/1/2016