A regular reader asked if I would address the issue of teenagers treating parents with respect.
It is a huge topic, and an important one.
Here it is kids: you should always treat your parents with respect.
Yes, you should do so even if he or she is acting like a jerk — because two jerks never improved any situation!
You can always make your point in a respectful manner.
Parents do not take kindly to rolling eyeballs, facial expressions indicating disgust or exasperation, name-calling or the mumbling of profanities under the breath.
Much as parents might annoy you, some communication is required in a family, so you cannot simply pretend they do not exist.
You can cut down on nagging or interruptions by requesting parents provide you with a list of things they want you to do.
Get them out of the way, so you can have some time to yourself.
Parents should refrain from adding to the list once it has been given to the teen.
Recognize, too, that when parents engage you in conversation it is because they care about you and want to keep in touch with what is happening in your world.
If you really do not feel like talking, simply say so in a nice way.
If you keep them informed about how things are going in school, where you will be when you go out and with whom, they should be satisfied.
Parents need to develop the knack of getting such basic information without acting like detectives or interrogators.
Tell your parents if their approach really bothers you, but be willing to meet them halfway.
Gwen Randall-Young is an author and award-winning Psychotherapist.
