Wow... what a subject! A subject we're all searching for answers on, considering we're all someone's child... and many of us, someone's parent. I think the truth of the matter is that there are no real answers. You can give and receive advice on how to raise your children, or how to treat your parents, but everyone is so different. What works for one, may not always work for another.
However, I do know one thing. We all grow up. And as we grow we learn. We make mistakes, we accomplish things, we hate things we once loved and love things we once hated. Everyday there is something new to take, another lesson- whether it be learned the easy way, or the hard way.
Parents will be controlling, overbearing, and overprotective. And teenagers will be irresponsible and out of control. These things will never change.
To the parents out there... "Remember, you were a teenager once. And all the horrible things your teenager does, is just payback for all the things you put your parents through. Take it easy on your teens, let them experience life rather than take your word for it. Help them along the way, but never tell them which road they're going to take. And remember that to many boundaries creates a rebellious child in most cases. Justify your rules. Nothing is more irritating to an already irritated teenager than "BECAUSE I SAID SO!" Respect your children, and they will EVENTUALLY respect you too. Above all, love your child... and let them know everyday that you do."
To the teenagers out there... "Take it easy on your parents. The love of a parent is an impossible love to duplicate or explain. And believe it or not, they aren't always out to get you or ruin your fun. They're simply protecting you; possibly from things they've experienced. Talk to your parents, be honest, be trustworthy. Listen to their reasonings, and explain yourself calmly. Make your own mistakes, but don't make the same ones over and over again. Take responsibility for your actions and accept the consequences. Be someone your parents can respect, and they will. Respect them back... it goes a long way. Always remember, things may seem unfair when your young... but take it from someone who's just fresh out of their teens... the real world is not as nice as it seems. It is a million times more cruel than you parents could ever be. The second you're thrown into it, you're going to see them in an entirely different light.
Your blog was way touching. I know that my parents want the best for me and I've always shown them with respect for that. I have some friends that will treat their parents like pure dogs, especially when they get in trouble for misbehaving or lying..and they still get EVERYTHING they and it makes me sick! Your completely right...respecting your parents is key, along with parents not setting too many boundaries and being too controlling.. Way to go :)
- Ronza
You are right. I don't think that a book can help you raise your children. People have to make conscious decisions daily. Hopefully, we make the right ones. And the wrong ones we make don't go to waste, but that we learn from them.