Posts Tagged ‘talking back’

Teens and Trust; Can the Two Exist?

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Posted 16 Feb 2010 — by Jennifer
Category Reed Educates

My Goofballs

Watch your teens folks! My teen girls ask that I trust them, ask that I don’t intrude in their personal lives, and they speak of a word called privacy! I never heard of such a thing.

I do trust them, yes indeed, I trust that these young ladies are capable of getting into a lil’ trouble, big trouble and at times no trouble at all. I will respect their privacy if they aren’t showing me strange behavior. If you’re running around talking back, cursing, showing me boys aren’t just cute but that they mean something more then just that… then, I must stalk you! Sorry!” I’m the mom and I’m to keep you out of trouble. Deal with it!”

I found a letter titled, “I’m Pissed”. It’s not addressed to anyone and was laying out in our common living space written by my 14 year old. Do I read more, of course I do! Would I have if it was titled “Buttercups and Roses”? Probably not!

When I see a boy on your MySpace move from page 3 to your top 10 and you’re only 13, well it’s common sense my friends… It’s time to log on and see what’s really going on with my 13 year old and this new friend she is oh-so fond of that he gets to move so quickly to the spot her most important peeps are at!

Teens and trust can co-exist, but I believe it’s in a parent’s best interest to still keep an eye on their teens. I don’t write the rules, and raising teens never came with a handbook. That’s why I’m here telling it like it is! It’s so easy to get into trouble at such an impressionable and emotional age. Besides that, it’s so hard to fix the trouble once it’s dead-smack front and center! 

Many of you will agree and some of you will disagree. Some will say, “If you truly trust your teen you will give them the privacy they ask for.” I can respect that, but I chose to keep an eye on my girls the best that I can all the while still giving them some space. I do my best.

Now I must ask, do you have any teen raising tips? If so, please comment below for all of us to read. You may have an answer to what some of us just can’t grasp. Thank you friends!

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Teen Corner: Attitudes

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Posted 01 Jan 2010 — by Robyn
Category Reed Educates, Teen Corner

Why do teenagers have them? Well I happen to be a teenager myself and I’ve got an answer for that question. We have them for one reason. In my opinion, we do it for control. That doesn’t make it acceptable, but that’s why. It’s that will to do what we want and to get that last little word in. We are so determined to make it so that we are heard and understood at any cost.

I don’t have them as much as the average teen might, but trust me; I’ve had my fair share of ‘tudes. I used to think an attitude was just something you can hear and see. But now I know it includes being silent!

I’ll give you an example. The other day I as on this very computer playing the Sims…. It was my younger sister’s turn to play her family. I was told to get off and didn’t. I got told to another time and this time it was a bit sterner. I looked up at my mom and frustratingly exited my family. “Are you having an attitude?” she asked. I didn’t respond and continued to get put pressure on the mouse when hitting the “exit” button. After several seconds of questioning, I just scooted from the desk and swiftly stomped off. She caught me by the arm and asked me a third time “Are you having an attitude?” I looked up at her and said in a low monotone voice “No”.

Obviously that wasn’t convincing. “Go to your room” she said. I was fuming by then and decided that I did nothing wrong so I stayed in the hallway starring at her. How dare she I thought. I did nothing wrong …or maybe I did. I reluctantly went to my room to figure out what I had done.

So in conclusion if any parents are wondering why the sudden change in their children is accruing, there you have it. It’s the struggle for control and dominance. Once we see what could be, rather than what is, we jump at that opportunity to say what we feel. It may not always be right, but understand that most of the time; we aren’t trying to cause any permanent damage to your feelings.

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