Surviving Strict Parents

            I’m sure you all have that friend, or it may even be you, that has those really strict parents.  If it is you, you are constantly the first person to leave parties or getting embarrassed by their ever-watchful eye.  Sometimes you wonder if there will ever be a day in which your parents will give you a little more freedom, or whether you should give up and just expect this until the day you turn 18.

            Most likely the reason your parents don’t give you more freedom is not because you have done something to make them not trust you, but because you have never done something to make them trust you and to give them reassurance that you are responsible.  One of the best ways I have found to make your parents give you that little bit more space is by getting a job.  For an employer to hire you, they have to feel that you will be responsible, and for them to continue to offer employment to you it means they must trust you and feel that you have responsibility.  A job also gives you money, so your parents don’t feel like you are spending all their money every time you go out.

            Another great way to gain some freedom and that is so easy, doing well in school and getting good grades.  You can get good grades and maintain them by doing your homework and spending some time studying before tests and quizzes.  Good grades help show to your parents that you can be responsible and make good decisions; and most importantly, that you are smart.  Even if you just can’t seem to be that straight A student no matter how hard you try, your parents should honor any improvement in your grades.

            Last but certainly not least, would be talking to your parents.  Communicating with your parents will tell them what you have been up to.  When they know what is going on in your life, they are more apt to trust you.  Confiding in them is a great way to gain trust; it shows that you trust them and can bring you closer to them.

            So if you are that kid with the really strict parents, hopefully this will help you in your journey of growing up.  And don’t forget, when you start to get more freedom, follow their rules of it won’t be long where everything goes back to normal.

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