Teen-age Prison
Question: Dear Luise: My parent’s are so strict with me that I feel like I’m in prison. They watch what I wear, where I go and who I’m with like I’m a juvenile delinquent or something. I’m 16 and am not allowed to drive. My friends don’t feel comfortable coming over. Heck, I don’t feel comfortable here, either. It’s not a religious thing…it’s just their idea of loving me. I think I’d rather not be loved, to tell you the truth. What can I do to convince them that I’m OK and so are my friends. Thank you, Stella
Answer: Dear Stella: What a tough question. There are so many ways to raise kids and so many kinds of kids and parents. It just goes on and on.
You sound like a responsible person to me. And to tell you the truth, your parents are probably trying to protect you. I’m not saying I agree with their methods, but it must be very hard these days to guide teen-agers through the maze of temptations and misinformation out there everywhere. I personally think they are terrified. They may be trying to look otherwise, but I’ll bet their rules really are coming from deep concern.
I would suggest that you just hang in there and do your very best. You only have a couple of years left and then you will be deciding a lot of things for yourself. I know two years sounds like an eternity, but it’s not.
I admire the fact that you are towing the line, whether you like it or not, and haven’t made the serious mistake of taking on your parents or running away. The streets of most large cities are crowded with people your age who feel they know better than their parents, whether they see them as too strict, too lenient or not caring at all. It will cost many of them their lives. Most of them probably thought nothing could be worse than their home life, only to find out, often too late, that isn’t necessarily true.
You may not like the love you are being given but you are loved. Learn from this, and use what you’re learning when you become a parent. Your time is coming. You’re not in control now but you will be. Create a better plan.
And, if you can, have as much fun as possible with your friends and family. Be the wisest one of all. Blessings, Luise
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