When we were growing up, our family was everything to us. Our parents were our superheroes, our idols, and everything we looked forward to being. I remember when I was younger about writing about my hero, my dad, making sure I added something about my mom in the story as well. They were our safe place to run to. They were our calm in the storm. They were the people whose opinions we trusted most and whose advice we took to heart. But then over the years, and especially the teen years, the voices of our moms and dads become more like nails on a chalkboard than the sweet sound of comfort. We seemed to almost be in physical pain when they tried to talk to us about anything, even if it was just asking how our day was. I think most of us probably did experience some physical pain when we were asked “where are you going?” or “what are you doing tonight?”

So what happened? Where did that closeness, trust, and comfort go?

What happened was that our relationship evolved. And while that isn’t necessarily the most comfortable thing in the world for a teenager to go through, it also isn’t the worst thing either. So what do we do as our students become less and less willing to listen to the wisdom their families give? How do we handle the everyday conflicts that come up between children and their families? How do we open the eyes of not only the youth, but their parents as well? These are important questions worth finding answers to. Because, let’s face it, the relationship is changing whether we want it to or not. But as difficult as this may be to handle right now, that change can be for the good of everyone.

Over the next few weeks I will be bringing you more understanding of what I mean by this. We will see somewhat of a 3 part series as to how to help this awkward situation that everyone faces. And my hope is that readers of all ages will have some sort of a takeaway and be able to relate to anyone going through this. For the parents, be sure to pay attention because this may be an eye opener. And youth, or non-parents, be sure to read with an open mind and try and see both sides.

DC