We, as teenagers, don't fully understand how much work our parents do for us.
We fight and argue about anything and everything with them. I myself do this often. But what I sometimes need to do is relax and just think about all my parents do for me.
Our guardians at all times are trying their best, whether they're single or married.
What I guess I'm trying to say is that they're not "always out to get us." They have a lesson or plan that they're trying to teach us. Their job is to get us ready for our future and to create mature and responsible adults. That is not an easy task.
Whenever I think about how much my parents do, it's incredible. I don't think I could ever live up to how much they do now.
They manage to work, cook, clean, grocery shop, garden, go on and pay for vacations, pay their bills, and much more. But what is so remarkable to me is that they still have time to teach me and my sister how to act; they help us whenever they can and try their best to just make us happy.
Next time you and your parents start to argue, just think: "Is this really worth it?" Because most of the time, it's not.
Compared to all of the things they do for you, not getting a raise in your allowance or not letting you go to a party won't kill you. Not arguing will show them that you appreciate everything they do for you.
It also benefits to you, too. It shows them that you're starting to become more mature and responsible, so they might reward you by raising your curfew another hour.
Just keep in mind, your parents are amazing people and they try their hardest every day for you.
We teens often also forget the importance of family time. You might think it's lame and boring, but that's because you aren't fully getting into the "quality experience."
You may be texting or just thinking about what you're doing later on with your friends. But family bonding time is what makes you stronger.
You know the saying, "Friends won't always be there but family will"? Well, this is a quote many of us don't pay attention to. Blowing off your parents and not spending quality time might cause you to not be as close to them. When you're having a horrible day at school or your friends backstab you, and you need someone to talk to, your parents will always be there for you to discuss any matters with.
I'm sure if you just took the time to talk and discuss some issues you've been having, they would have great advice.
Your parents have already gone through it all. They have a pretty good idea of what to do in almost any situation. And I'm sure if they haven't experienced it, they will have some great recommendations for you. Asking what they did and what they learned from a specific experience could only benefit you.
When you get older, and you lose touch with a lot of your friends, you will always have your parents to call. You don't want to drift away from them, in your teen years, and then regret it later on in life.
So what could it hurt to just spend some honest, quality time with your parents? You might find some useful advice or just share a laugh with them, but every memory counts.
Melissa Flathmann is a sophomore at Oneonta High School. Would you like A Word of Advice on friends, family or anything that's bothering you? Send an e-mail to melissa’ flath@yahoo.com or send her a letter to "Teen Talk: A Word of Advice," c/o The Daily Star, P.O. Box 250, Oneonta, NY 13820.
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