Most parents try really hard to help their kids learn how to survive in the world.  They set limits, work on boundaries, teach life lessons when they can.  They push, and sometimes have to make difficult decisions as kids grow up.  They have so many things to help their kids understand before they go off on their own, but sometimes those lessons are hard to accept.  I know there are parents out that that don’t support or help their kids with life lessons, but it’s important to remember that your parents are hopefully trying to help you be successful in the future, even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes.

                Let’s talk about curfews.  Your parents were your age once, and they know what’s happens at your age.  There are things that transcend the age gaps.  There may be a new language in different generations, but sex and drugs are issues for all generations.  Both issues cause long term consequences and issues for teens and parents who set curfews are trying to manage those issues.  Please understand that parents know that the time doesn’t matter.  You can use drugs and have sex before the curfew too, but with the curfew, you learn expectations and boundaries.  Which lead to other skills, like saying no.

                Boundaries are some of the most important lessons parent’s teach.   Knowing expectations, and being able to say no to drugs or sex, can help kids make hard decisions about the future and how to manage different social situations.  I don’t know anyone who hasn’t been faced with making tough decisions, like being offered drugs or pressured into situations that they might not be ready to manage.  Being able to say no to either comes from confidence and understanding the consequences of the action.  Parents set limits to help kids learn how to set limits in social situations when it’s appropriate.  There are so many things that can affect the future.  Parents don’t want their kids mistakes to alter the course of their lives.  Have a child young, or getting arrested for drugs or other illegal actions, can affect your future.  They are only trying to help.

                Parents are also not supposed to give you money every time you ask.  There should come a time in everyone’s life when you have to start earning your own money.  Whether you work around the house, or find a job outside the house, making your own money is an important step in the growing up process.  Parents are not supposed to be supporting you when you are 28 years old.  Well before then, you should be earning your own money, and living on your own.    You should be making your own rules for how your household is managed, and feeling confident about your future.  Great self-esteem and confidence comes from making your own money and living your own life.  Living under your parents rules should be good motivation for becoming independent.

                Parenting is hard, for everyone.  Most parents try to do the best they can, but we all make mistakes.   It’s a parent’s job to teach their kids life lessons, and I hope that you all have great parents that pushed you to be the best you can be.  I hope you hated your parents at times, when they wouldn’t give you what you wanted and you had to work for it.  I hope you learned your value and worth through your parent’s encouragement and support.  It’s what I wish for all, because it’s a part of being happy, for life.