Ten Issues Teenagers Actually Want Their Mother and father Knew About Them

Growing up as part of Generation Z is very different from how our parents grew up. While many things are the same, there are new challenges associated with growing up in an age of technology and social media. Here are some things my friends and I discussed that we would like our parents to know:

What teenagers and their parents knew about them. (Madeleine Korn)

Parents, your teenagers wish you knew ...

1. Don't compare our challenges to your challenges as a teenager

I am sure that life has been difficult for almost everyone. And the struggles you may have faced seem worse than the struggles we have faced. But that doesn't mean that our feelings aren't valid. To say, "I've had a lot worse" invalidates what we are feeling.

Instead, try to put yourself in your child's shoes. While it may seem like your teen is overreacting when they fail to form the soccer team, forget their homework, or get disfellowshipped, such things feel like big problems for teenagers.

2. Treat your son and daughters equally

It is not fair to allow your son to stay outside until midnight when he is 16, but your daughter must come home by 9 p.m. Be sure to ask your son and daughter to help clean the house, do the dishes, mow the lawn, take out the trash, and shop for groceries.

3. Have open discussions with us

Don't make certain topics taboo. Talk about sex, relationships, mental health, drugs, and alcohol. It's normal for teens to experiment with risky behaviors, but it is much safer when teens are comfortable enough to ask questions and talk to you about these behaviors.

4. Words hurt

Even if you think what you say is helpful, keep in mind that many teenagers are particularly sensitive to what you say and take it very seriously. Your child really looks up to you as a person, so even small comments that you may not find offensive can do significant damage to a child's self-image. Think about what you are saying and try to say it constructively.

5. Data protection and trust are important

Don't go over your child's things randomly unless you have a reason to. Don't read your child's diary. This only breaks their trust and teaches them to be more devious. Don't keep asking your child if they've been drinking or using drugs. Believe them when they tell you where they have been.

6. Being a teenager is stressful and sometimes we just need a break

Young people have a lot to do, including dealing with the stress of getting good grades and high ACT or SAT scores, filling out student applications and taking part in our extracurricular activities. Sometimes let her relax and don't keep reminding her to do this or that. sometimes they just need a break. When your child is no longer interested in a sport they are good at, let go of them. You shouldn't force them to exercise if they aren't enjoying it.

7. When growing up with social media, confidence can be difficult

With the help of social media, we can see other people's lives all the time and see how happy they seem. It can be difficult to feel safe seeing how perfect other people look in their photos.

8. We appreciate you even if we don't always show it

We're always grateful for everything you've done for us, whether you're packing us for lunch or taking us to exercise. We are truly grateful that you don't have to keep reminding us to "look at everything I do for you," even if we sometimes seem ungrateful.

9. Let's express without judgment

A big part of being a teenager is figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life. Many teenagers are still trying to find themselves, which may explain why many teenagers may dress "strangely" or wear things they would not have worn. Do not judge them by their choices in terms of clothes, hairstyles, etc.

10. Not every conversation has to be a lesson

Whenever your child tells you a story or something that happened to them, don't always try to make a lesson out of it. If you do, they may hesitate to tell you what is actually going on in their life.

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