10 Ways to Get Along with Your Parents

As developed by Shannon McCarty and published in Raising Happy, Healthy, and Holy Teenagers by Dr. Robert (Bob) McCarty.

1. Treat your parents as you want them to treat you. Even though it sounds pretty basic, if we want to be treated with respect and fairness, then we have to treat our parents the same way.

2. Remember, parents are people too. That means they are human, they make mistakes, they lose their temper, they say things they do not necessarily mean. And they want to do their best, especially in raising their children.

3. Handle the ordinary, and the special will take care of itself. If we handle our normal curfews, chores, and school responsibilities, when something special comes up, we have a better chance to have the rules relaxed.

4. It is okay to call timeout during family arguments. If you or your parents get really emotional during arguments--and that is when we say things we do not really mean--then agree to call timeout, and come back to the issue when everyone has cooled down.

5. At least once a day, talk to your parents. Communication begins with a willingness to just talk. Parents get nervous when they feel out of touch with their children. So each day, just talk to them about things going on at school, or with your friends, or at your church group.

6. Plan escape routes. Everyone gets into difficult situations; whether on a date, at a party, or just out with friends. So think about your options, in case something happens. Handling ourselves in difficult situations is a sign of maturity and responsibility.

7. Agree on the basics. Talk with your parents about curfews, school expectations, household chores, driving with friends, and other issues, rather than relying on mind reading. Perhaps you can renegotiate the basics on your birthday, so as you get older, you gain more rights and responsibilities.

8. Tell your parents that they are doing a good job. Parents get very little training on how to be good parents. It is more like trial and error. You will really surprise them by telling them they are doing okay.

9. Try to become friends with your parents. As strange as it sounds, when we get older we will be friends with our parents. So begin being friendly, talking with them, and sharing some time together.

10. Learn how to say "I am sorry." It is a sign of maturity to admit when we are wrong about something or at fault. Also, we have a better chance of convincing our parents when we are right.