YOUR PARENTS

Let's think about those strange old beings that gave you life. Sometimes you love them, sometimes you need them to get out of your face. You listen to them and you ignore them. You want them to be involved in your life, but you also want them to back off and give you space. They can be your best friends, and they can cause you incredible grief. What if you could say anything to them? And I mean, ANYTHING! What if you could let it fly and say to your parents whatever you wanted and not get in trouble? What if you could talk and know they would hear you? What if you could open your mind, open your mouth, and tell them all those things you've always wanted to say. What if you could say ANYTHING to your parents and have it be OK? What would you say? What would you tell them? What would you want them to know?

IF YOU COULD SAY ANYTHING TO YOUR PARENTS, WHAT WOULD YOU SAY?

This month teenagers were asked to write and tell their parents how they feel, what they need, what they need to know, what they like, and what ticks them off. The following is what teenagers around the country would like to say to their parents . . .


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Why can't you let me be myself? Jenny, age 16

I would say to my parents let me live my life and learn from my mistakes not yours. That's the only way I will learn because I wasn't there when you made mistakes so I can't learn from that. And if you trust me (which you should) you would let me. Jenna, age 13

I don't understand why you always compare me to you. I am not perfect, and neither are you. That's the only way in which we are alike. Anna, age 16

Do you honestly think you know me?! Jami, age 16

i would tell my dad to open his heart and give God a chance. He rarely comes to church, and he criticizes my mom and i for being so involved. It "ruins our family time" he says. I would want him to understand. I would also tell my dad to listen to me every now and then. I am 16 and have opinions and voices of my own i wouldn't mind discussing. I want him to know that i just might know a little more about computers or what's going on in the world than he thinks, and that when i am trying to help connect on the internet, i am not being a "smart a**." My mom and i get along great, and i want her to know how much i appreciate the respect and trust that she gives me. I love both of my parents very much and i know they love me and that's what counts. Anonymous

I would like to tell my parents that I know I'm a pest sometimes, and I know i act like i hate them sometimes, but i really DO LOVE THEM!! they mean the world to me! Anonymous

I would probably tell my parents that I worry about letting them down. My parents lost 3 children in infancy before I was born and they've always told me that I'm here because God is going to use me and they always say how proud they are of me. It feels sometimes that all their hopes and dreams rest in me and there are times that I don't really feel worthy of that responsibility. I guess I'd just need some assurance that I'm headed in the right direction in what they want me to do. Jessica, age 16

They always yell at me for my grades, which are not that bad. I am a "B" student and i try my hardest. i do all of my homework and study for tests and quizzes but when i get "A's" "B's" and the occasional "C" they get mad. i think its because my sister was a straight "A" student. but i don't think they realize that we are two different people and i am not a straight 'A" student! Ashley, age 15

I would definitely say that I love them, and that I know that they work really hard. I would say that I am so blessed to have parents like them, and that I'm so proud of them. My parents have taught me everything I need to know, they might not want me to stay out real late at night, or watch TV for 6 hours strait, but obviously they set limits because they love me. I appreciate that. I cherish everything they give me (love, energy, attention, clothes, luxuries, etc.) because I know it's all they have. They've taught me and my brothers how to love, and love so deeply that it can never be broken. Emily, age 15

I'm growing up and fast. I make my own decisions and I decide my future. I don't care if you agree but I won't spend my life in a job I hate. I will follow my dreams and shoot for the moon. And if I miss it at least I'll land among the stars. And you guys have to realize this or you're going to loose me. Anonymous

I would tell them to leave my personal life alone and if they don't like my friends to get over it. Just because they do stuff you don't like doesn't mean I'm going to! Oh, and let me have a little freedom! You can't say you can't trust me cause you never let me do anything with my school friends!! And I'd probably say a lot more. . . Shannon, age 16

I'd tell my Mom that I don't appreciate it when I tell her something in confidence and she turns around and tells my Dad. Even though she dated some jerks doesn't mean I will. I'd tell my Dad that I don't have to love math and science just because he does, that it's okay to not love all the same things. I'm not a staight "A" student. I'd tell them both that just because they made mistakes when they were my age doesn't mean I'll make them. We're not identical. I love them, but they have to let me make mistakes sometimes. Jessica, age 14

I think my parents need to let me dress how i want to for school (I know i have to dress appropriate for church) but other than church! Abby, age 16

If I could say anything to my parents it would definitely be something to this effect..... "Mom. Dad. I love you guys so much, but why you all up in my space?" Anonymous

I'd ask my parents "If you could change one thing about me or my life, what would it be?" Janet, age 18

You always say "don't drink. Don't do drugs. Wait to have sex." When you were my age, was "just saying no" as easy as you make it out to be? And did you say no? Courtney, age 14

My parents are geeks but they are cool geeks. i can talk to them about anything. Sara, age 16

This question isn't really too hard for me. I tell my mom everything from what's going on with me to how I'm felling at the moment. If she makes me mad, I let her know then and there. She tells me that she's glad that I tell her what I'm feeling. That might be why I get along with her sometimes. Jessica, 14

I understand that you care about me and that you love me. But sometimes you need to back off. Yeah I know you don't want me to turnout bad or anything but there is such thing as being over protective .Just lighten up a little, ok? Anonymous

I'm not as bad as you think I am. You have to trust me. Just because I did something once doesn't mean I'll do it again. I love ya'll and I know I don't show it all the time but I really do. Oh, you need to let me go see Mercy Me and Audio Adrenaline in Baton Rouge. Teresa 16

It's not what would I say, but rather what I do say. I am 45, my parents are in their mid 80's and I feel so blessed that they are both still around and what I say is that I love them as often as I can. Marc, age 45

I'd say I'm sorry that I'm not good enough for my dad and that I do try. I'd tell my dad that he hurts me so much every day and that I wish for once he would just love me. . . just take me as I am and not complain because I'm not perfect or all that pretty or anything. I would tell my mom that I wish she would talk to me once in a while, and not just assume that I'm going to end up just like my sister because I'm not her. I won't make her mistakes. I wish she would trust me and listen to me. But my mom is alright most of the time. I just wish my dad loved me. That's what I would tell him. I wish he loved me. Cristina

I would tell my parents why it's so hard to talk to them. I would try to explain to them the last 2 years of my life, all that God's done, and all I've been through. I'd try to tell them that. It's so hard to relate to my parents. Madeline

If icould tell them anything, I would tell them that I love them and not to worry about me. I know what to do and not to do, and that if somthing serius did happen then I would come to them. Sarah, age 14



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