Daughter and mother understanding each other.

Parents like to protect their children and just because all your friends moms let them do something doesn’t make it right. My friend has her 11 and 9 year old raising the 7 and two 4 year olds. That doesn’t mean I should ask my oldest son to raise his brother. It’s just different. Try asking your parents if you can go somewhere with your friends and promise to check in during the time. Then REALLY check in with them. As a parent, I can tell you that letting kids grow up and letting go is hard on us. It makes some of us nervous and sometimes it is hard to tell when the kid is grown enough and responsible enough to go. I also know from my own experience as a mom that when you do get a chance to let the kids go 1) the more they prove themselves, the easier it gets give them more responsibility. and 2) Once they start going out, that first time is hard… nerve wrecking actually. But after the first time, I started lightening up and relaxing. I sent a cell phone so I could call him or he could call me. I tried really hard not to abuse it though and my son appreciated having contact with me.

Relax, they can’t hold on to you forever. If all else fails, you’ll turn 18 one day :) Just try to prove yourself responsible.

Note: don’t try to get more responsibility by yelling that your so mature or responsible and that you aren’t little any more. That just proves that you aren’t (You’ll understand this one day, if not now). Tell them in a calm way. Really think out what you are going to say and present it like you were just non-chalantly chatting with a friend. Parents will respect you more if you can keep your cool. And don’t be afraid to tell them how it makes you feel. There may be something they know that you don’t. Let them explain to you why you can’t go out with your friends. And if they say “too young” or “too little”, then ask them when you will old enough or big enough. If they say you haven’t proved yourself, ask what you have to do to prove yourself, then work towards that.

Keep your chin up. Most kids that are tweens and teens feel ignored and unloved and feel their family doesn’t think they exist. I promise it isn’t true.