by Jorge (M)
graphic by Hyunhee Kim (M)
Now these days, many people our age are losing communication with parents, we think that our friends, games, parties, etc, are more important than our families, especially our parents.
Many teenagers are also scared of talking to their parents in some occasions, for example, I once had this experience when I failed a test, and tried to hide it for a long time, but the day my father found out, he punished me not because, I failed, but because I lied every time I arrived home and he asked me if everything went all right at school, but like I was always scared, I told him that everything was fine, and after when he found out he told me that it was better if I tell him the truth. And after a time I’ve realized that its actually better talking with my parents when I have a problem or so, because they are the ones who care the most about you, and they wouldn't change you for anything, they will always want the best for you.
In some occasions I have heard that teenagers are scared of talking with their parents, because they are scared of been hit, but there is always a solution for stuff. If you think that is impossible talking to your parents, maybe because they have alcohol problems, or any strong problems, you could go see any other relative, or psychiatrist and talk about your problems and your parents, I am sure that they will take care of you and they will do the best to help you. In many cases our parents get divorced and we feel very lonely, but I am sure that if you still ask them for help they will always be there for you.
Relations with parent (questionnaire results)
by Natalia Rusina (R)
We have prepared and conducted a questionnaire (see below) among students to find out more about the relations with parents.
The results show that in general, teenagers are positive to their parents.
For most of teenagers parents are more friends than people who provide necessary things or just people who live in one house with them.
Most of teenagers do not tell parents all secrets and we think it is natural, they should have their private life. Most of teenagers do not share all problems with parents and it is natural as well. But for important problems, we think that we should trust our parents.
What is not very good that many teenagers do not know about problems of their parents. They should be interested more in this and not only to think about their problems, as well as wonder if parents are happy (half of teenagers have never asked about it).
Most of teenagers do requests of their parents and think that having duties at home is fair.
We see that parents opinion is important in most cases.
Most of teenagers answered that parents should limit them in some things and it is good that they realize it. Full freedom is not good.
Most of parents do not like all friends of their children. We think that we should explain our parents more about our friends, why we have chosen this or that person.
Questionnaire text
1) Parents are
A my friends
B people who provide me with necessary things
C people who live in one house with me
2) Do you tell parents your secrets?
A. yes
B. no
C. sometimes, it depends on the situation
3) Do you know about problems of your parents?
A. yes
B. I guess I do
C no, I have never asked
4) Do you do requests of your parents?
A. yes
B. sometimes, if I like it
C no
5) Are your parents happy?
A. yes
B . no
C. I don't know
6) Is parents' opinion important in your decisions making?
A. yes
B. sometimes, if it coincides with mine
C . no
7) You think that having many duties at home is
A. fair
B . not fair, parents should do more
8) Should parents limit children in something?
A. yes, a lot because they are more experienced
B. only in some things
C. they should give the full freedom
9) Do your parents like your friends?
A. yes
B. not all of them
C. no
10) If you have a problem, will you tell your parents about it and ask their advice?
A. yes
B. not always, it depends on the problem
C. no
