Picture this, you planned to go out with your friends. You have great grades, you are nearing graduation, you have a job after school and you never step out of line. However, the minute they know you want to go out and stay a little longer or want to go out somewhere, it instantly becomes a problem. There are arguments. Maybe even yelling and the end result is the same: you cannot go or you cannot do that.
It is amazing to know when you have loving parents who want the best for you. However, this can be conflicting especially when you become a teenager and want more independence. Their love for you suddenly can feel oppressive because you can not go anywhere or do anything. They may feel as if their power or discernment over you is slipping, causing them to be more angry towards you.
Why do parents do this? Some say it is their way of protecting their kids, and others say it is them simply projecting that they are not ready to let go of the child they once had. The fear of what is out there and what can happen overwhelms them, but we need to live don’t we?
I guess in being so close to reaching the end of high school the restrictions feel stifling. Most of us work so hard day in and day out. We need time with our friends to just be kids for whatever fleeting moments we have left.
Most of us get it. We were their babies. They watched us take our first step, say our first word, and now grow into young adults. It is understandable that they want the best for us and that includes knowing where we are and what we are about to do, but they must also understand that we are growing up. To them, this change is drastic, to us it is necessary.
Protecting us from harm is appreciated, but letting go is a part of life and for many of us that are about to graduate it is time to say goodbye to childhood and hello to young adulthood and with this comes the inevitable I can do this if I want.
