Why does it always seem like your parents are trying to ruin your life? They always want to know what you're doing, who you're doing it with, and when you'll be done doing it! Half the time they won't even let you do anything you want to because, as they say, "you're too young."
If you're asking to borrow the car, then your being too young is a valid answer. What if all you want to do is pick out your own clothes or hang out with new people? You're getting older and, sorry Mom, but you're not 5 years old anymore. You want to be more independent and make your OWN decisions!
To get your parents to give you more space, you first have to prove yourself. They won't let you wear makeup if, when they say no, you throw a tantrum, throwing yourself to the ground and screaming bloody murder.
Choose your battles! Decide what's most important to you-- being allowed to go to the movies with your friends or redecorating your room your way? Don't ask questions when your dad's making dinner or your mom's paying bills. Your requests will go unheard if they're busy. A good time to ask is during dinner or just tell them you need some alone time with them to talk.
If your parents are hesitant to let you go to a new friend's house, invite your friend to your house first. Your parents will get to meet her and hopefully will understand why you want to hang out with her. If they still won't let you go to her house, respect their decision and don't harp on it.
When it comes to makeup or clothes, parents tend to have strong opinions about what their little princess is running off to school wearing. Explain that you want to start experimenting with makeup. Check out Cover Girl.com and create a look right for you! Show it to your mom or dad and see what they say. If they'll only allow you to wear makeup at home, try out some understated looks. Don't glob on the bright blue eyeliner and red lipstick. Show them that you can wear makeup and still look like a respectable tween.
The next time you go shopping with your parents, show them the clothes YOU like. Don't pick out revealing tops and paint-on jeans. Even if they let you buy clothes like that, clothing like that sends out the wrong message. You still want to look modest, but with your own, individual style.
If they're not footing the bill for your new sparkly eye shadow or hip hugger jeans, ask if you can do some extra chores around the house. They'll see that you're willing to give a little to get a little.
Your parents are quick to say no to a lot of things because they don't think you're old enough to make wise decisions. Don't ask to wear makeup if you're only asking because all of your friends wear it. When you want your parents to give you more leeway to make your own decisions, make sure it's something you really want. Present them with examples and ideas of how you'd use your new independence-- like how you'd redecorate your room or the clothes you'd pick out.
Don't ask for too much and respect your parents' guidelines. Some independence will just have to wait-- going out on dates or going out with your friends unsupervised will come when you're older. If your parents say you can go to your friend's house, but have to get picked up at 9pm, don't put up a fight. Your parents will think you're acting like a baby and probably won't let you go.
Your independence will shape the kind of woman you become, so use it wisely!
Info from BeingGirl.com
