As a teenager you are forced to deal with a vast array of stress inducing factors that can tend to make you want to pull your hair out. Add parental pressure into the mix and you may end up just wanting to run away all together! Take a look at our top 5 tips on how to deal with pressure from parents.
1. Identify the reasons why you are being pressured
Your parents do in fact want what is best for you. If they could, they would go and write your exams for you, but they cannot and this results in them hovering over you and trying to organize your study schedule, exam practice lessons and so forth. Much as this academic pressure from your parents may drive you insane, take a minute and realize that they mean well. Have an open discussion about your stress and how they are impacting on it. They may just surprise you with their understanding.
2. Do Research
It may seem unfathomable to add more “work” to your current schedule, but trust us this is worth your time. If you are struggling with a certain subject at school or personal issue look it up. The internet is filled with helpful hints and tips and you will find some valuable advice from other teenagers who have been where you are now. Use this information to add to your discussion with your parents.
3. Remain Calm
We all want to “flip our lid” from time to time, but this simply does not go down well with the parental units. When we act irrationally and out of anger or fear, we unfortunately come across as childish and petty, and this does not bring positive results. If you are able to talk in a calm and mature manner with your parents, they will take you seriously.
4. Know what you are fighting for:
Remember that your argument is your parents adding extra stress and academic pressure to your life, and not the myriad of other social issues and anxieties that you are also going through. Keep on track when you are sharing your feelings and your point will not only be made, but taken seriously.
5. Be willing to Compromise:
Much as you feel you “know it all” and know exactly what you need, the fact is your parents have been playing this game of life longer than you have. They do know a few things and if you are willing to compromise and find a middle ground, you will afford yourself a greater chance of getting what you want, or at least pretty close to it.
As a teenager you are still learning about yourself and how to cope while moving through life. Just like there is no handbook for being a teenager, there is no handbook for being the perfect parent. Cut them some slack and remember that they are human too.