Misunderstood

Most people look upon teenagers as naive, or they see them as children with adult desires. Some assumptions are true. For example, they are rebellious, make stupid choices, and think they need a significant other to complete them, but teenagers aren't dumb for the most part. They understand how to put two and two together and that leads to four. Some parents think that the best way to protect their child is to hammer them with strict rules and shelter their minds from mature subjects, but teens will find out everything. Whether it be from friends or movies or figuring it out themselves. In my opinion, the biggest reason teens feel so misunderstood is lack of communication. Teens do know that their parents were teenagers once, but parents don't understand that times change that their child isn't in the same situation they were in. Sometimes parents forget how frightening all the stress is to a teenager, and they just get angry with the mistakes teens make. I'm not saying that teens should be allowed to run wild and free like a banshee, but teens need guidance not relentless dictatorship. Teens don't like being controlled and being told what to do with their lives. They need to be able to trust their parents for guidance and confidentiality(meaning they don't want you too call up all of the family and tell them you got your first period or your first girlfriend). My main point here is that parents should listen to their offspring, and Teens should realize that most parents are on your side, not against you. I realize everyone's situation is different but generally this is true for parents and teens alike.

Have an open mind. The most brilliant knowledge and comprehension comes from openness.