Was it really so long ago that you as a parent forgot how you used to want to go to the mall for aimless mall walking fun? or Was it really so long ago that you as a parent forgot how you wanted to wear what you wanted to wear only because you thought you looked totally cool and hip in that outfit, not because you were trying to make a statement of some sort or piss off your parents? Well often times today many parents have a hard time identifying with their teenage children because parents have simply forgotten what it is like to be a teen.

Most often the so called "age gap" between parents and teens is more apparent with those parents who chose to have children later in age, such as in their mid to late thirties up to early forties, maybe even later forties if possible. However, even with age gaps ranging some 15-25 years younger, some parents (normally happens after approximately 10 years of parenting) seem to forget that not too long ago they were the very same naive & gullible teen(s) that stands before them today. Whether just wanting to hang and have fun, begging and pleading for whatever it is or catching a tude and blowing up over something seemingly totally rediculous, but yet you - the parent - act as if you have been an adult all of your life. Does any of this ring a bell yet? hint, hint...could this be you?

Parents have forgotten how it was to dream and be young and carefree. Forgotten how impatient and juvenile you once were before you became the serious and responsible adult you are today. How do parents expect for their teens to want to be open, if you as parents act so closed? Now no one is saying, "oh yea, whatever this kid wants, let them be free", but as parents we must remember our youthful days and the things that we wanted and hoped our parents would allow us to do, trust us about and understand. We must then take that information and develop new ways in which to communicate and interact with our children, but most of all we must not forget how to be youthful. This will always help us keep in touch with our children, and without much effort on our part.

Anyway, hope this helps -

Sincerely a mother of three.