By: Richard M Dudum

Chapter 19: You Didn’t Enter This World With A How-To Manual

When you were born, you didn’t come with a manual.

For a parent, a manual would be very handy.

We, as parents, don’t always know the right answer. We don’t always know when you should or shouldn’t be allowed to go out or do certain things. We’re not always sure how late you should stay out. In most circumstances, your parents are doing their best to raise you the right way and to teach you right from wrong. But we need help from up.

If you see things happening at home that you disagree with, please help us out. Consider being the adult taht you want your parents to be. Try to stay calm, focused, and take the initiative. Talk to us. Keep talking to us. Sometimes we can be stubborn. Sometimes we don’t listen as well as we should. Sometimes we jump to conclusions. Sometimes we need help, too. Don’t give up on us.

Try to explain to us what you want us to know. Use your words and communiations skills. Make your point clear. Speak with authority. Don’t whine or pout. It will get you absolutely no where. Use the approach and tone of voice that you want us to use when we speak with you. Don’t expect immediate results, but keep in mind that the more you use this approach, the sooner we will understand and respect your words and thoughts.

If you have a hard time talking, write us a letter or send us an email. Writing is a less confrontational way for you to get your message across to us. It also gives us time to think about what your’e saying. Hopefully you parents will begin to understand and come around; if by chance they don’t, be resourceful–talk to other people you trust.

In a perfect world, both parent and child learn from each other. But our world is far from perfect. Help your parents be as good as they can be. As soon as you stop talking to your parents and the people you trust, the more likely you are to encounter problems.
Your voice is our “how-to” manual.

For more information on the Survivial Guide for Teenage Girls, you can visit Richard M Dudum’s website