Читать книгу What every girl should know - Jan van Elfen - Страница 6

In your own world

Just remember that no stranger can offer more comfort or better advice than your own mother or the mother figure in your life. Who comforted, fed and clothed you during childhood and listened to your complaints? She is still the best person to go to when you need advice on difficult problems. Who, after all, loves you more or knows you better? Take her into your confidence when you feel unsure – about what you should wear, the birthday present you want, or matters of love.

But don’t forget your father or the father figure in your life. He’ll notice that you’re growing up and will no longer treat you like a little girl. At times it may feel like a chasm has opened up between you. This is not because your father is no longer interested in you, but because he is aware of your growing independence, and perhaps doesn’t want to interfere too much in your life.

When your parents or caregivers warn you to be more careful as you go out and about, or to study harder, it is because they care about your safety and want the best future for you. Try not to take it as personal criticism. If you feel moody and rudely say things you later wish you hadn’t, apologise. Remember, the breadwinners in your household work long and hard hours to care for all of you and are worthy of your respect. If young people are too rebellious and the parents too stubborn to be accommodating, the relationship between parents and children can be harmed. Psychologists call this the generation gap – where the communication channels between parents or parental figures and the child become impossible to navigate. Try to do your bit in making it possible for everyone to get on.

Do you know how much your mom and dad would appreciate it if you would simply go and chat to them or give them a hug like you used to? Just to show that nothing has changed in your heart and you are still glad that they care for you. A family shouldn’t live under the same roof and never interact with one another.

But before we get carried away with parent-child relationships, we should rather talk about other interesting experiences at this time in your life.