Your mother gave you life and now she wants every minute of it! You can’t go anywhere or do anything. The family dog has more freedom; at least he gets 10 feet of chain. You’re stuck in your room, facing the endless years until college.
Although it may feel like it, your mother’s intention is not to ruin your life. Maybe she had a wild youth and wants to keep you from making the same mistakes she made, or maybe a trouble-making older sibling ruined it for you. Whatever the reasons, understand that she just wants to protect you and keep you safe.
So what can you do until you’re old enough to vote? The following is a handful of suggestions on how to be a good teenager designed to make your mother see what a mature and trustworthy person you are.
How to be a Good Teenager –Get good grades
Believe it or not, your primary responsibility in high school is to get an education. Good grades show your mum that you are taking this seriously. Plus, with good grades you’ll have more choices for college—including schools that are far, far away!
How to be a Good Teenager –Do housework
Stick to your mother’s rules and make her life easier. If your job is the dishes, just do them. You can use the half-hour that you usually spend complaining to watch your fav TV show, and your mom will be in a better mood for negotiations.
How to be a Good Teenager –Keep your curfew
Even if your curfew is ridiculously early, be home on time. If Mum won’t let you out at all, try starting with a very early curfew. After a while, being on time should earn you more time on the outside.
How to be a Good Teenager –Get a job and keep the job
Getting a job shows your mother that other people trust you, and keeping it shows that their trust is well placed. The added advantage is money to buy clothes and other things you’re interested in.
How to be a Good Teenager –Date creatively
Your mum won’t let you date, so come up with non-traditional dating ideas. Plan a group event that includes your guy. (Make sure your mother knows he’ll be there.) Spend time together on a Saturday afternoon and ask your mom to drive. Have the guy come over to your house while your mum’s home. Pick a cultural activity, like a museum or play that your mom would approve of. These may seem goofy, but you want to spend time with him, don’t you?
How to be a Good Teenager –Plan ahead
If there’s a special occasion that you don’t want to miss like a dance or a slumber party, let your mother know well in advance. Last-minute plans are a "red flag" that you’re up to something. With enough time, you two can work on a plan where you can go to the event and she’ll feel comfortable.
How to be a Good Teenager –Don’t lie
This is the most important rule of all how to be a good teenager rules. Go where you say you’re going, and do what you say you’re doing. Nothing will get your privileges revoked faster than getting caught in a lie. Lying reinforces the fact that your mother can’t trust you, and you’ll end up with no freedom at all.