(1)Is the teen-parent relationship doomed? Why can't we all just get along? Why is it parents and teenagers have such a hard time finding common ground? The relationship between parents and teenagers does not require a constant war. According to "Teenagers Myth and Reality," studies show parents can live peacefully with their teens by keeping communication open and positive by encouraging their teens to become independent while maintaining reasonable rules. It takes cooperation, time and commitment from parents and teenagers to help maintain a positive relationship. Parents often forget teenagers need their independence in order to grow into responsible adults. They can begin to help their sons and/or daughters gain independence and responsibility by allowing them to make their own decisions in particular situations and offering choices rather than making demands. According to high school student Natasha Patterson, "Parents just don't understand teenagers these days." This may not be the case in a parent's perspective. Teenagers should understand parents play a very important role in their lives and seek to help them in any and every way they may be allowed, regardless if the teen needs it or not. Parents support teens in such ways as providing financial support and emotional comfort, as well as encouraging inspiration. They have been "programmed" to do these things from the day their children were born and feel it is a duty to continue their responsibilities on through their children's adulthood. "Agreeing on what's safe and (trendy) at the same time may clash between parents and teenagers," says parent and highschool teacher Nancy Templeton. Compromise can be one of the hardest things parents do ...
