Pressure To Be The Cool Parent?
You shop at the young adult store. You’re up on all the social networking sites and you are fluent in text messaging speak. And yet, your teen avoids you like the plague. Instead of getting closer to your teen, you seem to be a laughing stock.
Teens have completely different criteria for cool when it comes to adults. They really do want you to act your age, but be open to theirs. You can stick to the clothes that you are comfortable in, but be prepared for your teen to wear things they are comfortable in too. This doesn’t mean you can’t challenge their choices, but you can’t expect that buttoned up look with the shoulder pads so popular in the 80s to win with your teen either.
Teens actually like parents who act like adults. They need your wisdom and your perspective. It’s great if you can translate their text messages to the other parents, but you don’t have to speak like that to your teen or their friends. Know their songs, but it’s not necessary to sing them loud while their friends are in the car.
The key thing is to be the adult you are. This is your teen’s time and let them have it. Provide the guidance your experience has afforded you. They really appreciate it. So, no pressure to be the cool parent, just be the parent. Being good enough at that, is gonna make your teen think you’re pretty damn cool.
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