Switched-On Magazine

Throughout the years there have been wars fought over it, art portraying it, movies based on it, and thousands of teens seeking more of it. Freedom is not only a controversial issue, but also a subject that can be interpreted in many ways. From the right to choose your hair color, spending the night at a friend's house, to having your own car and staying out late, teenagers have sought and fought for the freedom of choice. However, obtaining the freedom is the hard part.

Have you ever found your self saying, 'that's not fair, everyone else gets to do it,? and then your parents give you a ten-minute explanation why you are not allowed, and something about everyone else jumping off a bridge. It happens to be that parents can be the roadblock between you and the freedom you seek. Having too much freedom, and not enough freedom when you are young and can be frustrating. Every person is different, so is every parent. As a result, different parents come up with their own sets of rules that sometimes can restrict and allow for unequal amounts of freedom.

Dyeing your hair blue, piercing your tongue, playing drums in a band, or trying out for a play. These are all expressive ways that teens seek to help express themselves, but can sometimes be restricted by rules that are laid down by their parents. So, how can you deal with parents that you believe won't let you express who you are. First of all, you need to let them know how you feel. If you randomly ask your parent if you can pierce your tongue, they may freak out and say no without hesitation. But if you sit down and explain to them why you want to do it and what it would mean for you, then they may give you a chance or an alternative choice, like instead of your nose; they let you start with the ear.

Another fight for independence that occurs with youth is the battle of staying out late with friends. Having your parent tell you to come home at ten o?clock when all your friends get to stay out until midnight, can be not only embarrassing but can also effect your relationship with your friends, for example making your friends leave a party early to give you a ride home. If your parents are really strict on the rules, then make it work for you. Instead of complaining about having to be in early, ask your parents if you can have your friends over to your house, this way they probably won't mind you hanging out with them later and your friends won't be mad about having to leave early. Another way to obtain more freedom in this situation is to show your parents that you are trustworthy. By arriving home 15 minutes before your curfew every time you go out will show them that they can depend on you, therefore in the future maybe letting you stay out an extra hour later on certain events.

Seeking the freedom you want when you are young, and obtaining it are usually never balanced. Since you are under your parent's control until you move out, try and make the best of it. Although you may feel you want to do everything possible to rebel from their rules, try and show them that you can be trusted, and the sooner they believe it the sooner you will be able to start to spread your wings.