Switched-On Magazine

Has there ever been a time when you and your family just can't agree? You have reached a certain age and want to make more of the decisions about your life. At times you want something so badly for yourself that your family doesn't think is best for you. In some cases you feel that they withhold your best interest at heart, but at the same time you want them to leave you be and allow you to learn things your way. What do you do? Do you leave the situation alone and trust that your family knows what is best for you? Or do you hold a rebellion against your family and do your own thing?

After talking with a few homeless teens, I discovered that many of them encountered similar dilemmas to this one. It is sad to say that many of the reasons they are homeless are due to disagreements with their families. These differences are not only minor disputes about decision making. In many scenarios young adults experience relative discrimination because of their sexual preference and/or bad choices that they have made. I believe that life is a learning experience and that at a young age, we as young adults tend to make mistakes just as everyone else. We should be forgiven for them and taught alternatives. Instead we are ridiculed and our feelings are neglected. As a response, many young adults turn to the street life or negative lifestyles that accept their choices. From here on out things begin to slide downhill and life for the young adult begins to destruct. At this point you feel as if your family doesn't care enough to consider your feelings and what you want for yourself. You feel that if your family won't take the time out to listen then who will?
         
There are various alternatives to these types of situations. Instead of making poor decisions because you are hurt, take the time to consider if what you want is good for you. Establish the benefits that may come from what you want as well as the negative downfalls that may occur. Realize your family's point of view and understand that they care. Also find ways to prove your reasoning for what you want to your family and elaborate on why you feel it would be right for you. Understand that what you want may not and will not always be what your family wants for you. It is a part of life and a part of growing up. You are not wrong for having your own mind about things. Always remember that everything that glitters isn't gold and that maybe your family knows this. When you want something, reach for the stars, but always ask yourself, “Is this really what I want?"