Do you think that parents and older people don't understand or remember about how hard it is to be a teenager?

Answer 1

I think they remember, but in their "day" the teenager issues were so different from what you face today. Give them a break. Also, do some research...find out what they struggled with as teens and then try to use that as a bridge to compare what you find hard to deal with today. This comparison method will help level the understanding playing field....just remember to not lessen their teen-hood worries. It was just as important to them as your issues are to you today! Good luck!

Answer 2

They do remember, but they had different things to go through when they were teenagers. Every generation is different and the way they grow up is different. When I was a teen it was all about skaters, townies and Ra's. I have a brother who is 8 years younger than me and is 15 and he is being a teen in a completely different environment to what I had. Sometimes I find it hard to relate, just as my parents did with me. Some parent are overprotective and overbearing, but that's just something you've got to live with. I would suggest not doing the whole "you don't understand me" thing, and instead try saying "I really don't get where you're coming from, I don't understand what is so wrong with me doing this" then try and have a proper conversation, you may even earn a little bit of respect!

Answer 3

People will always remember what it was like to be a teenager. I'm 27 and I feel like high school was just yesterday. They were some of the best times of my life, but you couldn't pay me enough to repeat it because it was really hard. Just because you get older, doesn't mean your thoughts get older too. I am still the same person I was as a teenager, but with a little more maturity and insight. People just want their kids not to make the same mistakes they did.

Answer 4

Sometimes, but the real problem is the perception, that they don't understand. I'm the eldest of 4 so I know both sides. Most of the time parents do understand, its the teens that don't understand usually because of the hormones that are making them "crazy". By crazy I mean irrational because they're not crazy but they feel like they're going crazy. Nobody understands them but other teenagers since they're all in the same boat. The sometimes I referred to at the beginning is because they forget just how intense those emotions are. They do have the memory of them, but because they don't have that rush of hormones bombarding them, its not the same. That can't quite relate to the exact feelings. Unfortunately, parents have very full plates and its hard for them, even the best of them to really put that extra effort into feeling what their child is feeling, because listening isn't all that's needed. Hope this helped a little.

Answer 5

It all depends on the person. My husband can't remember it at all - he seems to think he was some kind of ideal teenager and consequently, his expectations and understanding of teens is basically, crap.

(Thank God his parents remembered what he was like)

I remember being a teenager vividly. It was a really really difficult time in life - but the potential for fun was a lot more than being in my 20s! I know I was a real moody and self-centred cow (more so then than now, haha!) but I did have better excuses then - hormones, frustration at lack of choices in life, a parent who wouldnt listen to me etc).

I think that having such a vivid memory of being a teenager makes me get on with them a lot better than other adults. I am 34 now but I do feel I have more in comon with most teenagers that I do some adults.

One thing I did that helped me (I think) remember so much about being a teenager was that I wrote a diary every single day for about 5 years. God help me if my parents ever find them and read them (they are in their loft and I would still find it so embarrassing if someone else read them!)

Answer 6

I don't think most people forget or don't understand what it is like to be a teenager. I think older people such as myself (I have two grown sons and a teenage daughter) want younger people to avoid the pratfalls that they experienced. Many teenagers don't realize that the decisions they make now may affect them for the rest of their lives. Doing well in school, staying out of trouble, avoiding drugs, choosing the right friends...all these and more are very important for your future. There are some things that teenagers just have to learn for themselves and it's important for the adults in their lives to be there for support and discipline if necessary. There are exceptions and there are many abusive people (and politicians lol) who don't give a crap. But on the whole I believe parents and older people understand, care for and want the best for younger people.

Answer 7

Being one of the older people you are talking about yes i can remember what it was like to be a teenager and do you know why we give you such are hard time it because we don't want you to make the same mistakes we did and also we are frightened you are up to the same as we were at your age.
And boy did i get up to some things. You just want to have fun but there are all the rules and so called good advice spoiling it for you am I right or am I right..........

Answer 8

As a parent I remember all to well what being a Teen was like. The world has not changed that much. I also have the insight to what happens the benefit on Been there and Done that so I know what can happen good and bad. If you think parents are being unreasonable you need to consider that they just might know something you do not.

Answer 9

they do understand and do remember that is why they are tough on their teens to do better then themselves. and believe me when i say teen years are the hardest but they can also be the best years of your life. so try and give parents a break and ask for advise from wiser and older people. because they have " been there done that and don't want you to make the same mistakes they did" also asking for advise even if you take it or not. gives the parents a feeling like you still care and love them and makes them feel apart of your life as a teenager

Answer 10

I was thinking about this just a few hours ago.

Nope, 30 years later I remember EXACTLY what it was like being a teenager.

But I also remember how my parents kept me alive during this period and drawing upon those memories and my own experiences, I try to steer my own teenagers in the right direction.