What do you think causes the friction between parents and children, particularly teenagers?

Answer 1

I think it's evolution for the most part. When kids are growing up and trying to exert their independence and parents are having a hard time letting go and allowing that to happen, there is conflict. Teenagers often feel their parents don't understand, can't remember what it was like to be young, or that the world is such a different place now and that their parents don't see things for the way they are now. Parents on the other hand are a lot more knowledgable than their children give them credit for. They can forsee and know things their children aren't even capable of yet due to maturity and age and the parents want to protect and/or guide their children appropriately rather than allowing them to make their own choices, decisions and mistakes and allowing them to learn from them or deal with their consequences. It's an inevitable part of the big "circle of life" in my opinion. As parents, I think we can just do our best to instill good values and behaviours in our children and then allow them to put into action what you have taught them. Unless they are endangering their well-being or that of others, pick your battles wisely. I'd rather get into with my child over becoming a drug dealer than the color or length of his hair for example. Of course there are other contributing factors to friction between parents and their kids but that's my take on it for the most part.

Answer 2

knowledge. Teenagers lack of it and the parents abundance of it.

teens know everything (or so they think) and you can't tell them anything because they have all the answers. However they have never had to make it on their own. Never had to find a job, pay rent, insurance, and utility payments. They shouldn't have to because they are kids. But then they turn 15, 16, 17 and they are all grown up.

So they want their own place but want the parent to pay for it. They want this and that and expect Mommy and Daddy to foot the bill. Then when Mommy and Daddy refuse they act like a five year old and throw a temper tantrum.

They think a job is more important than an education even when you show tham that the difference in wages of a person with a HS diploma/GED and the College graduate is more than $25,000 a year. They want the cash now and go from job to job because they get upset with something and quit.

and on and on

Answer 3

Honestly... I think it's the fact that the parents are still living in "their" time and the teenager in the new generation... Parents these days are so narrow minded to what's going on in the world today! They don't realize that alot has changed since the time they were teenagers... But you can't blame them, they were brought up differently. It's something that all parents and teenagers have to deal with. It is what it is, there's nothing you nor I can do about it. I suppose they could just agree to compromise, that's the best approach I can think of...

Answer 4

When your young, parents can ground you, yell at you, scare you ect. But as some as you become a teenager, they don't scare you anymore, you form you own opinion on things instead of copying their's, parents can still ground their teens but at 16 the you can simply drive away, and if you don't have a car you can simply run. Teenagers have more power than younger children. They want to prove to their parents that they are just as smart as them whether its true or not. Parents like to be involved in their child's life, but teenagers want to handle things themselves.

Answer 5

Because Children and teenagers think they know everything. When their parents try to tell them something the teenagers/children don't want to listen because their parents are old. Little to do they know, parents are usually right when it comes to stuff. I am 24 years old and looking back on some stuff I wish I would have listened to my parents instead of doing things my way.

Answer 6

When parents start discipline after they are already teenagers instead of when they are kids.

The lessons you teach kids before they turn age 9 is critical. If a parent thinks it cute that their kids is swearing when they are 2 or 3 years old, it is all of sudden not cute when that now big kid is telling you to go phuck yourself.

Discipline, discipline, discipline! Kids respect it more then they get credit for.

Answer 7

teenagers think they know everything and have major ego issues (due to developing personalities) they tend to think they are invincible, old enough to make their own decisions, and don't need help at all. Some of this is true, but some of it's not as well. it's a maturity thing that will pass.....

Answer 8

Because alot of parents are closed minded. I have five great kid's and my house was always the house the other kid's came to. My youngest is 15, and he and I listen to his music, and mine together, we take turns with movies, and I listen and respect his likes and dis-likes. I make it a point to embrace their individuality!!!

Answer 9

b.c the parents are ging in an opposte direction as the teenager. e parents are looking to get closer to the teen while the teen is trying to get away and be more independent.

Answer 10

parents forget what it is like to be a teenager. Parents use their current knowledge to save their kids from making mistakes they have to makeon their own to learnt he lesson themselves.