Parents are worth your time

The stereotypical American teenager is a spoiled, rude, manipulative rebel.

They shun any contact with their parents other than communication that is necessary.

A teen would rather spend time with friends than spend it on quality time with their parents.

I have friends that I enjoy spending time with, but really, I enjoy spending time with my parents or elders just as much (if not more) than with my friends. I am not, nor have I ever been, beaten senseless for bad behavior, nor for any other reason.

I don’t follow a religion that commands its followers to “honor their mother and father.” I am not afraid of my peers. I believe that at the end of the day, it is one’s parents that define someone’s behavior.

Because I have not been spoiled, I appreciate things more than a person who has received everything they have always wanted. Whenever I have wanted something, I have had to earn it or buy it myself, whether it is an item or an experience. My parents are not neglectful or stingy; I know that they have engraved in me a work ethic that will serve me well in today’s society.

I realize many articles in this feature may seem to broadcast a feeling of adolescent immaturity. I feel that this angst is what adults expect from teenagers. I am a very independent person, and loathe the thought of being lumped into this stereotype. I don’t text my friends constantly; I don’t have, nor do I want, a cell phone. I don’t have, nor want, a MySpace or Facebook account. I do not relish the thought of parking my rear in front of a television or computer screen for hours on end, and I don’t sleep in until after noon. I don’t spend hours upon hours with friends on an every-day basis. My parents do not embarrass me at all.

In today’s society, it seems that finding a young person to hold a logical, down-to-earth discussion with is increasingly difficult. I’m not saying that all young people are unreasonable or stupid, but many are for a variety of reasons.

The only people it seems I can hold an intelligent conversation with are my parents and elders.

My father and I have discussed history, science, and philosophy hours into the night, much as people did in Victorian England. I have not yet met any person who is as well-versed in such a wide range of topics as my dad.

I am able to discuss politics freely with my parents and many of my relatives, as well as religion. I could never hold such complex dialogues with many of my peers.

My best life experiences have been with my family. When I go somewhere, I spend my time side by side with my truest and most genuine companions: my dear mother and father.

So, to all of you parents out there, be patient with your teens. Even though they rebel against you now, in the future they will thank you (maybe) for your lessons and discipline.

And for the teenager that is reading this, you know that you are always trying to emulate your parents or other adults, so really why must you make your coming of age so difficult for your progenitors?

Hopefully, the next time you encounter your “shameful” mother and father, just treat them as you would treat your friends. You may find an interesting and loving comrade to accompany you through your life.