Every teenager has issues with their parents. I do and so did most of you adults, but these days it’s different. My parents are from the Caribbean and much to my dismay adopt the principals their parents taught them i.e. no social life unless we say so. Now as an almost 18 year old female of this day and age I obviously fight back and try to assert my independence, of course most of the times the parents win as they do have that sneaky advantage of putting a roof over my head. When are parents exactly supposed to start edging backwards and letting their children assert independence. Is it just one of those things that you do when you think the time is right?


Thing is, I don’t believe that. Personally I think you should start teaching your child independence from a young age. I’m not saying to let them go out and stay out till whenever when they’re 5. But I am saying trusting your child with going by their friends house while in primary school (supervised of course), setting a curfew at a young age i.e. the beginning of secondary school then gradually increasing it, all of these things in my opinion make the bond between you and your child stronger and your relationship more open. I know most of you are thinking ‘what does she know, she’s still a child herself’ well my answer to that is; exactly! I am still a child- I prefer young adult though- but that is what makes it perfect for me to explain to you what most youth of today need, which is, more than anything a strong relationship with their parents. This has been proven by many studies which show the correlation between happy home life and successful school and peer relationships. I may still be young but I wouldn’t be quick to write off my opinion. It may just be the fresh advice needed for a country rife with suppressed teenagers who often go to the last resort just so they can be heard.