"Be careful, your parents are right more often than you can imagine."
Lane, age 18. Santa Monica, CA
"Remember that your parents usually mean well ... try to understand where they're coming from. The world was a whole different place in their days. I'm not sure my parents could cope if they had to be kids now. So try to understand parents. I know it's hard but trying will help you stress less, and might even your relationship stronger."
Bethany, age 20, Lake Forest, Illinois
"My younger sister takes everything so seriously. Sometimes I really feel sorry for her.
I never thought to actually talk to her or give her advice. I mainly just feel sorry for her a lot. She always seems so lost, like she’s searching for something. Actually she probably is. We all did. I’m 19 now, and she is only 15. It’s just a few years, but it feels like there is a lifetime between us. Here’s what I would tell her:
“Everyone has to go through this hectic time in his or her life. Searching for answers to all the questions we have is very confusing. Especially trying to discover your true identity and figuring out where you belong. I think that the question, ‘Where do I fit in?’ is the biggest question asked by teens, and is also the one that causes the most stress. So just relax and be yourself. Don’t try to please anyone. I know that is hard, but it really works. And something else, even though I hardly ever talk to you, you can come to me sometimes. Don’t just stress on your own. That is not a good thing. Sorry I never talked to you out loud like this.”
Your older brother, Ian, Clayton, Missouri
