For a multitude of reasons, many homes are in constant turmoil. Arguments and fights between young people and their parents are unfortunately commonplace. Many young people rebel against their parents, running away from home, or despising them, just waiting until they can get out from underneath their foot. Many kids complain, "they don't understand me," "they treat me unfairly," "they don't know how things are today," " they are too restrictive." I suggest to you that even young people have responsibilities in the home. Let me suggest some ideas to help you get along better with mom and dad.

First, obey them! "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right" (Eph. 6:1). You may not always be told why or why not, but you need to submit to their authority. After all, they are your parents!

Second, heed their advice! You probably will find that their advice is pretty good. Your parents have been where you are, but you haven't been where they are! Wisdom comes from experience. Normally, they have your best interest at heart and can be more objective about issues than you can. Proverbs 1:8 says, "My son, heed the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother." "A fool despiseth his father's instruction, but he that regardeth reproof is prudent" (Prov. 15:5). Don't let their advice run off like water off a duck's back. Don't dismiss it as "old foggy." You will probably give your kids the same advice. Mark Twain said, "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I had got to be 21, 1 was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years." Be smart enough to learn now!

Third, recognize they must discipline you! Nobody likes to be disciplined, but it is a part of growing up. Your parents are commanded to do such, for your own good, out of love. "He that spareth his rod hateth his son; but he that loveth him chaseneth him betimes" (Prov. 13:24). Don't ever think that because your parents might discipline you that they don't love you! It is just the opposite. If you get punished, recognize you did wrong and deserved the punishment. Learn a lesson from it and be thankful that your parents care enough about you and what is right and wrong to try to train you right.

Fourth, respect them! this incorporates all the others. A good attitude is the key to most everything in life. It will determine how we get along with others, as well as our parents. "Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:2-3). Notice, you benefit by respecting your parents! They may not be perfect - they will make mistakes, but they love you and care for you. They deserve your respect because they are your parents!

Learn to communicate with your parents. Don't create more problems by not doing your part. Fulfill your responsibilities toward your parents, and you will get along better with them!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 20, p. 622
October 18, 1984