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Deal with growing up, and act your age:
It can be difficult to deal with growing up and being expected to ‘act your age’. How exactly do you go about it? Well, one thing that adults always respect in the younger generation is someone who is willing to see their projects through until the goals are achieved. Showing poise and self-control when dealing with difficult situations is the first step into adulthood. The funny thing is, some adults (by age) never achieve this level of maturity (by behavior), while some teens and young adults seem to be born with it. Maybe you can teach them a thing or two about growing up. But, beware of growing up to fast. One year you are 13, then 14, then 15…it’s a fairly simple equation. Don’t rush it! It is important to know when you have to act your age (if you’re trying to be treated like an adult), but there are also times when we all have to let the little kid in us out.
Let’s make an example of a time when you’re with your parents at the mall, and you run into one of their friends. They start to talk about work and news, but you want to start shopping. Here’s how to, and how not to handle the situation if you want to be treated like a young adult…
Good Move: Have patience and wait for the conversation to end, then it’s your turn, or say ‘Excuse me, I’ll be in the GAP, take your time.’
Bad Move: Acting impatient by pouting or trying to get their attention, or interrupting to say ‘Hey, let’s go, we’re here to shop not talk.’
Make your parents treat you ‘age-appropriately’:
Why do parents tell you to act your age and then continue to treat you like a baby? Because, to them, you will always be their little boy or girl. To surpass the age of five in your parents’ eyes, you have to show them that you can handle everyday activities on your own. Do some chores without being asked. Offer to take your little siblings somewhere to give your mom or dad a break. Discuss your reasons for the decisions you make everyday with them. Lastly, if you are really looking to score some points, try not to ask them for money for a while. If you must ask for money, do it without whining, and spend it on something you need instead of something you want. Showing your parents the willingness to take on responsibility, the ability to make good decisions, and a bit of financial independence will make them take your more seriously. The only way to be treated your age, and have the privileges that go along with that, is to act your age.
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