It's Saturday night and your friend Derek is having the party of the summer. From experience, you know that the real fun begins around midnight. You can't sleepover because your father has to make sure that parents will be around if you do; and Derek's parents are away for the weekend. Luckily your friend Rachel has a great idea - lie to your parents and tell them you're staying at her house since her parents will be home and let her stay out as late as she wants, and then you both can stay at the party.

You might think that your parents' rules are too strict but they're just trying to protect you. They're looking out for your safety and well-being, not trying to be mean or get in the way of your social life. Lying to them will get you nowhere, though, and will often come back to bite you in the ass. If your parents can't trust you, then why should they change the rules like you want them to?

In order to get your parents to compromise with you, there has to be a level of trust. You have to show your parents how responsible you are in following the rules they've set for you, no matter how lame they are. Make curfew or even get home a little early, finish chores without being asked, and offer to lend a little extra help around the house sometimes. Taking the lead and showing how much you've matured will get your parents attention. Then you can negotiate the rules and your parents will trust that you are responsible enough to handle the additional independence.