Mom Wars: 25 Ways to Make Things Better - Page 5

MAKE LIFE SMOOTHER

21. Set up clear ground rules with her. To avoid misunderstandings and potential arguments, have guidelines that you agree to adhere to.

22. Be able to say you’re sorry, and admit when you’re wrong. You’ll earn your mom’s respect — and more freedoms — when she sees you taking responsibility for your actions.

23. Realize that struggles are normal. "Part of your fighting is to break away and establish your own identity," explains Mary Pender Greene. You might not butt heads as much if you look at individual situations and determine if you really disagree with her or you’re just trying to provoke her.

24. Let your parents know what’s going on in you life. "You don’t have to tell them everything," explains Dr. Brenda Cline, Chief Psychologist of the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center. "But the more they know, the clearer they’ll be about your sense of judgment." Talk to them about drugs, sex, violence, and AIDS. "The more knowledgeable they see you are, the less worried they’ll feel, and the more likely to give you more freedom."

25. If you can’t talk to your mom, go to a friend’s mom or an older relative you trust, and ask for help in communicating with your mom. This may help your mom recognize that you take the relationship the two of you share seriously.