Why do I fight with my parents?

Read the messages and think about the relationships in the family. What problems do they have? What are they interested in? How do they talk to each other?

Grandpa Patterson’s wise words  Brush your teeth three times a day or they’ll all fall out. Don’t eat apple pips or a tree will grow in your stomach.  Eat up your crusts so that your hair will go curly. Don’t sing at the table or you’ll marry a crazy person. It’s bad luck to put a hat on a bed. Don’t tell a lie or your nose will grow. microwave chips frozen Brussels sprouts crisps pizzas

Mum, please don’t put meat in my sandwiches any more. I’ve become a vegetarian – remember?

Amy

No, Mel, U can’t go to Katie’s party. It’s 2 L8 and UR only 13! I don’t care what your friends say. Mum

Sorry Jake, I want to split up. We’ll never get on. You’re already 16 but you behave like a 6-year-old. Miriam.

I have to share a room with my twin sister and it’s driving me crazy. She’s selfish and she never tidies up, and she ‘borrows’ my make-up. Mel, Essex

Have gone to DIY shop to get wood for shelves. Back soon. Dad.

4 Why do I fight with my parents so much? a) Read Amy’s letter. Think of other reasons teenagers and their parents can fight over. Make a list.

Think which reason is the most serious. Why? How dare you tell me what to do? Nobody asks me what I want.

It’s stupid. I’m not doing it! I’m busy. I’ll do it later. That’s my favorite ! I want these posters on my walls! You don’t understand me!

I don’t like that cereal anymore! NO! I’m not grounded! I’m going!

Hi Jill, I need your help! It’s getting worse with every day. I am so angry. It looks like my parents want to control everything: the clothes I wear, the food I eat, the color of my bedroom walls, where I go and how I get there, the people I hang with, the party I go to, what time I go to bed. Where is respect? You are so lucky that your parents understand you.    Bye, Amy Hi Amy, Sorry to hear that. I feel sorry for you and for your parents. I think I understand your problem. You don’t like being told to, do you? Rules are not always good, are they? Limits hurt, don’t they? I know… I have been through it, too. I would like you to stop blaming your parents. You are upset and your parents are upset too. Think how you and NOT your parents can change the situation. Learn how to talk to your parents. Teach yourself to ask them “WHY” if your parents don’t allow you to do something… Don’t be in a hurry to throw a fit. I hope it will help you    Bye, Jill

b) What should Amy do if she wants to follow Jill’s advice? What shouldn’t she do? Example: Amy should stop blaming her parents. – Amy shouldn’t …