Rebellious Teenagers

This subject hits close to home for me - been there done that, so to speak.

I gave my dad a really, and I mean really hard time.  He brought me up, as my mum left us when I was around 18 months.  My dad then met another lady, who, from the very beginning didn't like me, and made that fact very clear... 

For me, it was much easier to rebel, than to ask for help, and it was in the moments I most needed it, that help was there but I was too ignorant to accept it and although I haven't quite figured out  why I did this, I do think that one reason was so I didn't have to talk to someone about the feelings I had.  Teenagers don't like deep and meaningful conversations when in a mood, I'm sure most of you have found this out already!  However I did have good days, and these were the days when I suppose my dad did reinforce his love for me and tried to show me how to have confidence in the world and that it's not all about me (in a good way of course) and that there are people in much worse situations than I. 

I know now that my dad has all the love for me in the world, as he always has, and it takes a very strong person to raise a child.  Though it has taken a bit for me to realise this, I think that the best thing you can do for a rebellious teenager is to try to provide a stable environment, try to understand things from their perspective (as I have tried to show), and just be there for them when they need you.  It does take time and dedication, but hey, I turned out all right!!

I'm not quite sure if I've explained this okay, but let me know hey...

Mel