8 things kids should know about parents

Dear Kids,

Your parents' behaviors may seem very perplexing at times. Here are eight things about your moms and dads that may help you understand why their actions can seem so bewildering.

1. Your parents dislike you at times. You act in ways that are sometimes dangerous, demanding and difficult. They try to be understanding, but they get tired of saying the same thing over and over to you. They get frustrated when you don't think before you act. What is particularly annoying is when you go about your day thinking only about what you want, and don't consider other members of your family. There are times they can't stand to be around you and can't wait for the time when you move out of the house.

2. Your parents always love you, regardless of how you act. They will never give up on you. Their love is unconditional, and they will always be connected to you. Don't abuse that love by doing too many stupid things. Parents may say things in anger that they really don't mean. However, you will never meet anyone else in your life who loves you unconditionally. Respect and appreciate that unique relationship.

3. Your parents are not perfect. When it comes to raising you, your parents always want to do the right thing. They are terrified that their bad decisions will affect you negatively. Their inconsistency and indecisiveness drives you crazy at times, but they are simply fearful of making the wrong decision. Lighten up on them when they make a mistake.

4. Your parents need and want a private life. Your parents like being around you, but they also enjoy times without you. As a married couple, they need to spend time together just talking, laughing, and sometimes even arguing. They want some privacy so they can be physically intimate together. Respect their privacy and don't interrupt them so much. If you have a single parent, please remember that your mom or dad also needs time away from you.

5. Your parents know more about life than you do. Your parents have gone through a lot of stuff. They've made some terrible mistakes, and they want you to avoid some of the problems they've encountered. They get so frustrated with you sometimes when you just won't listen. They don't know everything, but neither do you. Listen and don't talk back so much. You may really learn something.

6. Your parents don't want you as a best friend. They like to do things with you, and share common interests. However, your parents' job is to make themselves unnecessary. They don't want you depending upon them emotionally or financially. They want you to develop your own friendships and be independent.

7. Your parents are human. They are scared of lots of stuff, like losing their jobs, growing old, getting sick and dying. As you get older, they may think that their main purpose in life is over. They may feel depressed and worthless. It's hard to see your parents get older and have health problems. At some point you'll realize that their time with you is very limited. You'll be upset with yourself that perhaps you didn't treat them as nicely as you should have when you were growing up.

8. You are always their child. Whether you are 12 or 32, you are always their child. Whether you are a freshman in high school or an adult working on a construction site, your mom and dad are always there for you and with you. Even if there are days or weeks when you don't speak with your parents, you are always in their hearts.