Many teens face many struggles as peer pressure climaxes in high school. There is much more opportunity to get into trouble with boys and illegal substances. How do I stay away from them? How can I talk to my parents? I go to Planned Parenthood but I haven't told my mom yet. I wonder if she will be mad at me. I've been using birth control so I won't get pregnant and I know she is going to be real upset with me if I tell her.
Well my dear she is going to be more upset if you don't tell her. Despite any unforeseen consequences---we still need to be honest with our parents. Parents usually always know what is best for us--- at that point in time. Let me give you an example.
When I was a teen in high school I was popular and pretty cute. I had many friends and some of them weren't the best influence---but emotionally I needed other teens to talk to. There was a party scheduled for a Friday night and I wanted to go so badly. My mom told me absolutely not, and of course I kicked and screamed about not going. What did happen at the party---was that one of my friends was in a car on the way home from the party--- and was killed. The car lost control secondary to a drunk driver, and the car landed in a pond. The teen was pinned to the bottom of the car and drowned.
This experience helped me realize the importance of what my parents were trying to do for me. I know that many of us when we were younger like you---did stupid things and got into trouble. The best way to keep happiness, and to avoid conflicts---is to tell your parents everything as if they were teens. Once you start opening up to them---you will realize how much happier you have become, and how happy they are with you. Remember it's all about you, and don't forget that!
