Some parents live vicariously through their teens.  Once upon a time, they were the all-star quarterback, head cheerleader, class president, or valedictorian.  Your high school days are over and it's time to move forward with your life.

Parents make the mistake of living through their teens.  Perhaps your dad didn't make the football team.  Now he expects you to be the quarterback, win every game, and go to the state championship.  Unfortunately, you have no interest in sports.  What's a teen to do?  Gently put your parents in their place and remind them high school has been over for them for quite some time.  It's time for your parents to live in the now.

Many teens have parents that want them to have the same dreams and goals as they did.  Here's a fact:  you created your teen that's it.  Once your teen is out all bets are off.  What you share is DNA and perhaps a few characteristics, that's it.  Your teen is an individual with their own mind which they'll use to create their own dreams.  You may think you can influence them, but it will not work.  The outcome is never good.

The fastest way to push your teen away from you is to live vicariously through them.  The past is gone and you can't go back and change it.  What you can do is embrace the present and do your best to make your dreams come true.  You may not be the all-star quarterback or head cheerleader, but you can be the best parent you can be and more!