You’re struggle is the same one that many other “different” tweens and teens face each day. There’s one thing I can promise you though: Your parents don’t hate you. They just don’t understand why you act the way you do, why you look the way you do…why you aren’t just like them.

When Moms ‘n’ Dads have kids, they often imagine them a certain way. Chances are the real you isn’t quite what they imagined, and that’s OK. If the tension between you continues, though, the relationship you have with your ‘rents is going to suffer. The best thing to do now is to have a serious conversation with your parents about…

- Why you like being a Goth

- Why you act and dress the way you do

- What being a Goth means

- How you feel about the way they act around you

Don’t get defensive. I know it’s tough when it feels like you’re entire personality is being questioned, but this isn’t the time to get angry. Use this conversation to get everybody in your family talking about the way you’re feeling. Tell them you want some more independence and be willing to compromise on certain things. What about a temporary hair dye? What about another ear piercing instead of something more alternative?

Once your parents “get” that this is how you feel and what you like and who you are…even if it is “just a phase”…they should be more willing to accept you for you.

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