Dad keeps patrolling my wardrobe

This is a challenging sitch ‘cause you’re both right in your own way: Your dad just wants to protect his little girl, and you just want to be a “normal” teenager. That doesn’t mean that things like this ought to continue, though. The best thing for you to do is to sit your dad down—with Mom standing by, if it makes you feel more comfortable—and tell him how you feel about his behavior.

Invasion of privacy

Tell Dad that whenever he goes through your clothes, you feel as though he doesn’t trust you to dress yourself appropriately. You may not be an adult yet, but you should still be able to wear what you like and what makes you feel good…within reason.

Set a standard

Create a standard you can use while shopping. Maybe dad doesn’t want you wearing super-short shorts. Fine, you can jive with that. What about shorts with a 3-inch (or longer) inseam? What about leggings with minis? Maybe he isn’t big on belly-baring tops or low V-necks. OK, you can nix the tummy and wear camis under low-cut tops. Nail down the fine print so there aren’t any surprises when you walk downstairs.

Whatever you do…

Don’t tell Dad he’s being unreasonable, ‘cause he thinks what he’s doing is totally fine. Stress the fact that you really need him to trust you to make some decisions. If he brushes you off, ask him what you can do to make him trust you more. If it’s abiding by a curfew, calling religiously whenever your plans change or picking up a part-time job, do your best to see it through, babe.

BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 4/13/2011 12:03:00 PM

POSTED IN family, problems with my parents, my parents are way-strict