by Corban Burns

Created on: June 15, 2009   Last Updated: March 05, 2010

Teenagers all over the world are constantly baffled as to why their parents don't trust them or don't extend more responsibility and freedom to them. Sometimes, they think that their parents are crazy and old-fashioned. Others may reason that their parents don't want them to have fun, so they withhold extra privileges form their teens. However, this is far from the truth. In most cases, it is due to the teenager's past record of actions that has lead the parents to conclude that their children are not capable of handling more responsibility and privileges. But, this lack of trust that your parents have for you doesn't have to continue. Rather, by doing working on some simple personality traits, you may find that soon your parents will see a more mature side of you and therefore, will grant you the extra privileges you've been craving for.

In order for you to see how you can show your parents you are responsible, you must do an honest self-examination of yourself. Be sure to highlight the areas you need to improve in.

Afterwards, why not make a personal resolve to prove yourself trustworthy and responsible? Be sure your motives are honest. Don't just change to a responsible, trustworthy teenager just so you can receive extra privileges. It doesn't work that way. You must be committed to making these changes a permanent part of your personality. Only then will you succeed in proving yourself responsible and trustworthy.

But what if you feel that despite your best efforts, your parents aren't giving you the trust you deserve? Why not talk over the matter with them? Instead of complaining that they need to be more trusting, respectfully ask them what they think you need to do to earn their trust. Explain your goals clearly in this regard.

Don't expect your parents to make concessions immediately. No doubt they'll want to make sure that you'll make good on your promises. Use this opportunity to prove yourself trustworthy. In time, your parents may well accord you greater trust.

Likely your parents will accord you greater trust as you build up a record of responsible behavior. To illustrate: Imagine a man who owes money to a bank. If he makes payments regularly, he'll earn the bank's trust and the bank may even extend more credit to him in the future. It's similar at home. If you prove trustworthy-even in small things-your parents are likely to trust you more in the future.

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