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First of all, I'm not a parent of a "weird teen," I am one. A look into my closet and you would find nothing but black t-shirts and funky jeans. If you take a look at me, you will find a different hair color or style every month or so and you would see my tongue ring, 15 ear piercings, 2 tattoos, and very pale skin. I do not label myself as a "goth," I am me.

Teens are faced with issues everyday and some of these issues, like piercings, hair, and clothing, are not permanent life changing events. I am lucky, I have parents who accept me for me and allow me to express myself however I choose. They are members of the small group that can look past outward appearances and see the loving, knowledgeable, fun, sophisticated, mature person that I am. Most people that I have met get the wrong impression, but after speaking with me for a few moments, they understand that my piercings, tattoos, clothing, and hair do not represent who I am. These things are simply things that I like and that I chose to put on or in my body.

So parents, if your child is going through this period in their life, don't have a crisis. This is a part of normal teenage growth and expression. Not all teens feel the need to get tattoos or piercings and dress "funky," and you may not understand it, but allowing your teen to express themselves freely is the best option. I'm sure that even though you don't understand this new "phase" among teens today, you can look back and see how your peers expressed themselves when you were younger.

Don't judge your children or their friends. Allow them to hang out with whom they choose, unless it is in their best interest not to do so(drugs, alcohol, etc.). If you do not allow your children to express themselves, it can make for a difficult adulthood. Some people whose parents didn't allow them to express themselves as children grow up to have very low self-esteem, identity issues, and other like problems. Allowing your children to hang out in their friends homes or your home is a good idea. This allows them to relate to each other in a relatively safe environment and there will be adult supervision. Please don't take that as meaning you should breathe donw their necks and constantly watch them. They need their privacy too, and as long as you don't suspect them of using drugs or alcohol or other similar acts, why should you?

Take it from the mouth of a "funky" teen, nothing is wrong with your children. They are just going through a crucial stage in their lives where they are trying to find out who they want to be. Accept th em and help them. Be parents, not judges.

Learn more about this author, Corey Pike.
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