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Baggin' that naggin': feel like the rents are on your case 24/7? Here's how to deal—and get along with 'em way better

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2005 by Lisa Mulcahy

You've mastered 40 French verbs, memorized most of the periodic table for chem made major progress on your world history report. Your reward to yourself?. Chilling to a little Laguna Beach.

Then, out of nowhere, your mom interrupts a Kristin meltdown to jump on your case for not taking Murphy, the family labradoodle, out for his nightly stroll. Does she expect that pooch to be walked 3,000 times a day?

Next, your dad starts in with how you got up 10 minutes late for school the past two mornings and that you'd better be home Friday night by curfew ... or else.

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Yeesh! The nagging is plucking at your every last nerve. Getting a constant earful from your folks is a total bummer. Wanna get a grip on the sitch? Here's how to make the moves that are gonna bring peace--and quiet.

WHERE'S THE BEEF?

When your mom is freaking for the umpteenth time about the dirty-denim mound in your room, it's totally tempting to tune her out. Here's our shocking advice: Do the opposite by listening to her gripe. Truth is, you'll never nip the nagging if you don't understand where it's coming from and why.

Another thing you need to get is that when parents nag, it's usually because they want what's best for you. While it may seem stupid that a pile of Sevens is enough to send your mom into a spazz attack, she's trying to teach you that ya gotta take care of business. So when Mom sees you slacking, her aim is to get you back on track.

Parents often see small, irresponsible stuff as symptoms of a bigger prob. Sure, the messy state of your crib is on her mind. More important, though, she's worried it's a sign you'll be disorganized in other areas of life, like when it comes to handling crucial school deadlines.

So the key is to reassure your mom. You could say, "Mom, I know I've let my room go, but it's not because I'm flaky or lazy. I've been caught up with school work, that's all. I'll clean it up this weekend." Then, keep your promise.

BETTER LATE THAN ... NAH

Your dad gave you $50 to paint the storage room in the basement. You got off to a great start, whitewashing almost half of it that very first day. But instead of finishing the job the next day, you hit the mall with some friends. Since then, it seems that afternoons at football games and evenings with your buds at Sushi Palace keep getting in the way of your painting progress--and Dad is on your back beyond belief.

So let's review: Your dad handed you a task (not to mention some cash), you agreed to complete it, and now, weeks later, he's left with a striped-paint eyesore. Who's being unfair? Yep, you are. We totally understand how easy it is to get caught up in back-to-school fun. But you're letting your dad down big-time. A deal's a deal, and your dad has every right to sound off.

Scratch this weekend's home game, grab your brush, and finish that room pronto. Once you've completed the job, tell Dad, "I'm sorry I didn't finish the storeroom right away--you shouldn't have had to keep after me about it." Then volunteer to take care of another task, like organizing all the junk in the garage. Do a tip-top job--no cutting corners and no funsy breaks. This is an excellent way to show Dad you've learned to finish what you started.

EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES

Dad asked you to take out the stinky garbage, but your BFF started texting you with a crush crisis. Mom asked you to stop off for bread on the way home from school, but you forgot because it's the first week of soccer so you've got game on the brain. Doesn't she expect way too much from you, anyway?

Uh ... nope. A huge part of life is learning to juggle tons of different stuff all at the same time. Making excuses just doesn't cut it. Sure, friends are important and you have a lot going on. Still, you need to learn to prioritize and roll with whatever is at hand.

The key to prioritizing your activities? Always tackle the tough stuff first. Make a habit of it. Load the dishwasher before giving yourself a manicure, research that paper before IMing your friends, and scoop Fluffy's catbox before flipping on the TV. Get the necessary to-do's out of the way, and excuses will be a thing of the past. The real payoff? Your 'rents will notice your strides in the "I'm responsible" department.

Another point to remember? Constantly whining away about why you didn't do what you were supposed to do makes you look like a total ditz who can't be counted on to come through on anything. Not a cool way for the 'rents to regard you. Your word needs to be solid, or they might decide to clip your wings in a big way.

GETTING THEM TO STOP THE STALKING

Parents also tend to repeat commands like skips in a CD because you're getting older and more independent. They know you're taking on fresh challenges, and they want you to ace 'em. The more new stuff you tackle, the more they'll worry about you. That's totally normal.

Say your BFF Chelsea is throwing her annual birthday sleepover--and, for the first time, boys are invited. Your 'rents said you could go, but your mom's already let you know she'll be calling to "check in" during the party. Doesn't she have any confidence in you?

Baggin' that naggin': feel like the rents are on your case 24/7? Here's how to deal—and get along with 'em way better

Girls' Life, Oct-Nov, 2005 by Lisa Mulcahy

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