As a college student, I know there would be no way I would be where I am without my parents.  Emotionally, physically, and financially, parents are the ones students lean on constantly as they journey through high school and college. Although students may realize how much support they have gotten from their parents from time to time, mostly we forget and quickly judge things that we need on top of the things we may already have.  Clamoring for cars, party privileges, and money for anonymous reasons are all reasons why students clash with their parents.  But not all clashes are initiated from the students’ side.  Parent’s expectations in terms of grades or school or curfew times are likely battlefields too.  Bumpy rides between students and their parents are inevitable as differences arise between the generations. 

            As a son of loving parents, I present some advice for other parents out there.  Talk to your child without the impression that it is mandatory.  Talk about life experiences, talk about sports, talk about whatever.  Casual talking is often a forgotten remedy to patching up an argument or seeing if either side needs anything.  Communication is important so that the students and the parents know what’s going on with each other.  A second piece of advice to parents is to expect and understand often snarky outbursts from us students.  We are at a stage where we are balancing hormonal impulses, work, and relationships so don’t fly off the handle at the first backtalk or a snappy response late at night.  Enforce where respect is needed but remember all you parents did the same things when you were our age.  Firmly remind us that you’re here for us and we’ll respond in kind.