By Gwendolyn Young

Dear Hope:

My parents don’t approve of my friends. What can I do to make them see that my friends are not bad people?  —  Anonymous

Dear Anonymous:

This is something that almost every teen goes through at one time or another. First, you may want to look at it from your parent’s perspective. Maybe they see something you don’t. Try having a conversation with your parents and ask clarifying questions that can help you understand why they think your friends are not good for you. Parents may seem like they know everything (especially when it comes to friends), but they’re only looking out for your best interest and don’t want to see you hurt or end up with the wrong crowd.

Second, share with your parents and explain to them why you hang with your friends and why you like them. Try to facilitate ways in which your friends and your parents could get to know each other. For instance, you could plan for you and your friends to hangout at your home while your parents are there. This may help change your parent’s view of your friends. I wish you the best and hope everything works out for you. VFP

This column is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice. Questions may be submitted anonymously or via pseudonym to thevillagefreepress@gmail.com, or gyoung@mysoh.org. Gwendolyn Young, M.A., C.P.C., is the Executive Director of Seed of Hope Foundation, a nonprofit girls mentoring organization based in Westchester. 

SEEDING THE GREATNESS IN YOU!