Letters from the Switched on "Teen Freedom" issue

Dear SwitchedOn,
Both of my best friends just got their license, my
parents won't let me even take a drivers test, I think
this is really unfair and since I am of age I should
be able to get my license. What can I do?
Jonathan
Albany , NY

Dear Jonathan,
Well, to be quite honest, there are few things that
you can do. Your parents are most likely worried
about your safety and do not want you on the roads,
therefore holding you back from obtaining your
license. They also may not be able to afford a
teenage driver. Not only would they need an extra
car, or forfeit their own car, there is gas and
insurance that go along with it. Without jumping to
the conclusion that they are just being terribly
unfair, why not ask them what their reason is. And if
you still feel that they are being unfair, talk to
them about working out a deal so that sooner, then way
later, you will be able to work on getting your
license.
Signed,
SwitchedOn

Dear SwitchedOn,
My parents have set up strict rules about changing our
appearances. I really want to dye my hair but I know
if I do they would freak out. I think I may do it
anyway, after it's done they can't do anything about
it. What's your opinion?
Joy
Fayetteville,AR

Joy,
Since I do not know the total situation involving your
Parents' “appearance rules” it's hard to say what you
should do. They most likely set the rules so that you
would obey them while you live in their house, and
perhaps when you move out you will be free to make
your own decisions. If you are ready to face the
consequences of breaking the rules, then the choice is
yours, just make sure that the pros weigh a lot more
then the cons when you make it.
Signed,
SwitchedOn

Dear SwitchedOn,
My friends and I are always hanging out, staying out
late, and partying. A girl in my class mentioned that
my parents don't care about me because they let me do
whatever I want. I believe that they just trust me.
What do you think?
Kevin,
San Jose , California

Dear Kevin,
Every parent is different; therefore every parent has
different ways of doing things. Some are very strict
and set rules for everything their teen does, from
curfew, what friends they can have, and where they can
go. Others allow more freedom for their teens to
decide what is good for them. Just because you parent
does allow you to choose for your self, doesn't mean
they do not care. But it also means that you need to
make smart decisions for your self. So even though
you are awarded more freedom then others, make sure
that you don't abuse it, by doing things that you know
they wouldn't approve of, but more importantly that
will put you in an unsafe position.
Signed,
SwitcheOn