Parental Problems?

I'm pretty sure there is a point for every teenager, no matter who the parent and teen is and how the teen gets along with her parents, where the wishes of the teenager comes into conflict with the parents'. The amount of differences and conflict between parents and the teenager varies, but all of us despairing teens know the problems it can present and how hard it can be, especially when all us teenagers ask for is the normal stuff 'everyone' gets.
Having experienced parental problems myself, I know how difficult it can be to have strict parents who aren't crazy about the things I like to do (or do more of). I've recently been able to come up with some solutions that are paving the way for satisfaction for both me and my parents more, and thought I'd write about them here in a few ways to get along better with your parents.
1. Fulfill your responsibilities before expecting privileges. With my dad and mom, its always expected (like most parents I think) that I have a clean room, do chores, complete schoolwork/homework and everything else that I'm responsible for, before going out with friends or enjoying any privilege like that.
2. Ask instead of demanding. I have this extremely bad habit (not sure who else may have it too) where I state I'm getting something before asking my parents for it. Of course for some things, particularly small things, this is okay, but when its something pretty big, its probably a better idea to ask then just begin stating you're going to get or do something. Your parents will be pleased that you have enough respect for them to ask their permission or approval first.
3. Don't freak if your parents appear unreasonable. Even if they're not just appearing to be unreasonable, but actually are unreasonable, freaking out and getting upset, raising your voice and other expressions of emotion, only can make it worse. Sometimes negotiations can help-sitting down with your parents and putting together an agreement, such as if you do chores, you're obedient, and get the good grades parents ask for, that you get more of electronics, a reasonable curfew, more time with friends or more of freedom, or whatever else you're looking for.
4. Understand your parents and where they are coming from. Commonly referred to as something like the generation gap, this gap can raise problems for people who are twenty or more years apart from each other (parents and teens), who have a lot of times grown up in two very different environments and cultures. If your parents don't approve of the time you spend on electronics and social media, for example, understand where they are coming from. My parents grew up in a time when a teenager having her own phone (not even a smartphone, just a phone) wasn't a commodity at all. There was certainly no internet access period. Additionally, everything growing up for my parents was quite different from the way I am growing up.
5. Saving the most important for last, remember: make sure you build a strong relationship with your parents. More than getting anything you want, having a good relationship with your parents is far more important. To do this, it will be necessary for the respect, love and affection between you and parent/s to be mutual. Care about your parents, make them an important part of your day, talk to them about friends, school, and all that's going on in your life. For me, though I don't always get perfectly well along with parents, I have a strong relationship with them. My mom is a confidant of mine, and I a confidant for her. (Another cool thing to note, especially with my mom for myself, is that the more you grow up and get older, the more your parents become less of an authority figure and more of a friend you can confide to and turn to for help. :D)

Remember above all, no matter how much you can disagree with parents and they with you, remember how much your parents love you. Many times people can love another person so deeply that its faulty, because the deep care and love reaches to extremes at times. When you're upset with parents for not allowing you to always do what you want, realize they make that decision with only the best interest for you, and your physical, emotional and spiritual safety and well-being. Love your parents, because they are the ones that have taken care of you, loved you, still love you, and always will. :)

Lots of Love,
Veroni

The Power of Forgiveness

So, reading the title of my newest blog post, you may be confused as to why I am writing about forgiveness in a post on a girls' advice blog. But there is several reasons why, including the fact that teenagers, can and do struggle with forgiveness, and getting over painful incidents in their lives. Secondly, this blog has a Christian viewpoint, and for Christian teen girls, realizing the power of and practicing forgiveness is something essential for them.
Recently, I've had several different situations where I needed to practice forgiveness with others. Some painful events in my life have led me to realize forgiveness is vitally important to get over something that hurt you, and begins the healing process so you can move on steadily emotionally. These incidents I am obviously not going to detail here and relate online on a blog, but to shed some light on what was going on, I was having some emotional problems with some people supposingly who are "close" to me. Trying to get over the fact of what they had done and still could do, (some people hurt someone I really love and care about, while others just deeply hurt me) I have realized the impact forgiveness can have, not only to let those people who hurt you know you have forgiven them, but it instills more peace into your heart to lessen the pain within it.
So why is forgiveness so powerful? Well, to let go of the anger or hurt and frustration that you feel for a person can be minimized or taken away entirely if you choose to forgive those persons and what they may have done to you and let go of angry feelings for them. Additionally, as Christians we are called to forgive those who have wronged us. Jesus told us to forgive people who have hurt you. Forgiving someone will bring peace to your heart in an unimaginable and previously unforeseenable way.
If you are struggling to get over a painful incident with someone, pray to God for grace to overcome the angry and revengeful feelings you may have-and choose, choose to forgive the person/s who have hurt you. After forgiving them, give it all to God, and pray about it. In time, your wounds will heal and the emotional pain will hopefully subside. Know that I am praying for those struggling with this right now, because especially I know how really hard it can be. <3

Lots of Love,
~Veroni

Summer Bucket List: BFF Edition

Want to do more than just simply hang out this summer with your bff? If you want to make some amazing summer memories with your bestie or group of best friends, use some of these trendy ideas to have a blast together creating some fantastic memories! 
Make something together. Whether it be baking and cooking, crafting, or whatever else is your thing, creating something with your bestie is always tons of fun!
Make a video/vlog together. It doesn't matter on what, creating a video of anything you're both interested in with your bff can result in a lot of hilariousness, over-the-top fun, and memories.
Have a photo shoot. What is more fun than taking a series of fun shots to showcase with your bff on Instagram?
Have a movie marathon. Whether it be a favorite film series, or a movie variety to watch at day or night, don't forget the popcorn and loungewear!
Do an all nighter. Of course you're going to be falling asleep at breakfast the next morning, but it doesn't get more fun than staying up the entire night with your #1 girl friend. :D
Take a day road trip!  Relatively inexpensive, but tons of fun, visit wherever is your idea of the best destination, whether it be familiar or strange territory for you and your bff. Just have fun exploring and doing something different than the day-to-day usual summer activities! xD
Have a dance party! Tune into whatever is your shared favorite songs and rock this party with your bff!

Whether you do all or just some of the ideas on this list, be sure to add your own and create the epic bucket list for the summer to rock out and do with your bestie! <3

XOXO
~Veroni

Double Berry Smoothies

Since I was writing about healthy eating just a couple weeks ago, and I realize it can be a struggle for all us girls with crazy cravings but healthy intentions to get anywhere, I thought I'd share this ultra-delicious and easy recipe which also is really non-fattening! Enjoy! ;)

1 6 ounce strawberry yogurt
1/3 cup milk
3 medium strawberries, sliced
1/4 cup blackberries

Put all the ingredients in a blender, and blend well for 10-20 seconds, or until completely smooth and mixed well. Pour into a glass or smoothie cup of your choice and match up with a straw!

These are also great to make and share with friends! ;)

Xoxo
~Veroni~