There is a popular saying that respect is reciprocal which means that when you give respect, you will receive it in return. Respect is an issue for a lot of teen these days for reasons that are nonsensical, silly and just outright ridiculous. They make it a part of their life to dish out disrespect to people that are older than them and walk around with the believe that it is cool and some even think it makes them popular or that it endears them to a set of people and even that it makes people see them in a new light.

Respect is a virtue that everyone should have no matter what. Like I always tell my students and younger sisters, do unto others what you want others to do to you. It is a simple rule of life that wreaks logic. The teenage girls are a wonder to behold when they are in their early teen years. They are at their most vulnerable state and at this period in their life, everything sticks. At the stage, they are like a sponge; they suck in all kinds of things. The environment they live in, the people around them, the happenings in their immediate family are all a huge contributing factor to who they are at that time and most times what they become after.

The teenage girls are the busiest. To them, life seems to race and them with it. They do everything and believe they can not do any wrong. Some go to the extent of moving out of their parents house and so many of them even run away at a very young age when they are not getting their ways. This is a menace and it boils down to something old and simple: lack of respect. When you respect those around you, their opinions will mean something to you no matter how dumb you see it as a young girl that wants to try out everything that is fun. Your parents cease to be your number one enemy and the reason you flee from home.

Many of the teen girls claim that they have overbearing and dominating parents and thus they do what they do. But this is the news flash: all parents are dominating, yours is no different. They are the vessels that brought you to life. Amidst the shouting, the nagging, the swearing, the scolding, the smile and let down there is always a voice that wants it to stop. Teens should open their minds. They should try and understand where the parents are coming from; the parents should understand where the teens are going to. A compromise should be the deal maker here. Each party should be wary of the hate word when they are having conversations. It do not always end well when it is used.

The teens should know that their parents might be the most difficult people to live with, they might be uncool, nerdy and not quite understanding and what other sins you teens come up with; they still know best and they do not deserve disrespect from you in any ways; actions or words.

Come to think of it, as a teenage girl how angry and upset do you get when your younger siblings yell at you in front of your friends or something. It is unpleasant right? Imagine what your parents must be thinking when you do the same to them. Believe me, it is not a happy feeling no matter how forgiving they might be as your parents.

Teens should know that their parents are not the people they should disrespect no matter what they utter. The older people in your family will put you on a pedestal when you do what you are suppose to do as a child and not give them any kind of mouth because you believe you can or you could. There are a lot of things you can gain from them so do not spoil or ruin the relationship or tie you have with them because of an immediate rush of anger.

Stop and think before you say that word. Roll it around in your head and measure its gravity before you blurt it out. Once out the damage is done not even when you wish it back. Respect opens door for people and you as a teen has a lot to gain than loose when you make it a virtue. It will map out ways for you than you could ever imagine. Let your actions speak what your mind thinks. It is the first step towards becoming responsible and being taken seriously. The teens should know that what you dish out is what you get served.