1) Young Muslims - The Message

2. When parents are reasonable - that is, when they give all kindsof reasons for a rule or decision - listen to them until they finish.Stay calm and then take each reason one at a time and tellthem why you disagree. They won't know how to deal with thisbecause they expect you to interrupt, get angry, or bedisrespectful. Of course, you have to have some pretty goodreasons of your own, or you're the unreasonable one.3. If your parent denies your request or won't allow you morefreedom, don't ask, "Why?" This will only get you anotherreason that supports the "no." Rather than "Why?" it is betterto ask, "What can I do to get the privilege, request, orfreedom?" The "What can I do?" question will give you someidea of what you have to do to get a "yes."4. When parents get angry, it isn't the time to get angry withthem. A lot of times they're not upset with you, but with theirboss, the neighbor, or the price of groceries. You just happen tobe there at the wrong time. Look hurt. Slump in your chair andlook at them with pitiful eyes. If this doesn't work, get out ofthe way when they're in a bad mood. They need some time andspace. Go outside, to a friend's house, or to your room.Eventually they will settle down and miss you.5. Parents are unfair at times and this may make you angry. Don'tdiscuss your complaints when either of you is angry or upset.Calm down and wait until they're in a good mood. Discuss yourfeelings later that day or in a few days.6. When discussing your complaints, opinions, or requests, do notact sassy and flippant. Do not raise your voice; instead, discussthe matter in a normal tone. If you holler or appear flippant,they will hear only this. If you stay calm and talk, they may hearwhat you say.Young Muslims, What they should know about Islam Page - 264