1) Young Muslims - The Message

7. Do not create situations where there is a winner and a loser.You're the child and will probably lose most of the time. Howmany times have you grounded your mother or taken away thephone privileges from your dad? Try to compromise and workout a situation where both of you win.8. If you have trouble talking to your parents, or if they get angryevery time you try to discuss something, write a note. Put it ontheir pillow. Parents are pushovers for notes like this and willprobably keep them forever.9. Take your mom or dad out alone occasionally. Tell them youwant just the two of you to go on a walk or out to eat. They'll beworried at first, because they'll think you're going to tell themsomething terrible. Don't - just tell them you like having themall to yourself once in a while. They will probably cry or hug you.Put up with it.10. Spend some time in the same room with your parents whilethey are watching TV or reading. Sit down and talk to themabout school, your friends, or something else that interests you.At first they may think you're on some type of drug because ofthe change in your behavior. They'll get over this feeling andwill love the "new you."11. You do not do favors for people who argue with you or areuncooperative. If you act like this with your parents, there is achance that they will not cooperate when you ask for favors:Can I sleep at friend's house? Can I go to the football game? CanI use the car? Try to cooperate and minimize conflict, becausethis will certainly work in your favor.12. Ask your parents once a day, "Is there anything I can do foryou?" Most of the time they will probably say no, or give yousomething that will take a few minutes to complete. Yourparents will love this and see you as a very cooperative person.Young Muslims, What they should know about Islam Page - 265