In the past, teenagers were subject to their parents’ opinions, so they barely made their own decisions. In recent years, however, this situation has begun to change. The youngsters of the present day can determine their own lives better than their counterparts did in the past. I believe this change stems from a more flexible parent-child relationship and a gradual shift in parents’ education philosophy.

First, the domestic environment has altered considerably. Several decades ago, parents were stricter with their children. For example, some parents wanted their offspring to follow their path and inherit the family business. If a little boy’s father was a carpenter, it was likely that he would also become a carpenter due to parental influence. The father would impart carpentry skills to his son. In this case, the kid did not have many choices since he was too young to make his own decisions. His path had long been set.

In sharp contrast, nowadays, more parents have learned to let go of their children. They only provide their children with necessary caring and education. As their sons or daughters grow older, they would pay less attention to their children’s growth. These parents know that sometimes their attempt at perfecting their children would be futile. At times, kids just do not grow as their parents expect. In some cases, the more parents care for their children, the less the children become independent and mature. I have a college roommate whose parents spoil him. They give him instructions on copious issues. Once, he even let his father help him write his paper for his economics class, which proved harmful to his development of character.

In conclusion, with a more open relationship between family members and an idea adopted by their parents to let them run their course, teenagers can make more decisions than ever for their own sake.

In the past, teenagers were subject to their parents’ opinions and barely made their own decisions. In recent years, however, this situation has begun to change. I believe the youngsters of the present day can determine their own lives better than in the past, since their relations with their family members are getting more flexible, and many parents are changing their means of cultivating their children.

The atmosphere within families has altered a lot. Several decades ago, parents were stricter with their children. Some of them wanted their offspring to follow their path and inherit the family business. If a little boy’s father was a carpenter, it was likely that he would also become a carpenter. The father would impart his son the knowledge concerning how to make wood crafts. He was destined to be a man like his dad. In this case, the kid did not have many choices since he was too young to make his own decisions. His path had long been set.

In sharp contrast, nowadays, more and more parents have learned to “let go.” They only provide their children with the necessary caring and education. And as their sons or daughters grow older, they would pay less attention to their children’s growth. These parents know that sometimes their attempt at steering their children would be futile. The kids just will not be developing as their parents expect. And in some cases, the more parents care for their children, the less the children become independent and mature. I have a college roommate whose parents spoil him. They give him instructions on copious issues. Once, he even let his father help him write his paper for his economics class, which was rather eye-opening.

In conclusion, with a more open relationship between family members and a more advanced idea that parents have started to adopt, teenagers can make more decisions than ever, for their own sake.