Q: Why do everyone else’s parents seem way cooler than mine? People like my parents better than their own as well. Do all kids feel that way?

Don’t worry–you’re 100 percent normal! The grass is always greener on the other side, and that’s especially true when it comes to our family. For some reason, we can always see our family members’ faults like we’re viewing them under a microscope, but we need binoculars to see their truly amazing qualities. I have met a few girls in my lifetime who actaully thought their parents were the best ever. I think I understand their secret now, and if you take it to heart, you may just appreciate your family in a whole new light.

These girls simply understand basic logic. It goes something like this: If all girls feel that their parents should star on episodes of “The Weirdest Family”–even the girls that have really cool parents–then we girls must be thinking irrationally. And if we’re thinking irrationally, then mightn’t it be possible that–just maybe–my parents really are cool (in their own, quirky way) but I just can’t see it because I live with them?” Presto! Once a girl starts thinking in those terms, she starts to see her parents a little differently. When her dad starts singing “Sweet Home Alabama” while dancing with Mom in the kitchen, she starts to appreciate that her parents like to have fun together. Instead of rolling her eyes when Mom says that she can’t do club volleyball simultaneously with club tuba (is there such a thing?), she overcomes her disappointment by realizing that her mom just really cares about her and doesn’t want her to overload herself. If a girl decides that–even if she can’t see it right away– there’s a chance her parents are pretty decent, she’ll start to notice the wise and fun and even silly ways her parents make life more enjoyable.

So what’s it going to be? Do you want to be the type of girl who cowers in embarrassment every time her parents do something goofy (making herself–and them–miserable)? Or do you want to be the type of girl who embraces her family members for who they are, appreciating their redemptive qualities, and enjoying life more in the process? Seems like a no brainer to me! (But then again, now that I am the goofy parent, I may be a little biased!)

Love,