Should parents let teenagers make their own decisions?

Many teenagers often complain about how they are restricted by their parents in decision making and other aspects of their lives. They complain that they feel trapped inside a cage and that they have no freedom and liberty to do whatever they like. However, what they do not know is that their parents are actually doing these things for their own good. Without their parents, they might eventually make the wrong choices in life. These choices might eventually lead to severe consequences that they might eventually regret. Thus, parents should not let teenagers make their won decisions.

Teenagers are easily influenced by their peers around them and they might be easily convinced into making incorrect decisions. For example, a teen might do something wrong that his friends had asked him to do just to fit into the group. Thus, parents must be there to stop the teen in making the wrong decision and guide him in the correct direction.

Also, many teens are often distracted by the latest "in" thing, such as having a Facebook account, or having the newest iPhone and android phone.For example, when a teen sees most of his friends having the latest Android phone, he would definitely want an android phone as he would not want to be left out. However, parents should step in at this time to stop the teen from buying the phone. This is so as some features of the Android phone,such as the apps and internet surfing, might distract the child from his work. Also, parents were also once teens and would definitely know how it feels and know the harmful consequences of these things. Thus, teens should not be allowed to make their own decisions.

However, parents should not exercise total dictatorship over their children. Parents should learn how to "loosen their grip" on their children and slowly let their children make their own decisions. These decisions may include what courses the child wants to take in college. Parents should not force their child to take a course that he or she does not have passion or interest in. Thus, parents should only exercise a certain amount of control over their children.