P

P is for parents. Parents nag. Nagging, nagging, and more nagging. Sure, that's what most teenagers think of their parents, but is there more? Parents are there for you when you need them. They watch over you, and make sure you stay safe. They love you no matter what you do.

Parents nag. But have you ever wondered why parents nag so much? Think about it. Parents just want you to be the best you that you can be. Most parents feel that this is their mission in life: to give you the best childhood ever. By nagging you, your parents could actually be trying to help you. (I know, it doesn't really feel like it, does it?) Just think:

Version 1: (nagging) It is 6 in the morning, and time to wake up for school. You decide to put your alarm on snooze and catch a few more winks. But then, just as you're getting to that nice, calm, and relaxing doze, your mom or dad come into the room, muttering under their breath about how you are going to be late if you don't get out of bed this very minute. After a whole lot of nagging, you stumble out of bed, and get ready for school. On your way downstairs, you remember that you have a test today. Whatever, you think, no one else will remember. But of course, your mom or dad is at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for you. "You never mentioned last night that you have a test today!" they exclaim. "If you start to study now, you might have enough time." You start to argue, but it's no use. They hand you the book and tell you that you need to study now, and that nothing is going to change that. You glare at them, but take the book, and sit down to study. After half an hour, and some hard studying, you're feeling a lot better about the test. Your parents test you on the material to build your confidence, and then say that you'll need to eat something, then run and catch the bus. You tell them that you don't have time to eat, because the bus will be here any second. They shove a piece of toast into your one hand and an apple into the other, and send you out the door. When you get to school, you ace your test, and have a great day.

Version 2: (no nagging) It is 6 in the morning, and time to wake up for school, but you sleep on. You forgot to turn on your alarm the night before, and no one reminded you to. At 7, you wake up, take one look at the clock, and dash out of bed. You get ready in world record timing. As you sprint downstairs, you remember you have a test today, but quickly dismiss the thought. Who cares? It's not like it counts for anything. You make a quick decision to skip eating, and attempt to catch the bus. As you make a mad dash towards the road, you can see your bus pulling in. You run faster than you have ever run before, and just make it. As you sit there, staring out the window, you realize that you didn't pack yourself a lunch. Your stomach growls with the thought of food, but it's going to be a while before you have some. When you get off the bus, you have a pounding headache from being so hungry. By the time you get to the class that your test is in, your head pounds every time you move. When you are handed the test, you try, but you just don't understand. You fail the test, and have the worst day of your life.

As you can see in the examples above, your parents' nagging could actually be for your own good. A good nagger is like a good coach!

Life Lesson: Parents have good hearts. They want you to succeed. They want to help you be your best you. They love you like no one else can. Be grateful.