LiveWorld Transcripts

tNBC presents

t-Talk
Need Some Advice?

December 20, 2000

Having a problem you don’t know how to solve? Any unanswered questions about school, relationships or life in general? Get some answers from t-Talk!

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TNBC: Welcome to t-Talk, tNBC's chat room. tNBC and NBCi provide this service as entertainment for its users. The individuals providing information and advice are not professional counselors, and the opinions and advice given do not necessarily reflect the views of tNBC and NBCi. BORING BUT NECESSARY INFORMATION- You agree not to use offensive language or personally attack any other participants or third parties. You are solely responsible for all of your communications, and you agree not to violate or infringe upon the rights of others. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right, but are not obligated, to edit or delete any information that it deems to violate these ground rules. NBCi and Talk City reserve the right to suspend access to anyone who violates these rules. NBCi and Talk City also reserve the right to republish, disseminate and broadcast any materials posted. With all that out of the way, welcome t-Talk!

T-Talk: Welcome to the second week of t-Talk.

Amanda: What are some of the types of pressure that teens have to deal with?

T-Talk: I think a lot of the pressures teens have to deal with are, usually, pressures put on them by their parents--going to school, getting good grades, and normal responsibilities around the household. Then, there are pressures that teens put on each other like excelling at sports, wearing the right clothes, and sometimes being asked to do things against their will.

Sammy TX: Do you feel that children today are finding they have more issues growing up than what they may of, say, 10 years ago, and why?

T-Talk: I think that there's definitely a lot more issues that they have. I think if they have parents who instill the values to make the right decisions, they will be able to handle the pressures.

Amanda: My brother has always been a high achiever, and my parents think he's the 'Ant's Pants'. I feel like I'm living up to a legend. How can I possibly live up to his standards in my parents' eyes?

T-Talk: You can't. That is your brother's goods. He probably will always be better at that particular thing that he does, but I think there is something that you can do just as well that you could show your parents, and perhaps explain to them that maybe they shouldn't be comparing you to him. You may feel that they do compare, because he is an overachiever. Just stick to something that you enjoy, whether you are good at it or not. Just have fun with it.

Sierra: My parents are very strict, and they won't allow me to have my friends and enjoy being with them without criticizing what I wear and where I go. Why are they like this?

T-Talk: My guess is that your parents probably don't like the clothes that your friends are wearing, as that may affect the way you carry yourself. If your parents view your friends as something that they don't like, then they are definitely going to try to persuade you to not hang around with them. I think you can have the same friends, and have your own style, without having to dress like them. It's not what you wear; it's about who you are.

Da Boss: Who do you think is the most important person in a family?

T-Talk: I think everyone is equally important. I think everyone plays an important role in his or her family, and it is up to you to recognize that and respect it.

Concerned P: My daughter has started being very secretive and coming home late. I have set guidelines on what I feel is a suitable time to come home, but she seems to want to stand up to me every time. How do I deal with this?

T-Talk: Well, teens normally don't take 'no' for an answer, especially when it comes to rules. I think it's great that you are enforcing boundaries, and it is up to her to adhere to them. It just comes to the matter of really enforcing those rules, because lots of times teens can try and manipulate, or make you feel sorry for them, to get what they want. Just stick with what you are doing, but also, maybe explain your reasons, and not just give point blank answers like 'no'.

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