The home is like a bus station. At the end of every day, the driver and the conductor return to the depot to rest while their bus is cleaned, checked and refueled. The following day, the driver and the conductor set out to face another grueling day at work.

Similarly, people go home to rest, eat nutritious meals, and interact with their families. It is in the home where people refuel to keep physically and emotionally strong for the next day’s work. However, conditions in the home may not always be conducive to or ideal for rest and harmonious interactions due to misunderstandings between and among family members.

Conflicts between parents and their children especially the teenagers, or between teenagers and their siblings are common. Because teenagers are naturally carefree, adventurous, and self-conscious, they are usually misunderstood and seen as irresponsible or not worthy of one’s trust. In turn, teenagers feel that the adults in the family are always finding fault with them and conclude that they are not loved.

While parents generally set the mood in the home, your contributions to a harmonious and satisfying family life can make a big difference. Here are some ways in which you can help:

-Keep the house in order through simple acts like pushing the dining chair back in place after eating, refilling pitchers with drinking water and putting them back in the fridge, and washing the drinking glasses or coffee cups after use. Order in the house can be achieved by keeping things within their assigned storage areas: books on shelves, dirty clothes in a hamper, and shoes on a shoe rack

-Join family activities. While it is understandable that you prefer to spend most of your time with your friends, do not forget that you have a family. be home in time for meals. Take time to share meals with your family. This is also the best time to tell your parents about your achievements in school, or about your drama group, or your plans to join the varsity team. Join trips to lolo and lola. Attend religious services with your family.

-Consider the needs of your parents and siblings. Teenagers should realize the need to share the facilities and resources at home with parents, siblings, and other members of the household. Make sure that your behavior or activities do not deprive other family members of living space, nourishment, or a relaxing atmosphere within the home. For example, adults generally prefer the soft, flowing melodies of classical music or jazz rather than the loud, irregular beat of rock music. Show your consideration by lowering the volume of the radio or stereo, or wearing headphones so as not to disturb others.