Growing up, there wasn't much that got past my parents. They were older, wiser, and not putting up with nonsense from their second and last child. I would wonder why I couldn't do certain things my friends could and I felt as if I was being treated like a child. My favorite line to make my parents feel bad when I didn't get my way was "Why don't you trust me?" Although there were times I wanted to literally run away and pull my hair out of my scalp, as I grow older I am thankful for the distinct values and morals my parents instilled in me.

1. Save the tears for your pillow.

If I was being yelled at by my parents, tears were not an option. If I even felt my eyes getting wet or snot coming from my nose, it was time to suck that mess back in because tears were meant for the pillow not for my parents to deal with.

2. Sleepovers are nonexistent.

I can truthfully say my parents never got comfortable with sleepovers until my senior year of high school and that's even an overstatement. If they didn't know the parents on a personal level, it was a no. If the parent didn't call them to make sure it was okay for me to spend the night, it was a no. Not only was a phone call needed, but basically a full background check and interrogation. Pretty much, if I asked to sleepover anywhere it was a solid no.

3. "So and so is not my child."

I learned quickly to never bring up my friends who could do the things I was not allowed to my parents because so and so was not their child and they were an irrelevant factor to the situation

4. Good grades were expected.

Personally my parents were never constantly on my back about having good grades, but they were expected. A's were not monetary rewarded in my household, but I guess you could say proud parents, having a house to live in, A/C, clothes to wear, a phone, and a car were the numerous rewards.

5. Extracurricular activities were a must.

Laying up in the house all day was not acceptable. However, my parents always had me busy growing up whether it was dance, piano, choir, basketball, plays, church, or whatever, so eventually they let me make the choice in what I wanted to do in order to stay out of the house and trouble.

6. My parents are not my friends.

As I got older, my relationship with my parents became stronger and more comfortable, but I quickly found out after crossing the boundary that my parents were not friends until I'm grown. I later found out that being 18 did not mean I was grown. Until I could support my self financially and I was completely independent, then I was considered grown by my parents.

7. Smacking lips

Unless I wanted my lips removed by the back hand of my mother or father, then smacking my lips was not a good idea.

8. First name basis

Unless I lost in a very big store, then that was the only time it was acceptable to call my parents by their first name. If I ever thought about disrespecting my parents with the use of their government names, then that would be the end of me.

9. Respecting authority

I learned at a young age that respecting authority was a must. It did not matter if I had a disagreement with the person in authority. At times I've found this difficult, but it has made my relationship with adults and people in authority easier and more cordial.

10. Curfew

My curfew until my senior year was midnight and if my parents were feeling generous then maybe 12:30. This was no argument or open for discussion. If we're being optimistic, I guess you could say having a curfew taught me how to make the most of my time and how to speed.

11. Cussing

Cussing in front of my parents was a death sentence awaiting. I have to watch my mouth at all times and if I didn't the consequence was much worse than a quarter in the swear jar.

12. Tell them things in advance.

If I wanted to go to a party or really anywhere, I had to tell my parents at least a week in advance because if I didn't they would tell me things like "a responsible adult would have these things planned out." It takes at least five business days to convince them to let me do anything.

13. How to get my parents to say yes.

I'm not saying I learned how to lie and sneak with strict parents, but I definitely learned how to reword situations, build sympathy, and leave a few things out to make stuff seem more appealing to my parents.

14. How to be a well behaved human being.

All in all, having strict parents taught me how to be a decent human being. It showed me how to take care of my business, how to respect others, and respect myself. although there were many times I felt like my parents actions were unfair, now that I'm older I'm thankful for the way I was brought up. I'm happy that my parent expected more from me and put me on a higher pedestal than other people's children. It has ultimately made me into a better person and I attribute my success to many of their teachings.