It's no secret that teenagers have a reputation for having a wild side, or a rebellious stage in which they break rules, get in trouble and essentially run wild.

Every parent's dream.

No matter how strict a parent wishes to be, no matter how many rules, guidelines, and phones are taken away, rebellion has its own way of coming out.

Not only is it typical for a teenager to rebel, but it wouldn't be right if a pastor's daughter wasn't the one leading the pack.

We have so many stereotypes, and unfortunately, there are reasons those stereotypes have been developed.

Parents are humiliated by the poor behavior coming from their children, and children continue to grow deeper and deeper into trouble. It becomes a cycle, that everyone hopes and prays they grow out of.

Some kids are violent, some break rules, some talkback, each act out in the way they feel is the most effective.

I'm no parent, so that isn't a perspective I can approach, but as a former child, and as an individual with a rebellious nature I'm here to offer up my side.

My opinion.

Instead of trying so desperately to change your rebellious child, your friend, or your loved one, listen to them.

Try to understand them, and maybe even get to know them?

Rather than ransacking their rooms, and reading their diaries or private messages, take an interest in the music they listen to, or the books they read.

Take the time to watch one of their favorite shows or movies, and if they're willing, ask them questions about what they are interested in, and what their opinions are.

We all want to be heard and understood, some of us just have a funny way of showing it.

If the leash you have on your kid isn't working, maybe consider another option?

I remember being told by a friend that her parents didn't want her to hang out with me because I wasn't a good influence.

Nothing hurts a kid, or an individual more than being told your bad, "or not good," this only fuels the fire even more, as they begin thinking that's all they're capable of if that's all they're ever told.

Gossip, insults, and rude comments are not the way to go about "changing anyone," or "fixing them."

Judgement won't work, whether you're a friend, parent, or loved one unless you want them to run even further, try loving them before putting them down.

Some people grow out of phases, and others don't, but we have to learn to accept everyone around us and love all the different personalities, and behaviors.

Some of us are rebellious, it's not that we want to necessarily "be bad," but it's apart of who we are, and it doesn't have to be bad.

Rebellion can be used for great things, and for good things, no one is doomed, or too far gone simply because they have more rebellious tendencies.

Maybe they aren't the star student or athlete, maybe they don't go to youth group, or have the friend group you dreamed of them having.

There is so much we can learn from those around us, so maybe try learning from them?

Listen to the actions and behaviors of others, before jumping to conclusions, or judging.

I was the girl who humiliated her parents, the cliché rebel, the stereotypical teenager, and while things have grown better through time, I'm still as rebellious as I was before.

But rather than feeling the need to act out, hurt others, and myself, I use it to speak up, to stand up for others, to make my voice heard, and pray that it is used for good.

Stop trying to convert people, to change them, or to fix them, try listening, loving, and learning from them instead.

Love goes a long way.

Look at rebellion as a sign of a kid who just wants to be heard, and seen for who they are.