The most annoying trial of growing up is dealing with strict parents. You can never stay out as long as your friends, you aren't going to THE party of the year, and you missed that concert last week because it was "too far away" for you to drive. But what else did you miss? A ticket for being a minor driving after midnight, a cop arresting everyone at the aforementioned party, and a wreck on the freeway to that concert. Okay, these might seem like a stretch, but they are all possible. Let's face it, parents are "controlling" because they want to keep us safe. Sure we complain about them a lot, but we'll thank them for it eventually.

I used to get so frustrated when my parents made me stay in instead of going out with my friends. I would always think "when I get my license that will change". Well, it never did. I've complained a lot about it, but I know that they're doing it to keep me safe. It's hard for parents to let go of their kids. We use to be their little babies, so precious and innocent. They wanted to be able to just hold us safe in their arms forever. However, we all have to grow up. Now we're about to be out in the real world, and they're terrified of letting us go. They know the hardships we will face: taxes, paying rent, and other adult things that we will struggle to get used to. So they try their best to keep us close, to keep us little for a bit longer. And I love my parents for caring that much.

Some people don't get the kind of love we get: that tough love that comes from a deep desire to keep us safe from harm. Many kids have grown up with parents that are neglectful and uncaring. Be grateful that your "overprotective" parents are not like that. Spend time with your family, because pretty soon you won't be able to see them very often.

I'm grateful that my parents have kept me closer and limited the things I do. I've been able to straighten out my priorities and avoid situations that would've been harmful to me. So appreciate your strict parents y'all; they only want what's best for you.