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DOLLY.COM.AU DOLLYMAG

SPECIES:

THE GENERAL

On-screen example:Veronica

Hastings(Pretty Little Liars)

IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOUR:You’ll recognise The

Peerenter(those who think like a parent but instead

act like a peer) by the way they interact with their

own children, treating them as one of their BFFs.

The Peerenter makes a strong effort to always stay

up-to-date with all the latest trends, hottest gossip

and coolest jams in order to relate to their child.

NATURAL HABITAT:

Sitting on your bed every afternoon after school

askingabout your day with phrases like “So what’s

the happ’?” Meanwhile, you facepalm yourself so

hard it leaves a massive red mark on your face.

Stalking your Facebook and Instagram pages

(including your crush) and leaving embarrassing

comments on all of your pics and status updates.

They also love sending friend requests to your buds.

HOW TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEM:

“There are some parents who want to do as well

asparticipate in everything you do. It’s not to watch

over you necessarily; it’s just because they want to

be your friend and see themselves as ‘one of the

gang’,” explains Stefanie. “Feel confident enough

to address this with your parents by explaining that

you enjoy spending time with them, but also need

to have a part of your life that is separate to them.”

IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOUR:Easily the most feared species of all,

TheGenerals are the parents that enforce strict rules that you (and even

your friends) wouldn’t dare to break. You don’t want to be grounded!

NATURAL HABITAT:

Rocking up to your bestie’s house when they call, insisting you come

homeimmediately to get started on your homework... on the weekend.

In your teacher’s office, demanding they assign you more homework

to prepare you for uni. That’ll make your classmates love you... not!

HOW TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEM:“Parents, teens

andrules are not often a great mix,” Stefanie Schwartz explains

child and adolescent clinical pyschologist (groupworx.com.au). “Your

parents will always set ground rules, but if you feel the rules are not

fair, think of a compromise. Your parents will always be more willing

to entertain a change in rules if you have thought about it beforehand

and presented it to them rather than blowing up and having a fight.”

SPECIES:

THE PEERENTER

We‘ve delved into each

species of parent to help

you identify your folks!

parents

The

guide to

On-screen example: Phil Dunphy (Modern Family)

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