DOLLY
LIFE
On-screen example:Marge Simpson(The Simpsons)
IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOUR: They guide their children
from afar, combatting their personal problems with loving
words of wisdom and a warm hug but making sure that
they are not too heavily involved in their kids’ lives. It may
be that sometimes, they aren’t really involved at all.
NATURAL HABITAT:
Dropping you off at a party and giving you a mild
lectureabout right and wrong, but trusting that you’ll be
responsible. If something goes badly, you always call.
Offering you brief vague, mumsy advice on your current
situation based on ‘When I was a little girl’ stories, but
leaving you to figure out a solution on your own.
HOW TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEM:
“If you find your parent is one who tends to sit
back and let you pave your own experience
in life, then it’s a good idea to have a chat with
them about how you’d really appreciate their
input; especially in some important matters,”
suggests Stefanie. “Start to ask your parents’
opinions on things that really matter to you
like school, friendships, relationships.
In this way you can show your
parents that their input really
matters and does help
and support you.”WORDS
MATTHEW GALEA.
ILLUSTRATION
LISA MOSES.
PHOTOGRAPHY
GETTY IMAGES, NETWORK TEN.
SPECIES:^
THE PASSIVE PARENT
IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOUR:A common species
whoare known to constantly hover around their own
offspring, picking at their every movement. They will
moreoften than not offer hints and suggestions that may
come from love, but are bound to drive you bonkers.
NATURAL HABITAT:
At the shops, crashing your day with the girls by
bumpinginto you and insisting on tagging along.
Sitting a few rows behind you and your date (not
so discreetly) to keep an eye on you and make sure
there is no ‘funny business. So awkward.
HOW TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEM:
“You may find your parent is over-involved in every
aspect of your life” says Stefanie. “Remind them that
you are maturing and need to try things out on your
own. Sometimes that might mean you make mistakes.
Show your parent they don’t need to be over-involved
by taking ownership of new tasks and proving to your
parent that you are reliable and trustworthy.”On-screen example:Kris Jenner(Keeping Up With The Kardashians)
On-screen example:
Rufus Humphrey(Gossip Girl)SPECIES:
HELICOPTER PARENT
SPECIES:
HIPSTER PARENT
IDENTIFYING BEHAVIOUR: A rare species, Hipster
Parents are known to jump on the band wagon of
new-age theories and lifestyles that they bring to their
household. But while they may seem laid-back and cool,
take caution when approaching as they are passionate
about their causes and won’t take no for an answer.
NATURAL HABITAT:
In the kitchen, making you and all your friends soy
milkshakesand giving everyone a recap of a recent
rainforest documentary they watched on TV.
Chaperoning a school dance in ‘trendy’ clothes like
tie-dye and paisley prints, and trying to talk to everyone.
You pretend you have no idea who that wacko is.
HOW TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH THEM:
“Relationships between teenagers and parents are not
a ‘one size fits all’,” says Stefanie. “There are lots of
different parenting styles so it’s important that you give
your parent’s ideas a chance. However, if you feel as
though their ideas really don’t ‘fit’ or ‘work’ for you,
then address with this them. Make sure you make it
clear what it is that bothers you about their ways.” bILLUSTRATIONS BY LISA MOSES.
Check out her work by clicking
lisamoses.net