[Ryanamur]

You're right, this is unfair... and I can tell you this as a parent. [img]smile.gif[/img] Now, since you are in Cuba, my guess is that one of your parent is in the Military. So, here's what you want to emphasize:
Responsibility, Discipline, Autonomy, Accountability, Innitiative.

Do you have any witnesses who can attest that you've phoned home so many times? If you do. Sit your parents down and tell them your story (which can be verified). Tell it calmly and just point out your position. Emphasize the fact that you where trying to be a responsible teen. When you didn't get a hold of them, you took a decision (you show innitiative and autonomy) but that you now recognize that it was the wrong one (accountable and responsible). As such, you accept and will abide by their decision to punish you (Responsible).

Now, bring to their attention that since you tried to get a hold of them and that they weren't available that they let you down (don't be agressive, just point out that they weren't there for you when you needed them) and that you don't want it to present itself in the future (you see a problem). Bring to their attention that if you are to let them know ahead of time where you're supposed to be, that you request that the phone lines be kept opened from now on when you are done school (this is constructive criticism - problem solving). Not only that, but also that if you are required to be somewhere at a specific time, that they tell you instead of keeping it to themselves.

For the conclusion, you want to close with something like this:

"Mom, Dad, I know that you are trying to make of me a responsible young man and I really appreciate it. However, I cannot achieve this if you do not allow me to live and take some decision by myself. Now, I did try to contact you and tell you where I was going but you weren't available. As you didn't tell me that I was required to be back at a specific time, I took it upon myself to go and visit my friends (from where I repeatedly tried to call you again but to no avail). I made a mistake and accept it. However, do you really think that being grounded for 2 months will solve or prove anything except preventing me from proving to you that I'm responsible, disciplined, accountable and that I can take innitiative while still respecting your rules?."

Good luck

Phil,
Dad and Military Officer [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 04-26-2002, 07:03 PM: Message edited by: Ryanamur ]