Article: Kids are often so caught up in their own lives that they never even get to know their parents until they're much older. If you want to improve your relationship with your parent as a kid or teen, start taking an interest in your parent's job, interests, and background.  You might ask questions like "So, Dad, what was it like for you growing up?" or "How was work today, Mom?" You might also connect with them by sharing an interest, such as watching the same TV show or going to sporting events together. Building a relationship takes time, so use yours to get to know your parent one-on-one. When you spend time together alone, you can ask questions, learn their quirks, and develop your conversation skills.  Next time your parent is doing a task like picking up leaves in the yard, offer to help out so you can spend time with them. Create opportunities for quality time by making plans with your parents. For example, you might say, “Hey, Mom, want to go for a walk with me?” Use your time together to chat or have a heart-to-heart talk. Most parents love getting gifts for their kids, whether it’s for a birthday or a holiday, to mark an important accomplishment, or just because. Show appreciation for your parents by giving them something, too. If you don’t have enough money to buy a gift, make something by hand, or surprise them by cooking a meal or fixing something around the house. Most parents will be thrilled by the thoughtful gesture! Friends support one another, so find ways to root your parent on. This may translate to getting over your feelings about them remarrying or helping out with a new business venture. Whatever the situation, look for opportunities to show your parent you’ve got their back.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Express an interest in them. Spend quality time together. Give them gifts. Support their goals.
Article: If you feel overwhelmed, take a few seconds to get in a comfortable position and take a deep breath through your nose for 4 counts. Hold your breath in for 7 counts before exhaling through your mouth slowly for a full 8 counts. Keep breathing like this 3–5 times and notice how your body feels more at ease when you’re finished. You can also try belly breathing as well. Put your left hand on your belly and slowly inhale through your nose. As you breathe, keep your chest still and let your stomach push out. Exhale through your mouth and push your belly to force the air out. Keep your mouth closed so your teeth are slightly apart. Sit up straight and hum to make an “mmm” sound in the back of your throat. Breathe through your nose and continue to hum until you start feeling the vibrations throughout your face and in your chest so you feel relaxed. Vocal toning exercises the muscles in your ear so you can detect higher frequencies of human speech and determine what they truly mean to say. Laughter can be the best medicine when you’re feeling stressed since it immediately relieves the tension you’re feeling. If you have time, turn on a short and funny video on YouTube, listen to your favorite comedian, or picture a funny image in your head.   You can also try to make light of the situation by making up ridiculous what-if scenarios that aren’t likely to happen. For example, if you’re stressed about a job interview, you may make yourself laugh by asking, “What if the interviewer and I are wearing the exact same thing?” or, “What would I do if the interviewer was a mime?” Close your eyes and imagine resting far away on a desert island, walking in a field of flowers, or going somewhere else that makes you feel calm. Think about what you see, smell, hear, feel, and taste there so you can picture yourself there better and distract yourself from how you’re feeling right now. When you feel more relaxed, open your eyes and notice how your body feels.  Even picturing something like eating a comforting meal can help you feel at ease. Try to remember a memory where you felt relaxed or excited to boost your mood even more. Keeping your mind on what you need to do rather than your stress will help pass time more quickly so you’re not stressing about it as long. Start with the most complicated tasks first so you get them out of the way before working on the easier things. Do the best that you can so you know that you put your best foot forward.  For example, if you are taking an exam, take your time. Carefully comprehend each question and focus on what you already have studied and memorized. If in a play, focus on the lines you have memorized.  Watch and listen carefully for your cue. Get into your role and pretend you really are that character. Everyone responds to stress differently. If you get agitated or angry when you’re stressed, take some time to relax first. If you normally get spaced out or withdrawn, try to fight stress with a stimulating and energizing activity instead.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Take deep breaths to help you relax. Try vocal toning if you’re about to talk or meet with people. Watch or imagine something funny to lighten your mood. Visualize being in a place that relaxes you for 1–2 minutes. Stay focused on the task you need to complete.
Article: This is your first girlfriend, and you want your parents to understand how much she means to you. However, this doesn't mean acting the same way you do around your girlfriend when you're both alone together. Overdone PDA can cause the interaction to be a lot more uncomfortable for your parents, and it could affect their view of the relationship.  If you want to show your girlfriend your support and affection, put your arm around her or give her hand a squeeze. This is a mature level of physical interaction between a couple and will not make your parents uncomfortable. Avoid prolonged kissing or touching. Although this might be normal for the two of you around others, this is not a good way to act around your parents. They will appreciate your maturity if you abstain from this kind of behavior around them. It's important to show your parents that you respect your girlfriend. Do not tease, yell or swear around her in any way. You may be feeling vulnerable or even confused about how to act in this interaction. It's important to remember that your girlfriend is probably feeling the same way! Make sure that you treat her with support and respect and make her proud to be dating you. Although you and your girlfriend may talk together about every topic under the sun, there are just certain things that your parents don't want to hear. Keep everything G-rated when they are around. Talk to your girlfriend in the same way your would talk to a close friend and keep the conversation family friendly.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Don't overdo the PDA. Act respectfully towards your girlfriend. Don't talk about personal things with your parents around.