I have put together 5 things which are commonly mentioned by our Secondary learners during counselling sessions that they wish their parents knew about:

1. I am not you, the way you resolve matters is not the same as what I would do so please don't expect me to behave like you. For example, I can't just "get over something" as quickly as you do.

2. My privacy is like my security blanket. The more you try to pull it away, the more I wish to hide in what's left of the blanket over me. I don't share because I'm not ready to or I think you may just ask me to resolve things like how you would without taking time to understand how I truly feel.

3. When I do something wrong, please remind me instead of yelling at me. I do get caught up with many other things and have different priorities.

4. Please stop using "what's wrong with you?" or "because I said so!" whenever you are unhappy with me." I would rather you use reasons to explain to me.

5. I love you, it's just very hard to show it.

Communication is always the key to foster better relationships with your children. I hope by knowing the things that children wish their parents knew, it could be more helpful in planning the methods and strategies to communicate with them.