Family problems, I got grounded... but to what extent was I in the wrong?

Question

I've just had a really rotten fifteen minutes =[

So I was out for lunch with my friends, and came home and started watching friends with my sister. About five minutes before the episode ended, when I was waiting for the punchline, my dad walked in and the phone rang.

This is where it gets complicated.I answered the phone, which was my dad's friend, and whilst I was speaking to him, my dad switched channels. I took the remote and switched back as I handed the phone to my dad, and my dad started shouting at me and took the remote back.When he hung up the phone, I told him that I wanted to see the end of the eipsode and what had happened, and he called me a selfish brat, saying to my mum that his friend had called to say that my cousin's boyfriend was on tv, and she took it that I had known this and insisted upon watching friends anyhow. When I tried to argue my case, they both wouldn't let me talk, calling me selfish. This always happens- when we argue, they won't let me explain myself, making me frustrated. I've tried discussing this with them- that I get very upset when i'm not able to explain myself, but nothing works.

So I was angry and frustrated and slammed my cup in my sink and went to my room, but my mum started chasing me upstairs, telling me to put my cup into the dishwasher. I was so angry that I refused, and it was only when she took my perfume and began to pour it down the kitchen sink that I went and put it in the dishwasher.

She was furious, and has grounded me and won't allow me to go to my friend's 18th birthday tomorrow, which had been planned for ages.

I understand that I stepped out of line and was stubborn and cross, but I was frustarted and very upset. Do you think I should say something? I dont think I should apologise when it was only really a misunderstanding, and they shouted at me so much for something so little as trying to watch the end of the programme... what should I do?

Answer 1

I don't know how old you are but your behavior was certainly childish.

The previous poster is correct Friends is in reruns and you could have seen it 20 times again. First off you fly off the handle and yelling at

your folks is a great way to get grounded. Suggest before you do that again try counting to 10. Sounds stupid but it does work. Secondly

slamming things down is not cool behavior. I would go to my parents

once everything has quieted down and apologize and explain what had happened from your viewpoint. Don't yell, don't get mad, don't get

impatient. I think part of the problem with you saying your parents won't listen is the way in which you are trying to communicate with them. Yelling and being snotty is not the way. Calm and quiet is better.

If they yell at you don't yell back talk quietly. You will notice this with alall people if they are yelling and you talk quietly they will automatically lower their voice to match your voice volume. The lower you speak the lower their voice will be.  If you can have a calm and quiet discussion they might let you go to the party but I wouldn't count on it.

Answer 2

I think that you should not have acted like that to your parents.  If you were watching Friends than it is a rerun since the show is no longer being produced.  Yes at your age you didn't think hay this will be on again.  But never ever disrespect your parents. You don't pay the bills so the TV is his to do with what ever he wants.

I would have grounded you to and sorry that you will miss your friends 18th birthday but I bet next time you won't act like that.