Will Power: A Teenager's Temper Tantrum

"No! I won't and you can't make me!" screamed sixteen-year-old Justine, at her mother, who was also upset. Justine had been fighting with her father, trying to obtain permission to use the family car for a Friday night beach-party with her friends.

Her irate father had responded, "No way!" and stomped out of the room, immediately. Her mother was embarrassed because of her daughter's immature behavior.

"You cannot speak to your father like that!"

She insisted upon an immediate apology, which threw Justine into a full-blown, teenage temper tantrum.

"I thought only little children had temper tantrums like that," thought Justine's mother, as she went into the kitchen to make tea.

"Time out, everyone!" said her father, sitting down at the table with his wife. They talked for a few moments and then decided to try to reason with Justine, again.

"Your father and I do not think it is wise to allow you to take our only vehicle on the road on Friday night, particularly with other teenagers. You are still so young!"

"But I have my driver's license!" Justine argued. She was on the verge of tears.

"I will drive all of you to the beach and pick you up later," offered Justine's father, but no way would he allow her to take the car. As far as he was concerned, if it was going to be his willpower versus hers, he was still the responsible adult, even though at sixteen, Justine should be responsible, too. She still needed to learn self control.

"But, that defeats the whole purpose of our beach party," Justine argued. "We were going to celebrate the fact that I obtained my driver's license."

"You can still celebrate!" her mother insisted, with a gentle smile.

Justine walked out the door, slamming it behind her.

"You really don't understand anything, do you, mother?" she hollered, as she left.

"I won't and you can't make me!" replied her mother, softly. "It's time to grow up, dear!"

"Justine is so strong willed," said her father. "Just like her mother."

"She will learn to control her temper, as that kind of behavior won't get her anywhere. Shall we withdraw the offer to drive them to the beach?"