Being a teenager is one of the most exciting times of your life. Every day you seem to find a new opportunity and face a new decision to make. The possibilities are endless and it’s the perfect time for you to gain your parents trust and prove to them you’re ready for more responsibility and freedom.

In order to gain this trust, it will take some time and effort to help show you’re parents you’re a mature and trustworthy teen. We’ve compiled some helpful tips on ways you can be a good teenager and make this time of your life even better!

Strive for Good Grades
Believe it or not, your primary responsibility in high school is to get an education. Study hard, pay attention and learn as much as you can throughout these years. Doing well in school shows your parents that you are taking this seriously. Plus, with good grades, you'll have more choices on where to go to college.

Help Out Around the House
Stick to your parents’ rules and do your part around the house. If your job is to wash the dishes, just do them. If you’re asked to clean your room, do it. A clean room not only looks good, it will also help you find everything easier and stay organized, especially when you need to find something in a pinch.

Respect Your Curfew
It’s important to be home on time. Even if your curfew is earlier than your friends’ curfews, you need to respect your parents and be home at the exact time your parents made your curfew. If your parents won't let you out at all, talk to them about how you respect their decision and that you will work hard to show them you can be trusted to go out with your friends they have met.

Introduce Your Friends to Your Parents
Your parents want to hear all about your day and with whom you are spending it. Be sure to always keep them in the loop and introduce them to your friends when you get the opportunity. Your parents will be able to get to know them better and feel at ease whenever you ask to go hang out with them.

Plan Ahead
If there's a special occasion you don't want to miss like a dance or slumber party, let your parents know well in advance. Last-minute plans are a "red flag" that you're up to something. With enough time, you can work out a plan with your parents that lets you go to the event and have a great time.

Be Honest
This is the most important rule of all how-to-be-a-good-teenager rules. Go where you say you're going, and do what you say you're doing. Nothing will get your privileges revoked faster than getting caught in a lie. Lying reinforces the fact that your parents can't trust you, and you'll end up with no freedom at all.

Although you might think “playing by the rules” is no fun, just remember, your parents are looking out for your best interests. As you get older, you’ll start to understand that there are a lot of things you have to take into consideration that you probably didn’t when you were younger. Showing your parents that you’re capable of being a responsible young adult is far more rewarding.