The Dynamics of Parent-Teen Relationships

Communication is an important facet in parent-teen relationships as demonstrated in the novel The Symptoms of Being Human. A good deal of the friction between Riley and their parents comes from a lack of communication. Riley additionally is sensitive to body language and facial expressions. They interpret a good deal of information from their parents’ body language.

One of the biggest sources of friction between Riley and her parents comes because Riley cannot work up the courage to tell their parent that they are gender fluid. For example, Riley’s father does not like the way they dress because he thinks Riley looks sloppy. He is exasperated when Riley comes home and tells him that the other students have made fun of them because of the way they dress. His attempt to make a point to Riley about their mode of dressing...