Of course you’ve seen them. Multi-coloured neon signs that walk, talk, and, unfortunately, rebel. The modern teenage girl; less an asset than a liability to many parents. Echoing the thoughts of countless mothers and fathers out there, what does a teenage girl want? Is it more money, more shopping time? Is it a boyfriend? Is it popularity? One never knows. Their wants, likes, and dislikes change like the wind. Today, it could be the latest fashion to have long, loose blouses. Tomorrow, tight, skimpy tees could be the in-thing.

Putting aside material cravings, all teenage girls are similar in their deepest and simplest yearnings. The first, and probably the most evident, is attention. Teenage girls can never get enough of it. Neither can parents supply enough to satisfy their primal needs. Thus, they brush their parents aside and aim to be different in order to achieve this singular purpose. Look behind the eye-aching costumes, the outlandish makeup, the tasteless accessories, and you find a little girl hungry for attention.

Another aspect that drives parents wild is their taste in friends. Friends are those who can support their every whim, no matter how brainless it is. Parents rant and rave about the absolute senselessness of it all, while friends, wide-eyed, nod and accept every word. Teenage girls want to be accepted, they want to fit in. Friends who go along with every desire, therefore, are treasured above the seemingly useless advice of parents.

The immaturity of these young adolescents must also be taken into account. It is this age factor that accounts for most of their eccentric behaviour. They strive to look older, taller, and more beautiful. They have not realized that it is the heart that counts, not the flawless, porcelain skin. In addition, it is cool to act like the adult whom they are still not mentally ready to be. They are also of the opinion that it is a sign of maturity not to rely on their parents. Hence, decisions and choices which would not have been made with the proper guidance of an adult are carried out.

Fame is another thing that addles young girls’ minds. The press coverage that supermodels and Hollywood starlets receive never ceases to amaze. The glamour and class of these overrated females tend to get to young teenagers’ heads. They strive to attain the artificial perfection of Photoshopped images in glossy magazines. The extent to which they go to attain a perfect figure is unimaginable, simply because they want to be admired, and respected. If they feel that they can’t use their brains to demand the respect that they require, why not use their looks?

Basically, all teenage girls want is love. Shower them with love (and some expensive presents, ardent admiration, attention, a stunning boyfriend, an unlimited budget, and gorgeous make up) and you will soon win their hearts.