“No, you can’t go!”
When turning down your children is the better move.
1. When the place they are visiting is so far from civilization that there are no cell sites and signal or, at least, a clinic for emergencies, turning down your teenager is understandable, especially if the venue is notorious for accidents, kidnappings, and violence.
2. When she is the only girl in the group, especially when there is alcohol, peer pressure, and no supervision. If your child is one of the boys, firmly insist on an all boys’ out-of-town trip instead.
3. When the crowd is of “questionable character.” No matter how good your child is, if he’s in the company of troublemakers, he could either be tempted or get into trouble simply because he happened to be with them. If you know someone in the group is into drugs, addicted to drinking, has a violent nature, or has done some stealing in the past — or when you simply don’t trust anyone in the gang — saying no is okay.
4. Don’t let your teenager go if the trip involves very dangerous activities you know your child can’t handle, especially if it may compound an existing medical condition. Your child may assure you he’ll behave, but you never know. Kids tend to think they’re invincible.
5. When your teenager’s answers are inconsistent, your child is mostly likely not telling the truth. Lying could also mean he or she doesn’t want you to know something you should.
6. When your teenager has had a track record of breaking rules or reckless behavior (e.g., ignoring curfew or getting in trouble at school). He needs to show that he can be trusted with greater freedom. If he regularly misbehaves, try to find out what’s bugging him.
No comments yet.