Teen parties mean…
- Struggle. Struggle for the parent to know how much to believe, how much to trust, how much to ask and investigate. Struggle for the teen to navigate an increasingly adult existence and the balance of being their own people as well as someone’s child.
- Risk. Not just our own kids’ poor choices, but the risk inherent in all of the other teens’ behaviors and suggestions as well.
- Opportunity. These are great chances to talk to our kids about their decision-making. What has led them to good (or bad) decisions in the past and what motivates them now? What questions do they have about finding their way safely through the social world of young adults?
Parents should ask.
- Ask teens what they think and what they know about an event.
- Ask adults who will be at the party and what the boundaries are.
- Ask ourselves how much autonomy we believe our child can handle.
Your Teen magazine, a fantastic resource for the joys and challenges of raising teenagers, asked me “Teen Parties: Should I Call the Parents?” and I hope you’ll join in the discussion!
