teenager couple at school
Age ain't nothing but a number unless it applies to teen dating. In that case, age is very much a number. It's perfectly acceptable to have some rules regarding the ages of people your teen becomes romantically interested in. Socially, emotionally and physically, a 14 year-old and an 18 year-old are going to differ immensely. Just because the teens are all in high school together doesn't mean they can freely date each other. Be upfront with your teen if you have boundaries about the ages of people they can date in high school.
The Business of Curfews
A curfew tells your teen what time they have to be home by. When your teen starts heading out on evening dates, it is high time to discuss curfew. You and your teen might have different ideas about what an appropriate curfew is. Get ready to hear all about how so-and-so's mom lets her stay out as long as she wants, and how all of your teen's friends can come home at 2 a.m. Curfew chats can make you feel as if you and your teen are two warring countries, currently engrossed in peace talks. Consider the following when navigating curfews:
Has your teen demonstrated responsibility and honesty? These traits might make you feel comfortable with a later curfew.
Can the curfew be flexible if there is something going on that is a farther distance away, or something that tends to be a lengthier activity, like a concert or school dance? Curfews for every evening hangouts might be earlier compared to dates where a longer drive or extended event occurs.
Curfews aren't set in stone. Consider a sliding scale curfew. Start with an earlier curfew time and the agreement that later curfews can be earned through positive behavior and choices. Curfews can also be set for later times as your teen increases in age.
If your teen is your oldest, and you really don't know the norm for teen curfews, talk with friends who are raising teens, or the parents of your teen's pals. What are their curfew rules and times?
A curfew might be earlier if road conditions are poor, if your teen has an early morning or major exam the next day, or if your teen is behind the wheel of your vehicle. You are the parent; hence, you get to make the executive decision on all curfew-related issues.
Know Where Teens Are Going
Teens want nothing more than freedom. Freedom to express themselves, spend time with people of their choosing, and go where they want. You can allow your budding adult some freedoms, but you might not want to give them too much freedom, especially when it pertains to where they are headed. Kids find trouble, even when they are not looking for it, and more than a few teens have found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Have guidelines about where your teens can hang out with their new love interest and company. If there are other teens' homes your child isn't supposed to be at, make that a rule. If there are specific public spaces that you don't want your teenager heading to, it is your right to make that place off-limits. Be specific in your rules regarding areas where dates occur, and be transparent in laying out the consequences should they break a rule and find themselves somewhere they should not be.
To Be Continue Next Part-3
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