Teenagers, Privacy, and Parenting :By Mau

 

Individual Privacy and Parenting

 

      As a child grows into a teenager he or she begins to assert his or her independence by wanting individual privacy. The  child may decide that he or she doesn't want parents in his or her room or that he or she shouldn't have to tell the parents where he or she is going. Adulthood independence does need to be gained, but parents need to be parents and balance the teenager impulses with the respect a parent deserves.

  A parent's role includes protecting the child at any cost. Knowing where your child is going to be and who he or she going to be with is part of a parent's protective role. Just as good friends are those that are trusted and will  do right by him or her in the same way bad friends can lead astray. Discussing with your teenager why you want to know when and where he or she is going can help both you and your teenager realize what each other expects. Let your teenager know that you would like the information for safety reasons and to give you peace of mind.

   Your teenage child does need to be able to establish his or her independence and privacy, but if you know that your child is involved in activities that he or she shouldn't be engaging in then the parental role must take over. If your child crosses over boundaries established, he or she is testing the limits. Oftentimes, you will need to reestablish the boundaries. Sometimes, letting your teenager commit the mistake before you step in to be parent can help them learn that there are consequences for their wrong actions and decisions. However, it is also important that your child knows that you trust him or her to do the right thing.

Keeping an open dialogue is important in these changing times. Seeking to understand the needs of your child from his or her point of view will help you to make the right decisions in being a parent and a friend.

Copying of Contents, in whole or in part, is permitted provided the article remains intact and unchanged. Hyperlinks and/or URLs provided must also remain active.

For more information visit or make contact at pageantchild.com