 Re: difficult private matter with our pre-teen | |
Did I say physically watch your kid 24/7? (I could have, I don’t remember :-P)
I meant you should know where your kid is 24/7. I know my kid is sleeping in their room. I know he’s at school…I talk with his teachers every other day to see how he’s doing, if he’s behaving, etc. I know where he’s at and what he’s doing while I take a nap. If he happens to have an accident, I’ll know it’s a normal accident that just happens…not some horrific choice he’s made because I was irresponsible and not paying attention to him or his actions on a regular basis.
I’m not “crazy” by any means…but I am an involved parent. There’s a difference. I let him experience the world, let him make his own mistakes from his own decisions, etc…but stuff like spending alone time with the opposite sex, or spending too much time with bad friends, not studying enough…etc…that’s just not going to happen. Too much free time is when kids decide to experiment with sex, drugs, cigarettes, etc. If you’re an involved, loving, and consistent parent, I just don’t see how kids can fall into those pitfalls.
I don’t claim to know every parent’s situation, but I have met my fair share of loving involved parents, and their kids are pretty darn responsible and living up to their potential.
And my son is only 4….so I’m sure my opinion will change hey? J |