 Re: She's Driving Me Nuts! | |
I think the times you have a kid stay out for should depend on both the event, and your trust in them. Speaking frankly, a Harry Potter Midnight Madness event is probably not all that dangerous-- think 8-year-olds dressing up in wizarding clothing. Parents are probably there in great supply.
Has she done anything to betray your trust in a similar situation? Being mouthy, while bothersome, doesn't mean she can't be trusted to act responsibly. A lot of her mouthyness probably comes from her impression that you treat her unfairly. If she has lied to you or gone against the rules when going out with her friends at night, then by all means, feel justified in not letting her go. But punishing her for talking back by acting like you don't trust her may just make the problem worse.
Remember, teens don't act mouthy to be mean to you. You probably perceive talking back as an action to hurt you. Bu teens generally take it a situation at a time- talking back is usually, in their mind, just talking. If they talk in an angry or negative way, it is because they feel angry, and are defending themselves in response to whatever you said/did. |