Q. Our 17-year-old son wants us to let his girlfriend spend the night at our house in his room. He has two beds since his older brother left for college. He says nothing will happen and lots of his friends' parents allow this. Should we try it and see how it works?
A. You're kidding, right?
Let me ask that in a slightly different way:
You are kidding, right?
Unfortunately, I know you're not because you are not the first parent to ask me this.
I must ask you:
Are you ready to be grandparents? Are you ready to help raise, in your home, your new grandchild? Are you prepared to be charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and/or sued?
The answer is an emphatic NO! I don't care what promises are made to you, it's a horrible idea and invites disaster.
Teens Not Emotionally Ready for Sex
In addition to all the moral issues, teenagers are simply not emotionally prepared for sex. While their bodies and hormones are many times well prepared, their emotions are not.
And that goes for boys as well as girls.
It's time for a healthy dose of Vitamin NO in answer to your son's question.
And by the way, anytime you hear "everyone else's parents are letting them do it," watch out.
More than likely it's not true.
Leading parenting expert Jeff Herring is a teen and family therapist, parenting coach, speaker and syndicated parenting and relationship columnist. Jeff invites you to visit parentingyourteenager.com for 100's of tips and tools for parenting through the teenage years. You can also subscribe to his f'ree weekly internet newsletter "ParenitngYourTeenager."
disinfecting cleaning services Arlington Heights ..The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
For the most positive daycare experience for your child, partner... Read More
Does this sound familiar? Have your kids not listened to... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
By not planning for the future we guarantee that we... Read More
If you're a single parent or a married couple on... Read More
Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More
Is there a difference between lazy and unmotivated? Why do... Read More
When is a person brilliant? When does a person show... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
Children explore the world around them and learn through pretend... Read More
Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More
Dexedrine is not prescribed very often for the treatment of... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
It's a familiar scene: Kids screaming at each other, complaining... Read More
One of the biggest milestones in our children's education is... Read More
One of the questions I ask in parenting presentations is... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
The biggest complaint you hear from parents about their children... Read More
Once upon a time there was a beautiful bird whose... Read More
Over a number of years there have been issues raised... Read More
Nothing touches the heartstrings of a parent or teacher more... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
bathroom cleaning service Mundelein ..Let's face it.The job market is getting tougher every day.Computerization... Read More
There is little doubt that reading, 'riting and 'rithmetic are... Read More
Teri was 5. As younger siblings do, she looked up... Read More
Back to school preparations are in full-swing. Soon, the first... Read More
The time you will need to teach your children the... Read More
I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column... Read More
Becoming a stepmother can undoubtedly be one of the most... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
It's hard to explain to the uninitiated the changes that... Read More
Did you know that many people retire broke?It's true. After... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
As parents, we want our children and teens to grow... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
Those of you that have children know what an excursion... Read More
You are at the grocery store with your daughter and... Read More
For the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
If you spend any time in the parenting section of... Read More
Q. When you consult with a family with teens, what... Read More
Parenting |