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."
no-contract cleaning service Mundelein ..Parents are in a unique position to "monitor" their children's... Read More
Although many children are picky eaters at some stage in... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
How bad is the illegal drug problem here in the... Read More
Though you can cover even very long distances by car... Read More
Speaking as a Michael (a Hebrew name, meaning "Who is... Read More
I know as a single parent or even with 2... Read More
When my daughter was born, I must admit there was... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
In today's fast-paced society, many families depend on some form... Read More
1. STOP focusing on what you are going to make... Read More
Every week I write something about the stock market -... Read More
The disquieting behavior of teenagers in the 21st century, is... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
The great thing about children is they absorb knowledge like... Read More
This past holiday season Canadians spent over $45 billion-with parents... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
1. You reheated the same cup of coffee three times... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
Just the other day my oldest son asked:"Daddy, am I... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
You have a chore to do around the house, and... Read More
maid service near Glenview ..According to researchers, most children enter school with a good... Read More
In the movie, Finding Nemo, Nemo's father, Marlyn asks the... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
Since so many would rather avoid the use of stimulant... Read More
The human brain never actually stops developing. Beginning formation in... Read More
"Get down from the table top right now! What are... Read More
Your child's teacher says that you need to find out... Read More
Research literature, recent books, and common sense, all point to... Read More
You no longer have to use Ritalin or other stimulants... Read More
Would you hand a child calculus problems once she was... Read More
How many times have you flipped through the pages of... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
The cruel callous remarks made by our offspring can sometimes... Read More
``Mom, can I go to the mall with my friend... Read More
Family meetings provide opportunities for feelings to be aired and... Read More
You've just received a call from your child's teacher. As... Read More
Q: My husband and I are at a loss as... Read More
Not too long ago my teenage daughter approached me with... Read More
Ask parents what their biggest school year challenge is, and... Read More
"Hugging is healthy: it helps the body's immunity system, it... Read More
"How many times do I have to tell you to... Read More
Sometimes dreams really can come true! May 8th - 11th,... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
Parenting |