Community Responsibility

Parents will probably gain greater confidence in chatting about the 'hot' teenage issues’ with their children if they can increase the opportunities that they have for chatting about these things with other adults.

Wise parents will surround their family with adults who share the same values and beliefs as they do. These ‘other significant adults’ in your child’s life will offer the same advice, encouragement and counsel as you but because it doesn’t come from you it will be strangely palatable!

Don’t be jealous of the special relationships that may exist between your children and other adults, such as other family members, teachers, youth workers and young adults. Ensure that these are safe and appropriate relationships then relax, back off, and give the space your child needs.

This often becomes a reciprocal arrangement. If you have developed good listening skills someone else’s child may well seek you out for that important chat.

Where children are seeking guidance from what you consider to be inappropriate sources – do not set yourself up in competition with that alternative worldview. This will force a child to take sides. Practise your active listening skills, engage in dialogue, and state clearly what you believe without trashing any other opinions that are presented. Do not be drawn into a defensive position. Teenagers can have healthier, more open relationships, when their friends of both sexes are made welcome in their home.