So, you have a teenager.
Yes your right, your teenager will never be like one of those that you see hanging around the shopping center, or walking the streets late at night...
or will they? Teenagers are sneaky.
Or at least most are.
You will of course get the odd one who is genuinely honest, caring and respectful.
But it's not their fault.
They are in a time of their life when their brain is still growing but their independence has bloomed.
Peer pressure is upon them and the choice is usually join us or get picked on.
Social media is a major part in most teenagers' lives.
If they have an account, which most do, and you (the parent) are their friend, then chances are they have two accounts! One for mum and dad to view, and another for everyone else.
Keeping in contact with friends is their lifeline.
While it's great for them to have friends, how many are real friends? "I have 350 friends" proudly boasts Ben to his parents.
His parents are so proud; their son is obviously very popular.
What they can't understand is why he never goes out with any of them.
He sits in his room all weekend.
Look out for isolation.
Your teenager needs real human contact with other teenagers.
To sit inside on their social media page all day and night is not socializing.
Arguments and taunts get thrown around and feelings get hurt.
Social isolation too often can lead to depression and/or anxiety.
When your teenager spends all their time in their room on their own it's time to intervene.
Take them out, do something together.
Don't tell them to get out and make some real friends as this is not always easy, take your role as a parent and do something with them.
Check where your teenager is staying over.
"Mum, I'm staying at Kelley's house tonight" shouts Lucy.
Hmm, do you know Kelley's parents? Call them.
All too often Kelley is telling her mum she is staying at Lucy's house and in fact they are out all night roaming the streets or at a party somewhere.
It doesn't hurt to check, and make sure each parent knows the others feelings about curfew times.
It's polite and encouraging if teenagers' parents interact more to keep your children safe.
Alcohol is readily and easily available for teenagers.
It is a common belief amongst teenagers that you cannot have a good time if you're not drunk.
They take huge risks being involved with alcohol at an early age.
Not being in control of their actions can lead to unwanted sexual harassment, fighting, drink driving and illegal offenses.
Their rational behavior leaves and they are unreasonable and short tempered.
Encourage more nights at home with hot chocolates and movies.
Have your teenagers throw dinner parties and make fresh smoothies.
Make the party themed and at someone else's house every weekend.
Teach your kids about alcohol safety and get to know their friends.
Just because your child is now a teenager doesn't mean you can slacken off on your parenting.
Be wise, question everything and encourage having an open and honest relationship with your young adult.
Yes your right, your teenager will never be like one of those that you see hanging around the shopping center, or walking the streets late at night...
or will they? Teenagers are sneaky.
Or at least most are.
You will of course get the odd one who is genuinely honest, caring and respectful.
But it's not their fault.
They are in a time of their life when their brain is still growing but their independence has bloomed.
Peer pressure is upon them and the choice is usually join us or get picked on.
Social media is a major part in most teenagers' lives.
If they have an account, which most do, and you (the parent) are their friend, then chances are they have two accounts! One for mum and dad to view, and another for everyone else.
Keeping in contact with friends is their lifeline.
While it's great for them to have friends, how many are real friends? "I have 350 friends" proudly boasts Ben to his parents.
His parents are so proud; their son is obviously very popular.
What they can't understand is why he never goes out with any of them.
He sits in his room all weekend.
Look out for isolation.
Your teenager needs real human contact with other teenagers.
To sit inside on their social media page all day and night is not socializing.
Arguments and taunts get thrown around and feelings get hurt.
Social isolation too often can lead to depression and/or anxiety.
When your teenager spends all their time in their room on their own it's time to intervene.
Take them out, do something together.
Don't tell them to get out and make some real friends as this is not always easy, take your role as a parent and do something with them.
Check where your teenager is staying over.
"Mum, I'm staying at Kelley's house tonight" shouts Lucy.
Hmm, do you know Kelley's parents? Call them.
All too often Kelley is telling her mum she is staying at Lucy's house and in fact they are out all night roaming the streets or at a party somewhere.
It doesn't hurt to check, and make sure each parent knows the others feelings about curfew times.
It's polite and encouraging if teenagers' parents interact more to keep your children safe.
Alcohol is readily and easily available for teenagers.
It is a common belief amongst teenagers that you cannot have a good time if you're not drunk.
They take huge risks being involved with alcohol at an early age.
Not being in control of their actions can lead to unwanted sexual harassment, fighting, drink driving and illegal offenses.
Their rational behavior leaves and they are unreasonable and short tempered.
Encourage more nights at home with hot chocolates and movies.
Have your teenagers throw dinner parties and make fresh smoothies.
Make the party themed and at someone else's house every weekend.
Teach your kids about alcohol safety and get to know their friends.
Just because your child is now a teenager doesn't mean you can slacken off on your parenting.
Be wise, question everything and encourage having an open and honest relationship with your young adult.