Should parents step in or stay out?
If you’re the parent of a teenager, you should be fairly experienced at helping your child learn to navigate the sometimes petty, other times amusing, but mostly wonderful waters of friendship. But what is your role when a friendship takes an unhealthy turn? And how do you help your teen learn when to save — or end — a friendship?
The most important consideration is to recognize that this is your child’s friendship, and it really has nothing to do with you as a parent, according to Kate Paquin, a therapist, family coach and owner of Apex-based A Family Coach.
“Parents can’t make their issues the kid’s issues,” she says. There may be something happening that you think is mean or inappropriate, but your child may perceive it differently. If your child doesn’t seem to be affected by it, then “let it go,” Paquin advises.
That said, there are some challenging friendship situations you may encounter with your child over the course of his or her preteen and teenage years. Here’s how to identify them and know what your role should be.
POTENTIALLY HARMFUL
As a parent, you’re likely able to detect potentially unhealthy friendships for your child because you have more wisdom and experience under your belt. In such cases, Paquin advises handling the situation much like you would have when your child was a toddler: by using redirection. Encourage your child to spend more time with other friends and to find other interests, all while helping to build your child’s confidence as much as possible.
CLEARLY UNHEALTHY
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Carolina Parent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 2018-utgaven av Carolina Parent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Helping Children Handle The Strongest Of Feelings
Helping children handle the strongest of feelings
7 Tips For Safe Holiday Online Shopping
7 Tips for safe holiday online shopping
The Joy Of Letters
I wish that joy could fill every moment of Jessie’s life, but children, like their parents, must overcome diffiulties. Two major challenges Jessie has faced in her young life come to mind.
Smart Speakers: Smart Choice?
Weighing the pros and cons of welcoming Alexa or Google Assistant into your home
Helping Children Through Winter Holiday Routine Changes
The festivities leading up to and during the winter holidays can bring about many changes and disruptions to a family’s routine. Some children take these changes in stride, while others may need extra support to manage the excitement of the season.
5 Ways To Address A Bad Grade On Your College Application
“Bad” can be a very relative term, particularly when attached to high school grades.
Bright Lights In Beaufort
Historic homes adorned with red velvet bows, forest green garland wrapped around iconic Southern porches, and lights twinkling through windows are hallmarks of small-town holiday charm. Beaufort, named one of North Carolina’s
Modern Midwifery
This traditional birthing option has evolved to meet the needs of today’s pregnant moms
Pumpkin Patches, Hayrides And Ghostly Gatherings
Autumn is a glorious season in the Triangle. Visit a local farm to hop on a hayride, sip apple cider and find your way out of corn maze. Scare yourself silly in one of the area’s celebrated haunted houses, or venture down a dark trail to greet the undead. Explore our vast selection of fall offerings, from tame experiences to frightful festivities. Events requiring a fee, ticket or donation are marked with an asterisk. Check the daily calendar section for more seasonal fun.
Hiking As A Family Benefits All Ages
Hiking as a family benefits all ages.