Working with teens on Schoolies Week (as I do every year - "Schoolies Week" is an abomination a rite of passage for teens who've just finished high school - it's basically a week of unrestricted partying. Anyway... I have found that the most important message a teen can have when they're out experimenting is that they can always call home for rescue. No matter what time, how far away, or how badly they've crossed the line.
I had that, growing up. I knew that there would be some cases in which I'd be in serious trouble - but I also always knew that firstly, my parents would come and rescue me, and secondly, they'd eventually calm down. I think it's the middle ground - yes, you will always be there to bail your kids out, but they can't expect (as I never expected) that some things would go unchallenged. That's one of the ways I knew my parents loved me.
I love the comment above: we'll come and pick you up if you get drunk, but you're coming along to pick up the car at 6am... perfect! That's what I call 'natural justice'. =)
no subject
an abominationa rite of passage for teens who've just finished high school - it's basically a week of unrestricted partying. Anyway... I have found that the most important message a teen can have when they're out experimenting is that they can always call home for rescue. No matter what time, how far away, or how badly they've crossed the line.I had that, growing up. I knew that there would be some cases in which I'd be in serious trouble - but I also always knew that firstly, my parents would come and rescue me, and secondly, they'd eventually calm down. I think it's the middle ground - yes, you will always be there to bail your kids out, but they can't expect (as I never expected) that some things would go unchallenged. That's one of the ways I knew my parents loved me.
I love the comment above: we'll come and pick you up if you get drunk, but you're coming along to pick up the car at 6am... perfect! That's what I call 'natural justice'. =)