What to do when your Teenagers have Friends You Don’t Like

 

Life with a teenager can be very interesting. One day, you understand each other perfectly and the next, it is like you are living on two different planets. One subject that parents and teenagers have trouble agreeing on is their friends. Parents have to tread lightly when it comes to likes and dislikes concerning your teens. Most teens go through various phases between the ages of twelve and eighteen. Hanging around with friends that you don’t approve of could be one of those phases. Determine why you don’t approve of their friends. If the reason for disapproval surrounds their appearance or mannerisms, you may have to put up with it. If your teenager is having a hard time figuring out who they are, the chances are that someone else’s teenager is having the same trouble. Asking your son or daughter to drop a friend because of their looks sends the wrong message. If one of their friends is disrespectful in your house, handle this situation directly with the offending teenager. This is your house and you lay the ground rules. Kindly tell the friend that he must change his tone and word usage in your home. If he agrees, then the problem is handled. Teens often do things that they have been taught. Propping feet up on the coffee table or drinking from the juice carton may be okay at their home. Talk to your teenager’s friends with respect and tell them that you don’t allow certain things to be done in your home. The reason they didn’t do it before was because he or she just didn’t know. If you suspect that one of your teenagers new friends is into drugs or something else that is not above board, action may be warranted. Keeping an open line of communication with your teenager should alert you to any changes in their behavior that may have prompted their new relationship with this friend. Ask your teenager if their new friend is into any risky behaviors. Before your child can object to the question, reiterate that you are concerned about them. You can suggest that they may want to distance themselves if this new friend is doing something that could get them in trouble. If your teenager insists that nothing is going on, trust them. You have raised them to be aware of drugs, alcohol, smoking, and sex. They have all of the tools that they need. The rest is up to them. Teenagers will have all types of friends. It is okay to be concerned if a friend doesn’t click with you. Take the time to understand the reasons why you don’t approve of the friend before jumping to conclusions. Find family friendly product reviews, information and support from a variety of different moms from all walks of life at Moms Talk News. Join us, it’s Free!

 

 

Single Mom Online Dating Safety Tips

Single Mom Online Dating Safety Tips If you have been out of the dating scene for a long time, it can be scary. Meeting new people in a romantic setting is daunting under the best of circumstances. For the single mom, dating must be balanced with caring for your family. Here are a few tips to date safely. Many women, including single moms have turned to the Internet for dating help. It’s hard to meet men on your own as a single mom. Most of the time, you are with your children or running errands or working. There just don’t seem to be enough hours in the day. All women want to find a decent man. Meeting a stranger for a blind date has the potential for danger especially if you don’t know anything about the person. Asking an unknown man to meet you at your home could put your family at risk if he turns out to be a less than stable person. Online dating is the alternative to the singles bar scene. Single moms can meet men and learn something about them without the hassle of a bad first date. Without any pressure, a woman can be herself. Online dating services usually offer trial periods were a person can try the service for free to see if it is what they are looking for. Detailed searches give you statistics about men in the age and interest group that you are interested in. Chats online also give you a chance to make first contact to find out what the perspective date is all about. Single moms should remember to mention that they have children. This will weed out the men who are not interested in dating a woman with children. The point of online dating is not to waste your time, but to help you find a date without all the fuss of traditional methods. Don’t give out too much information about yourself. The Internet has also become a place for predators to hide. The site will need your accurate information for sign-up purposes, but you can block all of this from ever being seen by anyone who views your profile. A picture is not necessary, so if you don’t feel comfortable sharing one, don’t. Set up a first date when you are ready. Meet him at the restaurant or movie theater. This keeps you both on equal footing and increases your safety. Ask him to wear something distinctive like a red carnation so that he can be easily recognized by you. Online dating is a new tool for single moms. You can meet men safely and on your own terms. And, when you are ready and sure, then you can initiate the love connection. Find family friendly product reviews, information and support from a variety of different moms from all walks of life at color=#cc33cc>Moms Talk News. Join us, it’s Free!