teen-age blues

**blondiesbf** · 10-11-2002, 12:57 PM

Hello,
Haven't been around for a while, but I'm back, though leaving for Saudi in 2 weeks for 2 months (I'm in the AF). I need advice/input. My son will be 13 next week

. On Tuesday, we caught with a stolen cell phone. He didn't steal it but he was going keep it for himself...in other words, he knew he was in possesion of stolen property. He is generally a good boy with a heart of gold, but he is starting to make bad choices

. Anyone have experiences with their teen they want to share? Solutions that worked for you? He is grounded from his phone, TV, PS2, etc. I also will be having him do some community work, but I don't think this will ultimately solve the problem. All inputs/advise welcome.
Sheila

**PrairieRose** · 10-11-2002, 02:03 PM

My best advice would be to stay on top of his circle of friends. Know who he is hanging out with, where they are, even check up on them from time to time. I always told my 3 dk's that if it need be I'd handcuff em to me.....they KNEW I would too, if they started misbehaving. A parent has to be very stubborn, but loving. Be sure not to make excuses for him, let him take his punishment when he makes poor decisions. Accountability helps keep us all in line.......

.

**captclearance** · 10-11-2002, 02:21 PM

I have to agree with PrairieRose, know who they're with, what they're doing, where they are at and let them know what you expect....... Looks like you are on the right track..... I would agree 100% with don't make excuses for them, let them take the lumps they earn.... It makes solid people out of them.... They need to know the consequences of their behavior

**blondiesbf** · 10-18-2002, 10:13 AM

Thank-you PrairieRose and Captclearance, I truly appreciate it! It's almost funny. When we first have our babies, we wish there was an instruction manual to come along with them. We get the hang of it eventually and life is good. Then the teen-age years hit and I find myself wishing for that instruction manual all over again! I know my hubby will be putting both boys through their paces while I'm gone overseas...hopefully it'll help them realize they need to stick to the straight and narrow. I always oversee their friends, which is why they are not allowed to "hang out" with several of them. And remember, their friends can initially fool you into thinking they are better than they are initially. Monitoring their activities helps me realize the down and dirty with some of these kids!
Thanks again!