Nanny 911: Keep Teens Out of Trouble
I am a single mother trying to raise a 13-year-old boy. When I caught him stealing cigarettes and booze, I grounded him, told him I contacted the sheriff, took the door off his room and explained to him that the decisions he is making now will affect the rest of his life. Am I on the right track?
I joke with Nanny Deb all the time that teenagers are from another planet! I commend you for committing to raising your child as a single mom. I also commend you for what you did when you found out he was smoking and drinking. It was very important to let him know that the decisions he is making now have an impact on his future. I would sit down and have a family meeting with him and explain what your rules are, that whilst he lives under your roof, he needs to live by the rules, just like the rules of society he will have to live by when he is an adult. Also explain to him that when you are constantly worrying about him doing things that aren't appropriate, it makes life much harder for you and that it would really mean a lot to you if he could give your feelings a little more thought. Remember that teenagers are like toddlers: They need to test the boundaries yet are desperate for you to reinforce them.
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Nanny Stella
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