How parents can be involved

I was recently talking with a parent of some teens and she asked me a question about dating and when her teen should be allowed to. Her daughters are 14 and 15 and she was curious as to whether or not her daughters were talking about this stuff with their friends. She was really not sure.

The answer I think we all know is that they are talking. They are talking about it at younger and younger ages. I feel that it is so important that we engage our children with the discussion about what is happening in their lives when it comes to the many challenges they face. If it is about sex, parents need to talk even when it is awkward.

One mistake I see some parents making is assuming that since their teen isn't telling them that they are dealing with difficult things at school, that things must be ok. That is not necessarily the case. Many times teens do not talk about what they are feeling with you. They either don't share with anyone and bottle it up, or they are trying to talk with someone they feel "gets it." That can be good if the person they are confiding in can give them the proper advice. It can be dangerous if the person is unable to.

When it comes to topics such as sex, alcohol, drugs, smoking, dating, bullying, self esteem and relationships you have the opportunity to really speak truth to them. I want to challenge you to get involved, spend time with your teens and give them an opportunity to share what is really happening in their lives.