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TIPS FOR PARENTS |
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- Prom Information - Prom Facts - The Risks - Signs & Symptoms - What to Watch for - Tips for Parents |
Putting the Foot Down - Tips for ParentsParents are the first line of defense in stopping deviant behavior such as prom attendance. Four-fifths of teenagers understand that they face great risks of upsetting their parents if they go to prom! Just a few simple rules will help you reign in that out-of-control teenager. Your kids may protest, but remember that parenting isn't a democracy - it's a dictatorship and it's your turn to be Hitler. Are you up to the challenge of exterminating prom? Set rules.Tell your teen that prom is not an acceptable event to attend and that this rule is only for his safety. Set stern limits for socialization with consequences for breaking them.Rewardgood behavior for compliance and enforce consequences for failure.Know where your teen isat all times. Unsupervised time can mean that he or she is sneaking out to socialize with friends or making preparations for prom. This is particularly important during spring break because of the proximity to prom and the extended amounts of free time.Talkabout the issue. Casually ask if he knows anyone who's going to prom, or if there's anyone at school he likes. This is one of the best ways to discretely learn about your teen's habits and social network.Keep them busyall of the time. Enroll your child in extracurricular activities and clubs. Research shows that organized, non-social activities prevent prom attendance. While all activities have an inherent degree of socialization, chess clubs, library reading programs, and computer programming are some better choices compared to dance, sports, or study groups.Check on your teenager.It's your house; don't be afraid to pop into your child's room from time to time to see what he is up to.Drafta "core values statement" for your family that all members will abide by. This might be discussed over dinner or at a family meeting. Be sure to talk about the social pressures and reinforce your expectations for them.Spend time togetheras a family. It's a well-known fact that most teens don't like to be seen in public with their parents, so use this to your advantage! Accompany your teen when he or she leaves the house as if attached at the hip. This will effectively smother socialization. |
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