What’s the appropriate curfew for teenagers?

Teens come with a whole new set of parenting concerns, more so now, no thanks to foreign exposures. Once upon a time, our teenage children behaved as expected and were happy to abide by their parent’s rules. Yes there maybe one or two naughty ones, not too many to raise a national panic.

Today, the reverse is the case, some children are so bad behaved, while some are out rightly unruly and we are supposed to wave it off with “oh, it’s  just a teenage thing” Whatever that means, I am yet to fully understand.

Most Teens think setting a curfew and dress code are detrimental to their social developmental graces. So they fight tooth and nail to be as stubborn as possible.

My dears, it is not true, if anything, it’s to produce the highest principled child who can withstand any obstacle and come out the victor.

Know this also that parents worry a lot when you go out especially in this our trying time and being in a country where security is next to nothing like in Nigeria. Because they love you so much, they need to monitor your movement just in case of any eventuallity.

 

Teens curfew: How to set limits

Giving your children the freedom and independence they need to make their own choices does not mean you have to stop being a concerned or involved parent; in fact the opposite is the case. It means being even more involved in your child’s life, but in a different way. A way that allows your children to know you are still there for them and they are still answerable to you, but are free to experience life.

 

Involve your children in setting their night time boundaries: Reach an agreement together as to a curfew time that is age-appropriate for each child. Compromise if necessary but not to be seen as weakness on your part. You don’t always have to be the “winner.” Communicate clearly what the agreed upon times are, through written and verbal reinforcements.

 

Execute the consequences of broken rules. When a child is late, give them a chance to freely comment and explain why they broke the rule. Try to find a solution to the problem together. If a teen still breaks the curfew rule, let the agreed-upon consequences fall into place. (Withhold something they love from them).

If your teen has missed curfew because drinking or drugs were involved, then the consequences are more serious. You must carry out a more serious punishment (than withholding) that have been agreed on and more where absolutely necessary.

 

Please teens adhere to these rules for yours and your parent’s peace of mind.

 

 

Do you have any  question you want answered, or advice on any subject? email: Aunty on ngozindubisi2013@yhoo.com and you’ll be glad you did.