The teenage years can be a struggle for some mothers while others find it a breeze. Keeping your teen safe and their future intact are the goals of all mothers. Safety can be difficult to attain as some teens love risky behavior or have quite the rebellious streak. Inside the home, it is far easier to ensure safety than when your teen is at school or out with friends. Giving your teen independence should be done gradually instead of allowing them to go wild as soon as they turn 16. Independence should be earned as it is not a right of teens doing poorly in school or that are in trouble with the law. The following are tips both inside and outside of the home to keep your teen as safe as possible.
Rules for Driving
Rules for driving need to be set in stone as your teen could hurt themselves or others due to unsafe driving. No usage of a cell phone is imperative as the epidemic of texting and driving has been well-documented. Limiting the number of passengers is important due to distracted driving occurring. Too many people shouting or arguing can lead to accidents. Teens do not have the driving experience to be able to deal with too many factors. Split-second decisions have to be made and these should be made with a clear mind. According to Denver car accident lawyer Lampert & Walsh, Driver distractions, such as cellphone use and texting, can be just as dangerous as alcohol use.
If there is any sign that your teen has been driving impaired their driving privileges should be revoked indefinitely. The last thing anyone wants is their teen to kill themselves or another then end up in prison for a lengthy sentence. Teens make bad decisions frequently but ones that could result in death need severe reprimand.
Enforce Curfew Instead of Brushing it Off
Curfews are made to be broken in the minds of teenagers around the world. Most states have a curfew for those under the age of 18 so this is a wise curfew to enforce. Driving during certain hours can lead to a ticket or your teen losing their license for a period of time. With all of the technology available, it will be easy to see what time your teen returns home with nearly any security system. A missed curfew should limit the next weekend’s activities but don’t overreact. For parents that do not have curfews for their teens, it is something that needs to be considered.
Lock Up that Liquor Cabinet
Teenagers binge drink when they do drink which can damage their developing brains. Using alcohol to cope is a common way that alcohol addiction forms. Being the cool parent can lead to other kids getting sick or potentially being exposed to alcohol years before they are ready. Studies have shown that teens 15 and under that have gotten/get drunk have a far higher risk of developing a substance abuse problem. The last thing you want as a mother is your specialty drink being chugged at a party while you are out of town. Alcohol can lead to a plethora of poor decisions and can lead to risky behaviors like unprotected sex. Read about Teen Drinking Risk Factors and Consequences at Very Well Mind.
Look for Signs of Substance Abuse
Substance abuse can sneak up on a family with your teenager hiding their problem with drugs or alcohol. Grades dropping could be a sign of substance abuse or losing interest in things that used to be important to your teen. A drug arrest can alter your teen’s life forever and needs to be dealt with appropriately. The right attorney can have the charge expunged if your teen passes a substance abuse course. Spotting an addiction early can allow your teen to get the help that they need. Expunging the criminal record will also allow them to apply to college or for a job without listing an arrest.
Relationships/Friends
There is a chance that you do not like your teen’s friends for one reason or another. Unless there is due reason like substance abuse involved it is wise to let them choose their friends. Significant others can be a far trickier relationship to manage as resistance can do various things. Forbidden love is quite attractive to young couples that think their feelings can endure everything. Most of these relationships will end naturally but watch out for toxic relationships. Verbal, physical, and sexual violence should never be tolerated under any circumstances.
Mothers need to be protective of their teens as they can be nave and find themselves in bad situations. Be open with your teen as they should know you are just looking out for them. Open dialogue without judgment can be immensely helpful as a teen will open up instead of constantly hiding things from you. You do not have to be your teen’s best friend but you should be the first person they go to when faced with trouble.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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