Ask an expert
Search expert health advice:
Browse by expert
- ADHD Expert
- Allergy expert
- Anti-ageing expert
- Asthma Expert
- Arthritis expert
- Breast cancer expert
- Cancer expert
- Cough Expert
- CyberDoc
- CyberShrink
- Oral health expert
- Depression expert
- Diabetes expert
- EnviroHealth expert
- Family law expert
- Fertility expert
- Flu expert
- GynaeDoc
- Headache expert
- Healthy Bones
Question
13 Dec 2012
Share
problem tween
Hi Doc,
I posted a couple of weeks back about my 12 yr old daughter who was having " phone sex" on a soical network site.
I confiscated her phone for a week and gave it back to her with the internet disabled. I also went through the whole story (again) of what the dangers are, doing this etc. Now with that behind us, the next problem:
Whilst at her friends house yesterday, the 3 friends (all aged 12 and a half) decided they would walk to the local shopping centre (2km''s away). This they did without telling anyone, knowing it was wrong. Thankfully they made it there safely, but I''m at my wits end. I''ve again gone over the dangers of doing this, but I feel like everything I say goes in one ear and out of the other. I''m a single mom, battling to find the right way of getting through to my daughter. Its overwhelming at the moment, and I worry for her to the extent that its affecting my health.
Where am I going wrong? How do I get through to her? Please help.
many thanks
I posted a couple of weeks back about my 12 yr old daughter who was having " phone sex" on a soical network site.
I confiscated her phone for a week and gave it back to her with the internet disabled. I also went through the whole story (again) of what the dangers are, doing this etc. Now with that behind us, the next problem:
Whilst at her friends house yesterday, the 3 friends (all aged 12 and a half) decided they would walk to the local shopping centre (2km''s away). This they did without telling anyone, knowing it was wrong. Thankfully they made it there safely, but I''m at my wits end. I''ve again gone over the dangers of doing this, but I feel like everything I say goes in one ear and out of the other. I''m a single mom, battling to find the right way of getting through to my daughter. Its overwhelming at the moment, and I worry for her to the extent that its affecting my health.
Where am I going wrong? How do I get through to her? Please help.
many thanks
CyberShrink
Dont blame yourself. At around hat age, kids believe they are personally invulnerable, individually exempt from the facts of life.
Emphasize to her that the responses you make are because she hasn't grown up enough, yet, to recognize the real dangers in the world out there, like a toddler who doesn't realize boiling water can seriously hurt her, and wants to play on the stove.
I agree with Milla about refusing to allow her to visit the girl she was with then, or any other chum whose mother will not be there to supervise them and to prevent such foolish impulsive actions.
I also like Milla's emphasis on making it clar to kids that visiting pals homes, having a cellphone or web access, etc, are PRIVILEGES, and not RIGHTS, and are conditional upon using these opportunities sensibly, responsibly and safely.
Emphasize to her that the responses you make are because she hasn't grown up enough, yet, to recognize the real dangers in the world out there, like a toddler who doesn't realize boiling water can seriously hurt her, and wants to play on the stove.
I agree with Milla about refusing to allow her to visit the girl she was with then, or any other chum whose mother will not be there to supervise them and to prevent such foolish impulsive actions.
I also like Milla's emphasis on making it clar to kids that visiting pals homes, having a cellphone or web access, etc, are PRIVILEGES, and not RIGHTS, and are conditional upon using these opportunities sensibly, responsibly and safely.
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
