- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- preteenagers today articles
- preteenagers today q&a
- teenagers today articles
- teenagers today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Chris Crutcher Author, Licensed Child and Family Therapist | ||
 |
My neighbor's 11-year-old boy was wrestling with my 4-year-old and pulled her shorts down a few times. My daughter was upset. Is this normal behavior for a preteen? Is a strict "talk" enough to resolve the issue?
It is normal behavior for a preteen, and it is also unacceptable. I'd go with the strict talk first and see if it does the trick. If it doesn't, then there may be more to it than normal behavior. I tend to always use the fewest guns I need to fight any battle and work up from there. If it's just the normal inappropriateness of an 11-year-old, it will stop with your stern mentioning. If not, act decisively."
Related Expert Q&A
- My 10-year-old is threatening to run away. What can I do to make sure that doesn't happen?
- My 11-year-old still sucks his thumb. What can I do about this?
- My son says "um" a lot when talking. Any tips on getting him to stop?
- I've been told my daughter uses too many "filler words." What does this mean?
- Every other word out of my daughter's mouth seems to be "like." It drives me nuts! What can I do about it?
More Answers by this Expert
- We recently moved into a new neighborhood, and my 8-year-old son has made friends with the 13-year-old boy next door. They share a common interest in sports, but I am reluctant to encourage the friendship because of the age difference. What should I do?
- Should I wait to tell my son about his complicated adoption until he is 18?
- My husband says an adopted child will feel inferior to our biological children. How can I argue that?
- Some classmates are teasing my son, and I am worried my son will gain a negative image of our family and adoption. What should I do?
- My daughter is getting married and she wants both her adoptive dad – my husband – and her biological father involved. How do I guide her in this? How do we word things on the program?