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Expert Q & A

Top : General : I know summer should be for relaxing and having fun, but should there be limits?

Preteenagers Today's Health Advisory Panel Answers:
I know summer should be for relaxing and having fun, but should there be limits?
By Chris Crutcher
Author
Licensed Child and Family Therapist
 		Chris Crutcher

Question:


This summer, my 10-year-old son thought he could hang with his friends morning till night. He was very upset that I would not let him walk to the mall with these kids that are allowed to hang all day. I think they should not be at the mall, yet they are all allowed to go. I know summer should be for relaxing and having fun, but should there be limits?

Answer:


I totally agree – there are very few activities I'd let a kid do all the time. Make some deals with him. Trade him time at the mall for time doing things you think are going to help him be more diverse. And remember, telling him it's not good for him, or something of the sort, does no good at all – even if it's true.

Tell him what your concerns are and that as a parent you have certain things you require of yourself. Then he doesn't think you're judging him for what he wants. He knows you're holding yourself accountable for being a good parent, and the two of you can complain about you, and you can still hold to your limits.

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