In the realm of parenting, the question arises: do well-behaved teenagers still require rules and parameters? The definition of a “good” kid can vary significantly among parents. In my case, I assess my daughter’s behavior based on her history. This includes examining how often she has lied—specifically, how frequently I’ve caught her in a falsehood. I consider her conduct at school, her interactions with friends, and whether I’ve discovered her engaging in forbidden activities.
Despite a couple of instances where she admitted to minor lies after some inquiry, I would classify my daughter as “good” by my standards. After her recent 14th birthday, I anticipate the challenges of adolescence to intensify. However, thus far, her behavior has been commendable.
One might presume I should be grateful for her good behavior, and indeed, I am. Nonetheless, I have recognized the necessity of establishing guidelines to effectively monitor her conduct. After all, children cannot violate rules that do not exist. So, how can I accurately judge my daughter’s behavior without boundaries to test her?
Even though my daughter has demonstrated admirable behavior, I consistently implement expectations. These guidelines serve as a means for me to determine her true character. For instance, during the summer following her 13th birthday, I permitted her to visit Wonderland—a well-known amusement park near Toronto—with her friends without adult supervision. Initially, I was filled with anxiety, accompanying her as she entered the park, only to leave her to navigate the crowd alone.
This decision, however, came with stipulations. The most critical requirement was that she needed to meet me at 7 p.m. Since she owns a cell phone, I expected her to be aware of the time. When the hour arrived, I anticipated her arrival at my car.
The first outing went smoothly, and I felt a sense of pride in my decision-making (feel free to roll your eyes). Yet, on her second visit, I found myself waiting in the parking lot for 30 minutes without a word from her—not a text, not a call.
When she eventually emerged, I took a moment to compose myself. I refrained from addressing the matter in front of her friends to avoid embarrassing her. However, once I had dropped everyone off, I informed her that she would face consequences for her tardiness. I chose not to revoke her privilege of going to Wonderland, as I had already committed to that. However, I did take away her opportunity to attend a friend’s highly anticipated party the following week.
Guess who stayed in her room all day? Yes, that was her. She expressed her disdain for me for several days, tried to negotiate, and even resorted to tears, but I remained resolute. I believe that when boundaries are breached, consequences must follow, no matter how difficult they may be.
Reflecting on the situation, it would have been easy to overlook her lateness, especially since she had a reasonable explanation. However, the underlying principle is that I have limited instances to enforce discipline. Thus, when opportunities arise, I feel compelled to respond with a strong message.
In the end, I strive to communicate my expectations clearly to my daughter. Ultimately, she must decide if she can adhere to them. I hope that as she matures, she will establish her own standards and incorporate the lessons I’ve imparted within her personal boundaries. For those interested in enhancing their parenting journey, exploring topics such as fertility might also be beneficial, as discussed in our other blog post about fertility supplements here.
In conclusion, the significance of maintaining discipline, even for well-behaved children, cannot be overstated. It fosters growth and maturity, ensuring that they develop the skills to navigate life’s challenges.
Keyphrase: Maintaining Discipline for Well-Behaved Teens
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