Do you allow your 15 year old to go out without adult supervision?

Meh. Adult supervision is overrated.

Now what do I mean when I say that? I don’t mean that adult supervision isn’t warranted and necessary sometimes with teens. It very much often is.

But what happens with most teens that I’ve encountered is selective tuning out of authority figures.

Helicopter Parent: “Honey, I know you’ve got a girlfriend/boyfriend/significant other now, but I always want you to know you can come to me with any issues or problems and please don’t have sex , don’t take drugs, and … Wah Wah, Wah Wah Wah Wah.”

Trust me. Teens get it. A lot of the time it’s appreciated. Many times it is very much not appreciated. You need to find the balance with your teen that allows them to preserve their self-respect, dignity, and belief in you.

Teen: “Can I go to that concert this weekend?”

You: “You know what? You’ve shown me you’re a very responsible young person and we’ve already had our discussions about peer pressure, drugs, and sex. Have fun, honey. Call me if you need me.”

Teen: “Gee, thanks!”

Now, are they going to sometimes fuck up, try things they’re not quite ready for, and make mistakes? Of course they are. What you want to be is that trusted, wise mentor they can discuss issues with and come to if they’re in serious trouble.