Understanding the Beverly Social Scene
The social scene may seem to consume your teen’s life. This is normal and can be a healthy part of development during the teenage years. Teens are not just exploring academics and possible future careers, but also social relationships.
PARENTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE
Although it may be hard to accept, the reality is that some teenagers will experiment with alcohol and drugs, and engage in sexual activity. Your teenager will navigate through many explorations, and learn through trial and error. Your job is to monitor these navigations, communicate with your teen, and help them stay on a successful path. Unfortunately, it is difficult to protect teenagers from every experience they go through. But, together parents and NormanAid Wellness Counselors can communicate with students about possible risks and educate them on how to safely participate in the social scene.
Parents need to help teens learn about the world and accept new challenges with the least amount of danger and harm. Parents must walk a fine line between controlling too much and being too relaxed about rules. When parents are too restrictive, they can push teens towards rebellion. When they are too permissive, teens may get out of control. It’s inevitable that teens will want to attend more social gatherings than parents may like. Teens want the freedom to attend parties and socialize with friends and other Beverly students. Teens want their parents to trust that they are making good decisions and give them opportunities to explore adolescence. However, not all teens are ready or have earned the right to such freedom. How does a parent decide how much freedom to give their teen? The decision isn’t easy. One parent’s decision for their teen may not be right for other parents and their teens.
TEEN DEVELOPMENT
There are many experiences common to the teenage years. The most common may be the pull and push between dependence and independence. It is important for parents to make rules for their young children. As children get older, however, they need to learn to make some of their own decisions and choices. Teens need their independence in order to separate from their parents and become adults. Teens need the chance to practice good decision-making skills and to manage new life experiences. Teens need to agree to behave in responsible ways and show that they can handle their freedom. Give them an appropriate amount of freedom and independence. Encourage and promote responsibility and good decision-making, offering support and gentle help with difficult decisions. Teens need to agree to behave in responsible ways and show that they can handle their freedom. Give them an appropriate amount of freedom and independence. Encourage and promote responsibility and good decision-making, offering support and gentle help with difficult decisions.
The reality is that there are often alcohol/drugs at parties. While attending social gatherings some teens may participate in risky behaviors such as drinking, using drugs, having unprotected sex, or even violent acts/crimes. Research has proven that teens whose parents have communicated with and empowered them to make safe choices are less likely to participate in risky behavior.
LEARN THE FACTS, RISKS, AND CONSEQUENCES OF SUBSTANCE USE
- Listen to what your teens have to say about their lives, feelings and experiences;
- Communicate with your teens about drugs and alcohol;
- Develop a safety plan with your teen;
- Monitor alcohol use in your home – keep track of alcohol supply;
- Monitor household medication supply;
- Encourage your teen to entertain their friends when you are home; this way you can monitor their activities;
- Connect with other parents- getting to know your teen’s friends can help you keep tabs on them;
- Keep track of your child’s activities- know their plans and whereabouts. Have them agree to communicate with you while they are out. If they break the agreement, consider whether or not they should go out next time;