What Would a Responsible Parent Do?

Question by Scott C: What would a responsible parent do?
I am a single parent of two teenaged boys, 17 and 19. I’ve been blessed with the fact that they’re both wonderful, get good grades, and we have a very honest and open relationship. Because of this, I have allowed them great freedoms, and given them quite a bit of room to make their own decisions in life.

The problem is, they seem to be screwing up. For example, I have caught my 17 year old drinking twice in the past six months, and he was recently busted for trying to buy a six-pack of beer with a fake ID. Also, another parent recently pointed out FaceBook pictures of him smoking a joint after prom. In that same FaceBook album were many pictures of my 19yo drinking- funnelling beer (beer bongs), doing stupid stuff, and passed out in the bathtub.

These guys are good kids, but are doing stupid crap. Their response to me was “This is what kids do- neither of them have a problem..”, and they feel my suggestion to attend a Drug and Alcohol Awareness program is unreasonable. They feel that it shows lack of trust on my part, and that I think they’re unable to make responsible decisions.

I desparately want to believe them, but I also want to do the right thing. I don’t want to be the parent that has been snowed by their kids- especially after showing such great trust for them.

What would a responsible parent do? I would like suggestions from both parents and kids, as I respect the views from both sides of the fence.

Best answer:

Answer by ronnny
Need to explain to them that there is a difference between drinking a little and doing drugs and drinking a lot. I can say as a dad that i do drink a bit but my kids have not saw me drunk. I guess you are leading by a good example. But need to just let them know your expectations and what you think is right and wrong with what they are doing. do not support these habits and see what they do since they are old enough to do what they are going to anyway. do not threaten them just voice your opinion.

rd

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