Setting curfews can help teenagers and their parents keep the lines of communication open ensuring the teenage years are a much happier time.
Setting boundaries are there to keep young adults safe, but they can also help them develop into responsible and considerate people.
Five tips to help you impose a curfew:
- Sit down with them and explain that you are setting a curfew and why. Set a reasonable time that suits you both and let them know there are consequences if they break it. Having clear and specific expectations will ensure your child will be able to follow and stick to them.
- Before your tween or teen leaves the house make sure they tell you where they are going and remind them of their curfew. You may be asked to extend it, but be firm- it will pay off in the long run.
- Make sure they phone if their plans change so you will always know where they are.
- Provide an incentive to ensure they always come home on time.
- Don’t be swayed by other parents. Remember - your house, your rules.
