- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- moms today articles
- moms today q&a
- community & groups
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
From Our Sponsors
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Expert Q&A
 |  |  |
| By Kate Cohen-Posey Therapist | ||
 |
My 15-year-old daughter doesn't want to go to school or come home on time and is drinking alcohol and smoking pot. Is this the typical teen thing?
Teens today are definitely more challenging, but your daughter sounds like she is going a little beyond the typical teenage thing. You need to have consequences for things you can control like curfews and not attending school. Use consequences like no telephone, no computer, no privacy in her room (make her stay in the family room) until she comes home on time or until she's been to all classes for a week.
Extreme measures are to escort her to school and classes. Make sure your curfews are reasonable by talking with other parents and teachers. If they are too extreme, she may be rebelling. Do not allow smoking and drinking in your home or finance it in any way. If the drug problem is serious to the point that it is interfering with grades, you may need to start drug screens and become involved in a drug treatment program, but some drug use is common with teens.
On a lighter note, keep the lines of communication open. Get her ideas on how much drug use or drinking is too much. Find out if any of the sexual behavior of other kids disgusts her. There is probably a lot going on there that you do not know about either. The first year in high school can be particularly difficult. After that she'll either straighten out somewhat or you'll know if you have a serious problem."
Related Expert Q&A
- My son plays football and complains his knees bother him. Can a chiropractor help, or should he stop playing?
- We live in New Orleans, and since Hurricane Katrina my daughter has gained 50 pounds. What should I do?
- How can I tell my mom and dad that I wet the bed at night? I'm 15 years old.
- My daughter is 13, and she has the most beautiful mindset (about bedwetting). She can joke with her family and close friends; however, I know that this is troubling her a great deal. Can you offer her some advice or promise on if this can be corrected?
- My teenage daughter wants to get the top of her ear pierced. Can this cause infections and scarring?
More Answers by this Expert
- My 11-month-old doesn't seem interested in playing with other toddlers. Should I encourage him by joining a playgroup?
- How can I stop my older daughter from picking on heryounger sister?
- When should a child be given a key to the house?
- How can I curb my 8-year old son's rude behavior?
- My daughter wasn't invited to a friend's party. What should I tell her?