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Teenage parenting is about creating a safe and empowering environment.  Before the internet, it was far more reasonable to let your kids out and let them test the waters. Back then, the limit of our kid’s  exposure to adult issues was determined by how far they could go on their bike or later in their car. In those times, they would come in contact with other kids who had the same limited exposure. They would test and try things but very quickly they had to be home and parents could look for changes in their behavior. If the change was creating negative behavior in or out of the house the parent could limit their free time. Teenage parenting, now, is a different animal.I was reading an article, a few weeks ago, about a huge conference in Canada that had recently took place on the subject of trends in families. The subject came up about the availability of pornographic material that is available on the internet. One of the speakers was addressing the issue of sexting.  Sexting is, the putting on the internet, pictures of minors naked or in sexually promiscuous poses on different sites. The speaker, who is an educator in Canada, said it was wrong but that he didn’t see anything wrong with children expressing their sensuality or sexuality. Having been a parent, a lecturer and counselor on teen parenting, I can tell you, I hope this educator never comes to our shore.

Now that the internet age is here, teens and children can be in their own home and seeing things that are completely inappropriate for their age group. Sexting is readily viewable on the internet. Our children and teens have years to be sexually active and worrying about those issues.  Our kids need to be guided and focused on learning values, school subjects and contribution.

For those of you reading this, that are parents, I want to tell you a story about the teenage parenting issues that are happening right in your neighborhood.  I was recently visiting a long term friend of mine who never had children and is a college professor, here in the U.S. I always knew he liked photography and he like nude portraits. I, honestly, have no problem with that. He is an adult and the photography is legal. I was looking through some of his photography books and came upon a book by an author who filled the book with a family that was taking nude shots together. I asked him what’s up with that book? He didn’t think anything was wrong with it. He went on to mention how the author had been harassed by the authorities and had many law suits filed against him. What was an eye opener for me was this professor friend of mine thought the law suits were frivolous.  He felt vindicated in his opinion because the cases were eventually thrown out on a technicality.

Please read part 2 of teen parenting and Teen Issues.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bocknek

The Problem Solving Expert for Parents and Families