Friends of Teenagers

If friends of your teenage son/daughter are not your favourite people in the world, parents need to ask themselves if this is because of certain types of people they have a particular preference for.
It could have much to do with various expectations on the part of a parent.
Certain standard levels of behaviour are not too much to expect of your son/daughter's friends. Few parents welcome friends of their offspring who have addictive habits such as drugs, and over indulge in such things as gambling and alcohol consumption.

However, many parents have 'set views' with regards to people. Parents disapprovals of their teenage son/daughter's friendships, especially friendships of the opposite sex, can be much more to do with their ideas of what matters most to them. Attractiveness and fitness may be considered to be important. Certain type of dress code, speech and education are often criteria for parental approval. Prejudices, such as racial prejudices and class prejudices, can be a huge factor in the disapproval of certain associates of a teenagers friends.

Parents must always remember that their offspring are persons in their own right. Obviously, a teenage son/daughter should be restricted from 'going off the straight and narrow'. But like with anything else, they should be given good guidances. These good guidances by parents, often coupled with their personal tastes and expectations, should never sound like lectures.

Good friendships, formed in teenage years, can become strong lifelong bonds.