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So conflicted about DD. What would you do about the fine line between keeping track and micromanaging?

Since she is 17, has after school activities and a job 1 or 2 evenings a week, we let her drive our car to school and work. She also has a boyfriend of 7 months, nice person. But, I know she has been the one wanting to engage in "stuff"...not necessarily intercourse, but you know..and he, 16 (with a car) is certainly not saying no. (Btw, this boy stuff has been going on for 4 years..and she is always "in love" with whoever she's dating..the physical stuff has been escalating for the last 2, probably won't be long before they are fully there) So, when and where this stuff goes on is a mystery...my DH and I discussed driving by to make sure she is where she says, and/or using the phone gps (she knows she needs to be in touch or able to be reached via cell). The thought of letting her go and do "stuff" makes me stressed as much as does the idea of keeping track of her. She knows we want her to wait...but are putting her on the pill and encouraging her to use 2 forms of bc should she and bf choose not to wait. Because, yes, we think it's a BIG DEAL. At least we have talked about that aspect...and I believe her view is that sex is no big deal...we're horny and in love, so why wait?< not her exact words. SO...teens who want to have sexual contact and have parents who want them to wait are stuck sneaking around and lying...and we as parents hate to be lied to! How does this ever resolve...or do we all live in a state of partial denial until college next fall? I think she may make a college decision based on not going too far from bf, a junior. Would you just be "comfortable" knowing she is protected and turn the other cheek, or would you make it harder for her to sneak around with our car? When the car broke down and was inoperable for a few weeks, my DD was like a crazed, caged animal...almost nasty....and we took her to task for it. She had to take the bus to school, and I had to drive her to work. Seems like when she has her freedoms she is easier to live with, but also taking more risks. She also has one friend who encourages what she's up to...saw a FB post alluding to such...very cryptic, but we aren't stupid!! Why, if it's such a big secret is she posting stuff on FB? I was allowed freedom when I was in HS, but my big brother was always around to see that I was safe...and I was working all the time and not "boy crazy" like she is. How would you handle this?

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Anonymous

Asked by Anonymous at 10:51 AM on Feb. 6, 2012 in Teens (13-17)

Answers (9)
  • my mom tries to micromanage my life & i'm 25. i absolutely hate her for it. there's a long story beind it all so i'm going into it because this isn't about me. don't micromanage your daughter. it will only make her rebel more. she's probably already had sex & she's probably going to do what she wants since she's almost 18. still keep track of her just don't over do it. definately keep her on or get her on birth control. make sure she knows how important using condoms are, stds are not fun.
    25MamaBear1986

    Answer by 25MamaBear1986 at 11:01 AM on Feb. 6, 2012

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  • Make it a point to help her realize how difficult it is to have a Baby, and try to have a future. I know a lot on here would say that they have a great life being a teen parent. But I'm betting there are more that wish they had waited. Take her to a pregnancy assistance center, talk to people you know, go to the health dept. and let her see the young Moms trying to handle it alone. She needs to see the real side of what could happen should she get pregnant. Let her know that if she does become pregnant, and you're not going to fund her education, and that she will have to move out, work, and figure out how to live without her parents. It's a hard reality, but if she chooses to make adult decisions, there are consequences... GL.
    MrsLeftlane

    Answer by MrsLeftlane at 11:19 AM on Feb. 6, 2012

    Credits: 34884 Level 28 1 star1 star Teens (13-17) Minor
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  • it's her decision... her body!! Teach her how to be safe and let her make HER choice!! Period!!

    Crafty26

    Answer by Crafty26 at 11:19 AM on Feb. 6, 2012

    Credits: 75361 Level 35 1 star Teens (13-17) 101
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  • Make sure she is well informed and you have to let it go sometime or the other,, I mean I assume you allow her to date, so sneaking around isn't an issue, just encourage her to be open and honest with you (I know you don't want to hear it) but she is your kid and I assume you all have taught her right from wrong, she will be living on her own soon enough, and it is important she learns how adults function,, your doing everything you can, but at some point she needs to be able to make her own choices good or bad as they might be. good luck momma.
    kimigogo

    Answer by kimigogo at 11:23 AM on Feb. 6, 2012

    Credits: 62666 Level 33 1 star1 star Teens (13-17) Minor
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  • My sister in law was offered $500 if she graduated a virgin. SHE MADE IT! Me, no, but I was protected and smart about it. Not random guys, had long relationships, pill, and condom. Yes it happens. Even in the car between acticities or even lunch. =/
    Caoimhe_Oona

    Answer by Caoimhe_Oona at 11:52 AM on Feb. 6, 2012

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  • I'm a mom and a grandma so I've been around the block a few times. From my experience, you want them to be open and honest with you and you do not want to force them to lie and sneak around. Many teenagers have sex and they can be safe and responsible at the same time. I would talk to her openly about it, let her know that sex is not a bad thing but give her the reasons youd like her to wait, and if she doesn't wait, let her know you are willing to support her and give her any advice she needs, whenever she wants it. Whether you give them some private time at home to be together or even allow sleepovers is entirely up to you and what you are comfortable with, but just remember she is becoming an adult and she will be making choices that you may or may not approve of. It's just part of her growing up. Good luck.
    MomandNana1952

    Answer by MomandNana1952 at 12:40 PM on Feb. 6, 2012

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  • I plan on making it as hard as possible for my kids to sneak around. My parents did the same thing with me and I was 19 when I lost my virginity and it happened to be with the guy I eventually married.
    I knew if I ever lied to my parents about anything I would be in big, huge trouble - so I didn't do it. My parents didn't play around about our rules, they kept us busy enough that there wasn't time for us to have sex! They knew where we were and who we were with all the time. And I love them for it!
    missanc

    Answer by missanc at 1:56 PM on Feb. 6, 2012

    Credits: 100825 Level 38 1 star1 star Teens (13-17) Minor
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  • Make sure that she understands how her body works, and how to prevent STDs and pregnancy. Make sure that she knows that some of that "stuff" can lead to a baby, without intercourse
    rkoloms

    Answer by rkoloms at 6:04 AM on Feb. 7, 2012

    Credits: 72095 Level 35 1 star1 star1 star Teens (13-17) Major
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  • At this point in her life you guys are white noise. It sounds like your doing your best to educate her but her hormones are in overdrive and I can relate. I was a virgin until I was 18, but I desperately wanted to get busy. But I knew the risks and wanted to pick my first partner carefully. It might help if you have a family friend you trust that she also respects and looks up to, talk to her. If she hears it from someone else it might stick a little better. On the other hand she is almost 18, at least she's made it this far without going all the way. Good luck.

    LadybugTash

    Answer by LadybugTash at 12:22 AM on Feb. 13, 2012

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