These frequently-heard words can create a dilemma for parents. Especially when it comes to clubs and our under-age teenagers.
Clubs serve alcohol. Drugs are available. Drinks get spiked. Schools implore us not
to let our children go. And yet so many kids (from 14 and younger) regularly go to
clubs. Many clubs don’t enforce the age restriction. Fake IDs are used to get into those
that do. Sadly many parents help their children make the fake IDs. And they let their
kids stay out till the early hours.
Peer pressure reigns supreme when it comes to clubbing. Pressure on teenagers
and on parents. If we say “no”, we’re made to feel as if we’re depriving our child. We
struggle between what our consciences and schools advise, and what our teens and
other parents pressure us for.
Parental dilemmas and emails include decisions about when it’s time to let go. Do
we hold on strictly till school ends, and watch our kids go wild after school? Do we let
the rope out slowly from Gr 12, 11 or 10? If our child really is the only one not going,
what effects might it have?
Counsellors suggest that if all parents stood together there would be no dilemma. If
we jointly encouraged other forms of entertainment, supervised activities, parties and
excursions – the clubbing pressure would ease. And the drinking would reduce. Is this
not something we should all discuss and implement?
Have a question? Please reach out to us via the contact section. Also remember to subscribe to our News & Advice section if you would like to learn more about topics relevant to your teen.