parents of teenagers - i need you! (not weight related)

anawhatsme
anawhatsme Posts: 261 Member
i need some advice.
my 14 year old son is in his first relationship.
this is new to me and it's challenging sometimes.
i don't want him to move too fast and i also don't know how i feel about his girlfriend.
yet, i try to be supportive of the relationship - even though i tell him about my concerns.

anyway, i just discovered some pictures on facebook of the 2 of them kissing.
it makes me uncomfortable.
is he too young for this kind of thing?
and what's up with taking/posting kissing pics anyway?
i know it's popular to do, but why?
and why my son?
i'm not ok with this.

but what do i do?
just let it be?
am i over reacting?

also...i don't really feel totally comfortable about the girl he's with.
i think she is too advanced for him and i've read messages she sent him with really heavy topics.
i don't want him in this relationship.
but i'm scared that he will rebel if i am too strict and protective.
at the same time i don't like this and i don't think it's positive for him.

ugh...
i am so unsure.
can anyone help?
«1

Replies

  • lbmore33
    lbmore33 Posts: 1,013 Member
    14 way too young...my daughter is 16 ( i dont let her even date yet)...i would adress the issue....esp them kissing and then posting it on fb....hell these kids now know so much more than we even imagine. I would seriously have a chat with (hell) the both of them...imagine...hell her parents may not even know none of this....i say have that talk
  • haley255
    haley255 Posts: 117 Member
    disclaimer: I'm not a parent of a teenager but I'm close enough to my teenage years to offer advice from the other side

    -kissing pictures are normal. I hate them too and didn't post them often.. but they're totally normal.
    -don't tell him you don't like his gf. It'll probably just irritate him and if she's really not right for him he'll see and let her go on his own
    -you can't prevent anything from happening between them. You're much better off telling him to use protection than to not have sex.
    -as long as it's not dangerous... there are going to be bad influences, and he'll be fine!

    again, I'm not a parent... but this is how my parents were. I know they couldn't have always been thrilled with the guys I brought home (college guys when I was in high school?! I would have flipped if I were them) but they were ALWAYS supportive. And that's the most important thing.
  • jennifer_417
    jennifer_417 Posts: 12,344 Member
    I would say trust your gut.
  • anawhatsme
    anawhatsme Posts: 261 Member
    your message is so bang on.
    and believe me - i want to have that talk!
    but..
    i'm scared that if i am too strict then maybe he will just be more careful in the future for me not to see things like this?
    ya know?
    or what if he rebels against me?
    it scares me.
    i want to do the right thing here.
  • haley255
    haley255 Posts: 117 Member
    i'm scared that if i am too strict then maybe he will just be more careful in the future for me not to see things like this?
    ya know?

    Spot on with that one.
  • lbmore33
    lbmore33 Posts: 1,013 Member
    your message is so bang on.
    and believe me - i want to have that talk!
    but..
    i'm scared that if i am too strict then maybe he will just be more careful in the future for me not to see things like this?
    ya know?
    or what if he rebels against me?
    it scares me.
    i want to do the right thing here.

    you worrying abt him rebeling @ 14....hmmm know matter what you say he isnt gonna like it ((hell I didnt like it)) but im sure you are teaching him correctly...he will understand....wont like it...but like I said he is 14
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    You are the parent and you are in control. If you are uncomfortable, you need to put your foot down. I have a 14 year old, and he thinks he's grown. It's a constant challenge to keep him in check. At the end of the day, he does not have the right to have a girlfriend without your permission. You can help remove the temptation-- kids can't "live" without their cellphones. That's probably how he's taking pictures anyway. My niece is not allowed to have her cellphone until Saturday morning at 10am and she turns it back in to mom at 9pm Sunday evening. Things like this can help you maintain control of his behavior.

    And the pics have got to come down. That isn't appropriate. I'm a grown woman who has been married for years and I don't have pictures of my husband and I kissing on facebook. You never know what will follow you around for life.
  • As someone who is technically still in her teen years, I say talk to him. You've been a guide in his life up until this point, and while he's growing up and developing his own views and making his own choices, you are still a major figure in his life. He might not agree and might still go about with what he's doing, but are you okay with not saying anything and wishing you had? It's better to get into a verbal scuffle than be silent when you feel something's not savvy. He'll get over it and you'll feel better about speaking up.
  • upgetupgetup
    upgetupgetup Posts: 749 Member
    Ok, not a parent of a teenager, but I was one a long time ago.
    i need some advice.
    my 14 year old son is in his first relationship.
    this is new to me and it's challenging sometimes.

    Fair enough, it's your kid! Takes adjusting.
    i don't want him to move too fast and i also don't know how i feel about his girlfriend.
    yet, i try to be supportive of the relationship - even though i tell him about my concerns.

    That's good, communication's good, support is good.
    anyway, i just discovered some pictures on facebook of the 2 of them kissing.
    it makes me uncomfortable.

    I can imagine that.
    is he too young for this kind of thing?

    Kissing at 14? I don't think so. That would definitely have been in line with the norm in my middle class highschool, a million years ago.
    and what's up with taking/posting kissing pics anyway?
    i know it's popular to do, but why?

    Kids these days have never known a world without the internet. It's part of their natural language. They think it's cool.
    and why my son?

    He's probably not the only one.

    i'm not ok with this.
    but what do i do?
    just let it be?

    Yes. What else are you going to do? You can't watch him every second of the day. They could be kissing at the lunch hour. Stay open, keep his trust. If you can manage, talk to him about responsible sex. Not that that will happen now or even soon, but he's at the age where it's just naturally going to be on his mind. Also talk to him about relationship stuff. How to handle feelings. How to communicate respectfully.
    am i over reacting?

    Well, a bit, but it's kind of understandable.
    also...i don't really feel totally comfortable about the girl he's with.
    i think she is too advanced for him and i've read messages she sent him with really heavy topics.
    i don't want him in this relationship.

    It's not really up to you. Even though he's a kid, he's his own person. There is really nothing you can do about the nature of their communication. You are limited to teaching him about how to be respectful to himself, the girl, their health. You've already given him a good sense of your values. Keep doing that in other areas of life.
    but i'm scared that he will rebel if i am too strict and protective.
    at the same time i don't like this and i don't think it's positive for him.

    If he's like 99% of teens on the planet, he probably will rebel in the face of a heavy response. And anyway, he can still kiss the girl at lunchtime, whether you like it or not. Or at a friend's house, or after school. The only way to stop this is to keep him housebound. Which teaches him about suspicion and mistrust, and how to be furious with you. Better to accept it. He's growing up. That's a good thing! You're doing your job.

    Sorry, this obviously isn't easy.
  • elle_321
    elle_321 Posts: 63 Member
    I have two teenagers. My daughter was 14 when she had her first bf. I was very nervous about it. I talked to her about how it can make the girl look trashy kissing and cuddling in public. Instead of saying no you can't do that I just tried to get her to be sensible about it and to have respect for her self and to not lower herself for any boy. Maybe you could explain to your son about respecting the girl by not putting the photos on fb because it can give her a bad reputation. The most important thing is do not let your son know how you feel about the gf. He is not likely to marry her. It is not for ever. He will only hate you for it and rebel. sometimes we have to turn a blind eye whether we like it or not. Telling them they can't do something usually makes them do it even more.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    Just so you know, dating = eventual sexual activity, probably sooner than later these days. The older (and more mature) they are when they start dating the better. I'm not a fan of young teens dating at all. Too much pressure to have sex. Most haven't developed the self-control and self-respect they need to make good choices and handle the chaotic emotions of a serious relationship. I'm a high school teacher and believe it or not, most kids your son's age are not dating yet. Most of them are still in that awkward stage with the opposite sex. There's a lot of flirting going on, though! Since it's probably too late to go back on the whole dating thing now, just make sure your son is protected. Good luck! :flowerforyou:
  • haley255
    haley255 Posts: 117 Member
    I have two teenagers. My daughter was 14 when she had her first bf. I was very nervous about it. I talked to her about how it can make the girl look trashy kissing and cuddling in public. Instead of saying no you can't do that I just tried to get her to be sensible about it and to have respect for her self and to not lower herself for any boy. Maybe you could explain to your son about respecting the girl by not putting the photos on fb because it can give her a bad reputation. The most important thing is do not let your son know how you feel about the gf. He is not likely to marry her. It is not for ever. He will only hate you for it and rebel. sometimes we have to turn a blind eye whether we like it or not. Telling them they can't do something usually makes them do it even more.

    All of this is so true.
  • Felecia1923
    Felecia1923 Posts: 61 Member
    I have been with the same guy since I was 13. I am not a mother of a teenager, my daughter is 3. But from personal experience if you tell them you don't want them to be together it will push them closer together. I am very afraid of my daughter being that age and doing the wrong thing because I want to protect her. That's not to say that you shouldn't keep an eye out. But if something were to happen you would want them to talk to you and they wont if they feel they don't have your support. Talk to him and see where the relationship is going. Just tread lightly.
  • anawhatsme
    anawhatsme Posts: 261 Member
    thanks to all of you.
    you have all given such great input.

    it's so much easier when they are little.
    the teen years stress me out!

    about the girl...
    i read a message she sent him when they first started talking.
    she told him that she cuts herself.
    i don't know if it's true or if she said it for shock value.
    but that message always sits with me
    i don't want him to know i read it, but i have told him that based on things he told me, i'm unsure of what to think of her.
    he knows i'm concerned and leary, he just doesn't fully know why.

    and...
    i know forbidding the relationship wouldn't go over well.
    and there is a good chance that they will still communicate regardless.
    i hate the idea of him sneaking and hiding things from me.
    right now he is quite open with me - for the most part.
    i value that.
    i need that!

    i will just have to have a serious talk with him and hope that he hears me.
    really hears me.
  • shred_me_up
    shred_me_up Posts: 267 Member
    if you are too strict, he'll do the same and more...but behind your back. if you are open with him and just talk to him like an adult, he will trust you more and that way you won't have to worry: he'll tell you whats up and listen more carefully. But by all means don't force him not to be with her because its not like you can stalk his every move. also remember that we learn from experience and mistakes, so if you warn him and he gets hurt? well, he will grow from this.

    good luck :)
  • I tell you now, i'm not a parent! So feel free to disregard my opinion. I am, however, a teenager (19), and my little brother just turned 15.

    I think as long as you are open and honest with him, and understanding about his position and feelings, things will be fine. I had my first real boyfriend when I was 14, and my mother was okay it, and I never felt the need to lie to her because of that. I feel that telling him not to see her or something along those lines will just cause him to have to be sneaky about things.

    My younger brother has a girlfriend right now, and my parents are both fine with it, and they like her.

    Perhaps try to ask him to avoid PDA (especially on Facebook) because he might not want to see those things later, nor do his family members on facebook. If it makes you uncomfortable and worried, it's okay, you're a mom. Teens like to take kissing pictures because they think it's the cute, "couple" thing to do.

    Perhaps she's just a sad teenager in need of a friend, and your son is being a good friend to her. I suggest you ask to meet her more officially, and make sure she's not a danger to herself (Self harm can lead to much worse, and if you know it's going on, I urge you not to ignore it. It may seem like shock value sometimes, but she could also need some help.)

    He's at the age of trying to figure out things with girls. He's got a good mom who gave him a good head on his shoulders, and that's what counts. You can't be with him at all hours, nor make his gut decisons for him. I think it's best that you just continue to guide him and offer him solace if he needs it, and to trust him to make good decisions.

    Good luck with everything :)
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    ...i will just have to have a serious talk with him and hope that he hears me.
    really hears me.

    Go, Mom! I think you're on the right track. If you're respectful, honest and loving during this talk, he will be more likely to take your words to heart. He'll want to keep your respect and he'll feel more comfortable coming to you in the future. :heart:
  • MizSaz
    MizSaz Posts: 445 Member
    Think about when you were a teenager... Start there lol!

    If your concern is with this girl cutting herself, reach out to her parents in a civil, helpful, way, Try not to come across as a "rat". but as someone who has a vested interest in their child. I'm assuming you've raised a good, caring son, who sees a person in need. Warning, she might hate you for this, but oh well. 30 year old me has sent out thank you notes to parents of my friends (15 years ago- we're still close!) for being the rock I needed. My parents were awesome, but I was somehow a better liar and conniver,
  • glennstoudt
    glennstoudt Posts: 403 Member
    My suggestion is to not overthink it. I know it's tougher for Moms usually they are in charge of worrying, among other things. Things not to do would be to tell him to do anything. Even suggestions need to be parsed carefully. If he crosses the line in your view, you are probably right about it. So lay out some rules parsed as suggestions as some others have offered. We raised 4 sons, nothing bad happened, none of the girls they brought home looked like they came from the bar in Star Wars and it all finished happily ever after as those years flew by. Plenty of shouting matches of course over this or that, but keep the relationship open and resilient and it will work out. Enjoy this time, accept it as "different" and good luck of course.
  • jenilla1
    jenilla1 Posts: 11,118 Member
    ...30 year old me has sent out thank you notes to parents of my friends (15 years ago- we're still close!) for being the rock I needed...

    That's adorable! What an awesome person you are! :smile:
  • FITBY30
    FITBY30 Posts: 39 Member
    i have a 14 year old daughter, we are very close and i will talk to her about anything she wants to talk about so i think the best advice on here has been to talk to your son, tell him how uncomfortable you feel. i opened a facebook for my daughter last month, attached it to my email and i made up her password so she knows i have full access-a couple of times now i have mentioned to her things i didnt like that were being messaged or a group she was a part of, she never got mad or questioned it she just handled it. maybe you should remind your son that it not just his jealous guy friends at school seeing this, but his family too. Speaking of, kids will try to imitate what they think is an "adult relationship" from what they see their parents doing-fighting they will fight, being affectionate, they will be affectionate etc. them being affectionate could be a good sign that he is feeling cared for-which really isnt so bad as long as he has boundaries at 14. My daughter hasnt had her first boyfriend yet, you are really takin one for the team on this one, but we have had many talks about it coming and taking it slow and not being pressured yadda yadda-im sure its a whole different conversation for boys, but the foundation remains, you are the parent he is the child and you should talk about your concerns so he can show you he still respects you and that you respect him growing up.
  • Jen800
    Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
    I'm not a parent either. but can understand teens pretty well:
    Also: I am a former cutter. Don't judge the girl based on her cutting history, it's not something you should meddle in. I'm a perfectly nice, respectful woman, so just because she's a cutter doesn't make her some emo freak. (I'm editing again to say if you notice your SON starts to cut, you need to be more involved and possibly get her help. If nothing else, get him help)

    It's understandable to be concerned as a parent about your teen getting involved with things too fast. 14 IS young(But not outrageous), but here's my best advice : Equip him with the tools he needs, and let him make his choice.
    Kids post pictures of them kissing on facebook all the time, and if it's not too raunchy, it's okay. If it looks as though they're eating each other's faces, you should warn him not to post that type of material as future employers will see it. I do agree it's pointless and more of a "look at us, we're soo cute" thing for most teens. That's something you should be sure to keep private.I'd say set your foot down on the picture thing if you're really upset by it.


    Now, as for the actual relationship: I think you should let it be. They're 14. They'll probably break up in a week, honestly. I don't think she's "too advanced" for your son (I know EVERY parent feels this way about their child's first boyfriend/girlfriend, so take a breath). I'm sure he would rebel if you tried to be too strict. Kids don't want to be bossed around, just as you don't want to be. So, instead of demanding this relationship end, try talking to your son about your concerns. (this means.. THAT dreaded talk..)
    And tell him you are there to answer his questions and need him to be open with you about where the relationship is headed if he is to continue. Try not to force your opinions on him. Explain the dangers that come of unprotected activity, (emotionally and physically) and have him really understand what's going on in your head.


    As for what you said about the girl and the possible shock value ; I don't think so. Cutters don't like bragging about it, if they're serious. You should actually be glad she's telling your son up front, because this kind of thing kept secret could damage a relationship more than it being out in the open. Don't judge a book by it's cover.



    Anyway, I hope you take this advice. In this day and age, it's nearly impossible to stop your child from doing what they want. Really, it was no different a long time ago either. If you forbid them to be together, they will probably continue seeing each other in secret, which could be dangerous and have even worse consequences than allowing them to be together. (like meeting in a dark alley because it's the only place they can see each other :noway: )

    Prepare him for what might come, have him know how to react, do not overly invade his privacy, and do not remove yourself completely.



    Edited to say that very few teenagers are ever in "real" relationships or end up being "really" in love. Let it run it's course. He is growing up, and although people never want to see their children make mistakes or get hurt, it's actually better for them. In the end, he'll thank you for allowing him to branch out and grow as an individual.
    Best of luck!
  • Oishii
    Oishii Posts: 2,675 Member
    I think it must be an American thing to think you can prevent your kids from having boyfriends/girlfriends if you're not with them 24/7. My mum was worried because I didn't have a boyfriend when I was 12 or so. As for kissing, I really don't see the big deal. Nudity is different. It may be a good idea to have a talk about the possible legal implications of sending or receiving indecent images of a minor NOW before anything like that happens. We had a child protection talk recently where they explained that in the UK police are visiting people's homes to get computers that have been used for viewing such illegal images. These are the kind of things that can ruin lives, not pictures of kissing.

    I have a lot of respect for my parents for always supporting us in our relationships. My brother had a rather unstable girlfriend from 12-15 or so (I now know he was sexually active from 13). One day, after he'd been on the phone for over an hour, he burst into tears. She was threatening to kill herself. My parents drove straight to her house (where her parents were, but had noticed nothing) to help. She was fine, and they stayed together. My parents tutored her in maths and English when she needed it and never tried to stop my brother. Did it do him any harm? No. He is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know. I'd say, personally, that I'd want to be there for my kids like a safety net, for when things don't work out well, not to prevent them from testing their wings or falling sometimes.
  • Jen800
    Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
    disclaimer: I'm not a parent of a teenager but I'm close enough to my teenage years to offer advice from the other side

    -kissing pictures are normal. I hate them too and didn't post them often.. but they're totally normal.
    -don't tell him you don't like his gf. It'll probably just irritate him and if she's really not right for him he'll see and let her go on his own
    -you can't prevent anything from happening between them. You're much better off telling him to use protection than to not have sex.
    -as long as it's not dangerous... there are going to be bad influences, and he'll be fine!

    again, I'm not a parent... but this is how my parents were. I know they couldn't have always been thrilled with the guys I brought home (college guys when I was in high school?! I would have flipped if I were them) but they were ALWAYS supportive. And that's the most important thing.



    I also agree with this. I think you're so much more better off listening to this kind of advice instead of the advice from the 40-50 year olds. They don't understand how to work a teenager properly, and how to get them to do what you want (or at least compromise). The point is, kids will be kids. Children fall down and scrape their knees, but they survive in the end.
  • Jen800
    Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
    I think it must be an American thing to think you can prevent your kids from having boyfriends/girlfriends if you're not with them 24/7. My mum was worried because I didn't have a boyfriend when I was 12 or so. As for kissing, I really don't see the big deal. Nudity is different. It may be a good idea to have a talk about the possible legal implications of sending or receiving indecent images of a minor NOW before anything like that happens. We had a child protection talk recently where they explained that in the UK police are visiting people's homes to get computers that have been used for viewing such illegal images. These are the kind of things that can ruin lives, not pictures of kissing.

    I have a lot of respect for my parents for always supporting us in our relationships. My brother had a rather unstable girlfriend from 12-15 or so (I now know he was sexually active from 13). One day, after he'd been on the phone for over an hour, he burst into tears. She was threatening to kill herself. My parents drove straight to her house (where her parents were, but had noticed nothing) to help. She was fine, and they stayed together. My parents tutored her in maths and English when she needed it and never tried to stop my brother. Did it do him any harm? No. He is one of the kindest, most compassionate people I know. I'd say, personally, that I'd want to be there for my kids like a safety net, for when things don't work out well, not to prevent them from testing their wings or falling sometimes.


    This too. Don't be a brick wall, be a help and support to your child. If your child DID choose to have sex (oh, lord!) or something like that, at least if you were available to help him take the precautions. If you are not, he will do it anyway and have even worse things to worry about (like a pregnancy)
  • anawhatsme
    anawhatsme Posts: 261 Member
    Also: I am a former cutter. Don't judge the girl based on her cutting history, it's not something you should meddle in. I'm a perfectly nice, respectful woman, so just because she's a cutter doesn't make her some emo freak.


    As for what you said about the girl and the possible shock value ; I don't think so. Cutters don't like bragging about it, if they're serious. You should actually be glad she's telling your son up front, because this kind of thing kept secret could damage a relationship more than it being out in the open. Don't judge a book by it's cover.

    i don't mean to judge, i'm concerned.
    concerned for her, concerned for him.
    this could be a serious issue.

    about the shock value...
    i meant that it's possible that she doesn't cut herself and that she just said it to get a reaction.
    i'm sure if she really cuts herself, she wouldn't tell him to shock him.

    i think she had a difficult life in some ways, from what i hear.
    i hope she's ok.
    my boyfriend was saying that maybe she will find comfort in my son, and us.
    maybe we can help her in some way.
    that would be nice, but i don't expect it.

    thanks again for all your great responses.
    i'm still bothered, but feeling better thanks to you guys!
  • Jen800
    Jen800 Posts: 548 Member
    Also: I am a former cutter. Don't judge the girl based on her cutting history, it's not something you should meddle in. I'm a perfectly nice, respectful woman, so just because she's a cutter doesn't make her some emo freak.


    As for what you said about the girl and the possible shock value ; I don't think so. Cutters don't like bragging about it, if they're serious. You should actually be glad she's telling your son up front, because this kind of thing kept secret could damage a relationship more than it being out in the open. Don't judge a book by it's cover.

    i don't mean to judge, i'm concerned.
    concerned for her, concerned for him.
    this could be a serious issue.

    about the shock value...
    i meant that it's possible that she doesn't cut herself and that she just said it to get a reaction.
    i'm sure if she really cuts herself, she wouldn't tell him to shock him.

    i think she had a difficult life in some ways, from what i hear.
    i hope she's ok.
    my boyfriend was saying that maybe she will find comfort in my son, and us.
    maybe we can help her in some way.
    that would be nice, but i don't expect it.

    thanks again for all your great responses.
    i'm still bothered, but feeling better thanks to you guys!

    That's the spirit! Congratulations as well for actually taking the time to find other people's opinions instead of just resorting to your knee-jerk reaction. I think you and your son will do just fine :) It's normal to be concerned! Just don't let your concern turn to unmanageable stress. I'd feel the same way if I had a child who began dating someone with cutting issues, even though I understand them myself. Thank you for being someone who wants to help! :) good luck :flowerforyou:
  • cpiton
    cpiton Posts: 380 Member
    I have raised 2 teenagers (1 boy, 1 girl) and am currently raising a 14 year old girl. I know the fear you feel.

    The best advice I can give is to keep the lines of communication open with your son. That doesn't mean you have to agree with his choices, but he needs to know that you trust him and believe in him. My son met his girlfriend (now his wife of 2 years--they married at 20, no kids, they're in love) when he was 16. She was a nice girl, but I was still uncomfortable with it. I tried to make sure he knew I trusted him to be smart about things and that he could come to me with any questions, and Lord help me, he took this to heart. He asked a LOT of them. Made me squirm a bit, for sure. lol

    One thing I did was to build a relationship with the girl on my own. I got to know her, gave her the same respect I gave my son and she actually sought out my advice more than a few times and even followed it. And I have to say, I love her like a daughter. She adores my son, so what more could I ask?

    My current 14 year old has a boyfriend. We have strict rules about posting pics online and she knows this. I don't allow boyfriend pics online. We've had her boyfriend over several times. He's a nice kid. She cannot date, but she can have him over as long as we're home. And I always am. ;)

    I'd definitely keep a close eye on the relationship. I'm not a hands-off parent. I have followed my kids when I thought they were getting into trouble and I won't apologize. My grown son has thanked me for it. Knowing I was looking over his shoulder made him think twice about doing a couple of iffy things. But knowing we put our faith in his good decisions when we weren't watching is what I believe really what made him think twice. He didn't want to let his father and me down.

    As for the cutting, I was a self destructive teen. Had some horrible habits. I met my husband when I was 15. His mother welcomed me into her home--even made me lunch every day when I was in high school. I loved her and it became very important to me not to disappoint her. Married my guy when I was 18 (he was 19--again, no kids then, just in love). This June it will be 24 years. We have a great marriage. He's my best friend and I'm his. Try not to judge her too harshly. 14 is a tough age. I would call it my worst age. She may turn out to be a great kid.
    Best to you from a mom who understands :)
  • shanster23
    shanster23 Posts: 144 Member
    about the girl...
    i read a message she sent him when they first started talking.
    she told him that she cuts herself.
    i don't know if it's true or if she said it for shock value.
    but that message always sits with me
    i don't want him to know i read it, but i have told him that based on things he told me, i'm unsure of what to think of her.
    he knows i'm concerned and leary, he just doesn't fully know why.

    Admit that you snooped. Cutting is a serious emotional problem and the younger a person is when they receive help for it, the more chance they have of recovering from it. So admit you snooped and perhaps tell her parents so that she can get help :) Or even reach out to her yourself... and that way you'll get to know her, too.

    As for kissing.. 14 is a pretty normal age for that. That's when everyone is starting to figure out who they are and be comfortable with themselves. It doesn't always lead to bigger things like sex, despite what most people think :)

    I'm only 20 but my parents always let me make my own choices. If I did something they didn't approve of, they didn't stop me; they let me do it and then were there for me when something went wrong. People can't grow and mature properly if they're coddled rather than going out and learning from mistakes.
  • WeekndOVOXO
    WeekndOVOXO Posts: 779 Member
    I'm not a parent, but as long as you have a good relationship with your son you shouldn't worry about what things he might do. By good relationship I mean him being able to talk to you, having trust, and share some sort of common ground. Prior to my first relationship and being sexually active my dad had a talk with me about sex, respecting women, and also the consequences of not being responsible. I ended up doing a lot of ****, but I always was conscience of my choices. The one thing my dad appreciates about me the most now is my honesty and I feel I have him to thank.

    Hope it all works out.