When Parents Away, Rules Should Stay

There have been a few opportunities lately for my kids to participate in day trips with friends. Some I feel confident about letting them go, while others I cringe at the thought.

For the most part, my kids are great kids. They mind well, don’t give me a lot of trouble — but, there’s always a BUT isn’t there? But, they do have a few friends that cause them to turn into someone totally different then the kids I raised.

I’ve explained to my kids that I don’t like the person they become when they are around these friends and have given them numerous examples of people who have distanced themselves from these kids AND their parents just because the kids are BRATS. Still, my kids morph into beings from an unknown planet the minute they are in mixed company where certain kids are in attendance.

What’s there to do? What could I possibly do that might help my kids understand when it comes to friends like that, it’s far better they take the role of being a LEADER and NOT a follower?

Any suggestions?

Tags: kids, friendships, teens, brats, behavior