Name: Pixie
Saco, ME
Number of kids: 2
Ages of kids: 10 and 13
Problem:I have a 13 year old daughter, who up until now has been a well behaved honor roll student, and championship swimmer. With sixty dollars to spend at the mall, she was caught shoplifting a twenty dollar sweater, on a dare by a friend. Today she seemed remorseful and very scared. She has not left my side and is afraid. Do children just make mistakes once, or should I seek professional help? Please help, my baby is scared.
Solution submitted by Nancy from Wells, ME: I believe your 13-year old is "testing the boundaries" and is under a lot of peer pressure. Let's face it! Adolescence is a wild and scary time for kids. I see my 14-year old son going through it. If Pixie's daughter has always been a good kid, receiving great grades, and a champion swimmer, I don't think she really has anything to worry about. However, Pixie should keep a real close eye on her daughter, watch for any changes in her behavior, grades, etc. and "nip them in the bud" as soon as she sees them. Pixie should also persuade her daughter to hang out with friends who make good choices, not who steal or disobey other laws or rules. Kids will act out, but if you handle the situations immediately, and let them know what they're doing is wrong and what your expectations for them are, your kids will be able to make their own good choices without your supervision. Tell your daughter that if she gets a bad feeling in her gut when she's thinking about doing something questionable, then it's not the right thing to do! She always wants to feel comfortable about everything she does.
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