You can do one of two things:
1. Issue a warning: “If you choose to go AWOL when we get ready to leave, you’ll choose the consequence, which is I’ll stay home with you – and you’ll be grounded with no privileges.”
This option stinks however, because in the event he can’t be found at time of departure, you have to follow through with the consequence (or kidnap him and follow behind the others in a separate vehicle).
2. In the event you have a trusted family member or friend, you could allow your son to stay with them while you’re gone – with one caveat: that is, make sure his temporary caretakers are willing to call the police in the event your son comes up missing from their residence. Advise your son accordingly of this potential consequence.
My Out-of-Control Teen: Help for Parents
My Out-of-Control Teen: Help for Parents
1 comment:
I find myself planning trips based on the most difficult to accommodate person, who would be my oldest. He loves riding the train, plane, is even OK with a car trip so long as the destination holds his interest. Otherwise, I have strong resistance, which is tiring. Then if we force him to go someplace he is scowling the entire time. Which we'll have him do for character building but I think we suffer through it as a group.
One solution we've found is church camp. Our son is not a super churchy kind of person, but his church friends are similar to him. Enjoying technology and hanging out together. My husband and youngest son have their own tent, while our oldest has a tent with his friends. The place is packed with parents and kids so we can keep an eye out. We happen to like his church friends so that helps. But then our older son has more freedom he looks forward to going. He has his own adventures while still being around family.
Another is scout camp. Our son does not especially like camping, but does enjoy being outdoors with others his own age or older swimming, shooting practice.... Likes the adventure, fun and challenges. He loves the independence that is encouraged vs. hovering adults. Still the adults are strong leaders that are watching out. Also it helps meet his goal of becoming an Eagle scout which helps with college goals. He even managed to go door to door selling plants to pay for a 10 day high adventure trip. Prior he refused to sell anything found the door to door too much. During his time away at scout camp, we of course will get busy doing things he does not like to do. An unexpected fun side note is he despises walks. But needs to break in some new hiking boots. The REI adviser said 20 miles minimum break in time. I now get to enjoy my son's company on hikes, at least until his boots are broken in:) My husband takes our oldest hiking in the woods, while I take our younger children swimming at a near by lake. Father son time yay. Win win. Always a challenge but usually we can find something our oldest enjoys on a trip even if it means we separate out for a bit. ie take oldest to look at local artists work at a festival then out for food, while younger ones watch a near by show. It is worth it:)
Post a Comment