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education.com asks:
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What to do about teen who is sneaking out, having sex, and has tried marijuana and alcohol?
Stressed mom asks: "OMG I need serious help. I can't afford to hire a therapist and we have no insurance. My husband and I have struggled just to keep my daughter in an upper middle class area just to keep her out of trouble. I have had a good relationship with her and she has kept her grades up and took honor role classes.
  
I found out she has been sneaking out of her window for the past 4 months and seeing different boys and having sex. She says on occasion she tried 'marijuana and alcohol. I never thought I would have to face this with her. I thought she had her head screwed on tight. I was totally blind. I need advice quickly. She acts like she is ready to change and I already have her seeing a therapist. She is more aggressive about attending Church. But I don't know if this is just a manipulative tactic. I am willing to move to another school district in order for her to get a fresh start and not have to worry about rumors floating around. If you think this would be beneficial, please comment. I need some guidance with all of this. Thanks."
 
Above question asked by an Education.com visitor after reading the article, "Keeping Your Teen Out of Trouble": http://www.education.com/magazine/article/Keepi...
In Topics: Teen issues, Teen sexuality and dating, Teen alcohol and substance abuse
> 60 days ago

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Expert

wayne yankus
Jul 11, 2009
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What the Expert Says:

You have had some good responses to your question.  Locking her in only makes the behavior that much more of a challenge.  Speak to her about what you expect and what your house rules are.  Changing schools will only label her. She needs to work within her school community.  Include her pediatrician or medical home for a full exam and some serious anticipatory guidance about risk behavior. Assure her of medical confidence. Remind her that pregancy still happens and for a girl there are three choices: terminate, adoption, or keep the baby--all are life altering experiences.  You are obviously caring.  Don't let your guard down and if counselling is needed, many communities or schools have clinics available where the fees are on a sliding scale--check with your local hospital.  Finally, I would ask your daughter for her cell phone and Face book password and check to be sure she is not being harassed on line.
 
Wayne Yankus, MD, FAAP
expert panelist: pediatrics
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Additional Answers (5)

CreativeRachna
CreativeRac... , Child Professional, Teacher writes:
I'm so sorry to hear about your frustration with your teenage daughter.  Have you been able to put a padlock on the window and or move her into a room where she cannot escape at night?  At times like these, you may want to keep a closer eye on her, being firm and explaining to her that privileges will be taken away and she maybe put on "house arrest" since she refuses to abide by the rules of the house.  The following article refers to talking to your teen about sex.  Whether or not she is already sexually active, it maybe a good idea for you to ensure she is protecting herself and is having safe sex.
 
http://www.education.com/topic/teen-attitudes-about-sex/
 
The next article discusses the steps to disciplining your teen and rules which are reasonable.  
 
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Teenagers_2/
http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Setting_Rules/
 
I hope this helps...
Best of luck,
Rachna
> 60 days ago

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rkaiulani
rkaiulani writes:
I don't think that padlocking her window is going to help - it will probably make things a lot worse, actually. Right now it sounds like at least the lines of communication are open between child and parent. It's important to remember that experimentation with sex, alcohol, and marijuana are all fairly common at the high school age, and does not necessarily mean that there will be ongoing problems. I recommend speaking openly with your child about your concerns in a reasonable way, and negotiating groundrules for behavior that you can both agree on (i.e. if she wants to go out, ask that she always be honest about where she is and what she is doing. In return, you will be understanding and reasonable in your reactions). Make sure your daughter understands the importance of safe sex and the pitfalls of drug and alcohol use, but again, you need to be an ally to your child and not an enemy. Mutual trust and communication will help the situation: aggressive disciplinary measures probably won't.
> 60 days ago

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Loddie1
Loddie1 , Parent writes:
Hello,
Well the good news is that you are caring and want to help your child. You are on the right path as far as trying to get her into a youth church program. I would continue to pursue this route. Also, try to find out why she is acting in the manner she is. Usually a change of some kind brings on this kind of behavior. Seeking to understand what is troubling her will give you some power in your choices. As frustrating as it is, teenagers can often become very confused and try drugs simply to fit in with a crowd even if they have been brought up better. I would also look into homeschooling too. A lot of children simply don't do well in a school setting. I can personally tell you that the pressures are too much for some kids to handle. It is like they never really learn how to cope with different groups or handle them. Often they become a victim to these crowds due to this inability to make good choices. Good Luck.
> 60 days ago

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karelg
karelg writes:
Well this must be frustrating, annoying & stressful situation for you. You must have tried some methods to control her, but in vain. I don't know what to suggest you as limits and rules should not be enforced on teens, otherwise they get rebellious, but the truth is that limits and rules are crucial for child development. First of all, try spending quality time with her, involve with her in the activities she like the most and gain her trust. Then talk to her about this that how frustrating the situation is, and also the outcomes of what you are doing would be dangerous. I read this blog on high school and it's variables here on http://parentingteens.com/blog/high-sfchool-and-its-variables/ , and found out that rightly said school variables have changed a lot in couple of years. Even middle & primary schools are not safe from the curbing problems of drug/alcohol abuse, sex etc. Now we see that teens want freedom from everything & they get what they want from the social circle they are in. So most of the misleading information comes directly or indirectly from the school social circle.
So I would also suggest you to talk to the school counselor about this and bring this issue knowledge into the officials of school so that they can talk to her peer group. I know it's sounds like less productive but you need to act strong and take actions earlier before she get out of control totally.
> 60 days ago

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lawanz
lawanz writes:
First of all you are doing a good job. Keep her in church as much as possible. Yes, I would lock her window. I know that you don't want to be aggressive with her but you have to let her know that you are the parent. Letting kids make there own decision and being their friend sometimes make the situation worse. Stay on top of her and let her know that you love her. And if you think moving will help it want hurt to try it. Its your child do what ever you think is best because your decision will count in the end! Good Luck!!!!
57 days ago

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