Common Questions From Real Parents

Q: What should I do if my child has a friend who is a negative influence?

• First, it’s important to define exactly what about your child’s friend bothers you. Is the friend bringing out an aspect of your child you don’t like? Does the friend remind you of a negative experience you had in the past? Once you understand what bothers you, you can begin to take action. Ask your child what she likes in the friend. Try to get to know the friend’s parents. And if things start to get bad, talk to your child about the friend (being careful not to express your disapproval too strongly).

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Q: My teenager is spending all of her time with her new boyfriend, and I’m afraid that she’s ignoring her friends. What should I do?

• A teenager falling in love can be upsetting and worrisome to parents, especially if the relationship is intense and moves quickly. Teenagers sometimes ignore all their other friends just to spend every moment with the person they’re dating. Acknowledge and respect the love that they feel, but talk about how it’s important to maintain other friendships as well.

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Q: I don’t like one of my child’s friends, but is that any of my business? Isn’t my child responsible for choosing his friends?

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Q: My child seems to be changing friends and friend groups all the time—is that normal?

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I’m worried about my child’s friend. What should I do?

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