|
 So
you're having the 4 usual heart-to-heart conversations
with your preteen about drinking, smoking, drugs
and sex, but what are the topics you aren't talking
about that maybe you should? According to
Melissa Chessher's article "Let's Talk"
in Parents magazine (www.parents.com), here are
five topics that parents and preteen shouldn't
ignore.
Peer
pressure - As your child becomes more influenced
by friends and classmates, be sure that your child
knows the importance of his or her own value system.
Tolerance
- As they experience new relationships, preteens
begin to realize that not everyone is just like
them, so take time to discuss the dangers of prejudice
and stereotyping-for example making assumptions
about people based on race, religion, or appearance.
Teasing-Preteens
tend to be embarrassed if they're being bullied.
And they may not even know that teasing others-even
if they don't intend harm-can be hurtful.
Talking about teasing can surface otherwise buried
emotions.
Body
image-Discussing image issues can give you a sense
of how your child feels about his or her physical
appearance. Make sure your child has a healthy
outlook on "beauty."
Tattling-Advise your preteen
that it's important to tell an adult when another
person is doing something harmful. Let your
child know that it's okay to confide in you. |
