Parenting.

[LoveLaughSmiles]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

Alot. We need privacy. I dont know which age.

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

Why does it matter? If we can get good grades in school, we can spend most of our time on computer. I spend alot of time on the computer and I get my work done, and I have good grades.

How involved should parents be?

Yes, they should check over your look. My parents really do not get involved with school events(like problems) unless I told them.

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

Whenever they have time. Some parents have to work all day. But atleast one to two hours a day unless you are going to go somewhere for fun.

Should parents force their children to be active?

I don't think parents should put you in sports. It's your choice if you want to. I do think parents do need to watch what their kids eat sometimes.

Spanking- Okay or not?

I really don't know. My dad spanked me with a belt once, but my parents do not do it anymore. They would ground us, but the real thing is we're not grounded from anything.

[moni_rawr]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

They should be allowed some, just as long as they show that they are responsible enough for privacy. I hated the fact that my parents were up my rear all the time, but now that I look back at it, I'm glad that they were because I most likely would have gotten into even worse stuff if they hadn't been at least somewhat watching me. At the very least, they could make it appear that their teen has privacy, but still check up on them with certain things (i.e. computer history to ensure they're not on adult dating websites, gambling, etc).

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

I believe they should because if they're wasting their day online, then they're not being active and healthy. Plus, there's plenty of other things to do than sitting on the computer.

 

How involved should parents be?

My parents were very involved in everything I did...while there were times that I felt embarrassed that they were always there for swim meets, recitals, and such...but I guess once you get older, you start to cherish those memories. Be there for your child in every way you can to help guide them away from the wrong life. But at the same time, parents should not be pushy, there are times in which it's okay to sit back and let your child make their own decision, and be there for them if they mess up to help them get back on their feet.

 

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

I believe at least a little bit of time (more than a meal) with a parent would be essential for the child, to reassure them that their parent is there for them and so you don't lose sight of who your child is and miss out on them growing into an adult.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

Yes, but they should also find a fun way for their child to be active rather than expect them to do an activity they hate. I'm glad my parents pushed me into some of the stuff they did because I ended up loving it. But for their child's health, being active is the best for the child...so have them try out things that involves them physically to keep them in shape.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

I think it's okay to an extent. I was spanked as a child and it has not effected me at all. While yes, you are more likely to treat your child how your parents treated you, there is always a way to break the cycle. Once you've tried every possible way to "punish" your child to get him/her to stop doing something and it doesn't work, bop their hand if they keep grabbing something they're not supposed to or bop their behind while they're in the fact to surprise them...not hard enough to leave a mark by any means, but just enough to take their mind off of what they're doing and shock them in a way.

[AngelBones]

My thoughts -

 

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

Well nowadays teens are given a lot of freedom, i've seen ten year olds with flasher phones than me.... But i reckon its ridiculous. Im 15 and my mother still asks me a bunch of questions before i leave home (where r u going, who with etc). I reckon parents should be more curious as to where their kids are actually going, just for safety.

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

Of course it should be limited! Not only do they waste a bunch of internet (i'd know :L) but kids develop habits based on what they do everyday. Computer all day everyday, definitely not good.

 

How involved should parents be?

Well this really depends on how the kid has been raised, and what their personality is. For example, i was always very independent, i preferred working alone rather than in groups, i did my homework by myself etc. And because that's how i grew up, im fine with it now. My parents dont involve themselves in my homework at all, because they trust that im gonna get it done, and i do.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

Well "family time" is important, no matter not ridiculous it sounds. Many of my friends go on family outings, and have movie nights and still eat dinner at the table etc. That never happened for me, which really sucks, because all my friends seem super happy. But i guess there are benefits and downfalls to both ways of life, i just wouldn't know.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

Well, "force" sounds a bit extreme. But they should definitely have a say in their kids lives food and exercise wise. And start early!! The earlier you make good habits and teach kids that sport is great for them and that junk food is a rare treat, the easier things will be later on. I always complain when my parents take me on bush walks and such, but that because i grew up as a child who didn't like sport. Get them into these things earlier on in life!

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

Yeah, i think it is ok. But to an extent. Because sometimes those things are just necessary. Again though, there is a limit.

 

[kyedigsme]

As far as spanking is concerned...

 

I was spanked as a child, but not in the "parent out of control with rage" way. My parents would give me a couple whacks on the bottom (with clothes on, never bare-bottomed). And I never took away from those spankings that violence was okay. The key to spanking properly (or any form of discipline, for that matter) is not allowing anger to be the force behind discipline. Discipline should be given out of love. That may sound strange, but parents who love their children discipline them so that they will grow up learning right from wrong. Parents who administer discipline out of any other motive are the reason the spanking, time-outs, groundings, or any other form of punishment become problems for their children later in life. I believe that it's important to tailor punishments to fit the behavior and the child. For example, sending me to my room didn't work as a punishment, but my brother found being alone in his room torturous. If (well, most likely when) my husband and I have kids, we'll use whatever works for each child, within reason. I am all for trying time-outs and other forms of punishment, but I also believe that spanking when done properly can be used.

[jmt_1992]

Interesting topic. :)

 

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

I think teens should be given a good chunk of privacy. If you raised them right, they won't get into too much trouble. Getting into a bit of trouble can be good so they can learn lessons. Parents should definitely check up on their kids, though, and make sure they know where they are. I think at age 18 parents should no longer put limits on their kid; they're technically an adult at that point & need to make their own decisions or else they will not grow up.

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

It depends on the kid. If a kid isn't spending that much time on the computer a day, I'd say there would be no point in imposing a limit. But if it's all the kid wants to do, I'd say there should be a limit of 2-3 hours per day, not including homework that needs to be done using a computer. As for access, definitely. Kids shouldn't be allowed on harmful, illegal, or pornographic websites.

 

How involved should parents be?

I think parents should be really involved. I agree that if you have a kid, you should realize that you need to set aside a lot of time. Even if a parent works, I think they should set aside time each day just to hang out with their kid (even for a little). Parents should also help with homework and definitely cook for the child when they are younger at least (by 18 they can cook for themselves if necessary).

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

I think parents should try to take their child out to do something fun at least once a week.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

I think so, but I think "force" is a little bit of a harsh word. Kids need to learn to be active young so that they will be when they get older. Nobody wants to be unhealthy or have excessive body fat.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

No. I wouldn't spank my kids.

 

Also, as far as chores go, I think children should have chores depending on their age. Like if there is a child that is 8 or so, then they can have the chore of feeding the cats or dog. When a child gets older, they can help with dishes, take out trash, recycling, etc. I just think that it should not be a lot. Kids need to have time for homework and socializing as well.

[Navy]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

A reasonable amount, but I believe that parents should always be allowed to go through belongings that they bought.

Even though I'm being a bit hypocritical here, I know if my parents were to do such a thing, they'd only be doing it for my safety and well being.

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

Yes. I'm one of those teenagers who allowed the internet to grab hold of my life, and I don't think kids should live like this.

 

How involved should parents be?

Tons. I've always been jealous of the kids who always had their parents being a part of whatever they're doing.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

Spend breakfast together

spend lunch together if they're not at school

sit at the table and eat with their parents

movie nights

family game nights

and maybe just night to sit around and talk to their kids

 

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

YES. Kids are too fat now, why? Because their parents let them eat junk food and sit around the house all day.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

No. I was spanked as a kid, it only taught me to be afraid of my parents, not respect them.

If they only way you can get through to your kids is through pain, you're doing something wrong.

[sarria33]

To be honest, I'm a teenage (19 though so nearing the end) and I have authority issues.

 

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

They have a right to privacy. Invading privacy just ruins the trust in a parent/child relationship. They could be doing something bad but that's life. All teenagers do stupid stuff; you can't stop them

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

This one isn't bad. I think parents can do this if they want.

 

How involved should parents be?

They should definitely check homework especially at a young age. They should talk to their children about their school life, friends, etc. They should have a lot of communication.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

A lot of quality time...that is how bonding happens.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

They should try to introduce sports to them. This can help them develop talent but if the child doesn't like it, they should quit.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

No

[Door]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

Parents should raise their kids to know that they don't need to monitor them. If your child breaks your trust, then you can go snooping around (ex; if you have reason to believe your kid is on drugs, it's okay to search their room, but not otherwise).

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

Access, I don't think so. Teenagers use the internet as an outlet to figure out what goes on in the world. Most kids learn more about sex through porn than they do in school (sex ed doesn't teach you much at all about actual sex, the mechanics of it). I found porn by accident when I was 8, but since I sort of found it to be the norm at a young age it never really affected me. Not saying it's okay for eight year olds to be looking at porn, but if that's how they need to learn, it's not really a bad thing.

 

How involved should parents be?

Be involved enough to show your kid you care without being a "helicopter parent". Be as involved as you can with them when they're little - go to their games, help them with their homework, go to their recitals and plays, but when they get to middle school you should maybe back off a little. When helping a kid with their homework, don't do it FOR them or they'll grow up relying on you - give them room to grow and make their mistakes and learn, but always be there for them.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

Pretty much the same as above. Enough to make them feel loved, so they know you're there, but don't force it. My dad tries to force the family together and it just makes a miserable time for all of us. When kids wan to spend time with their parents, they will. Or the parent should let the kid choose the activity, like what restaurant or game they go to together. My family plays board games together a couple times a month and that's actually a lot of fun. Simple, not too much pressure, but it gets us all laughing.

 

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

Watch what they eat, but don't force them in to sports or they'll just become resentful. Give them as many outlets as possible, though, and look for all the opportunities around your neighborhood: ex sports teams, horseback riding, high ropes, water sports, surfing, skiing, anything like that. If they have a serious overweight problem, though, I'd say it's okay to make them attend a gym.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

NO! My dad spanked me when I was little, very few times, but it left me terrified of him, I felt violated and ashamed. Hitting your kids and then teaching them that it's not okay to hurt others just doesn't work out, and an adult spanking a small child is VERY hard to control, it's impossible to gauge what their limit is and when discipline crosses the line to becoming abuse.

[Storme]

I think parents need to ask around and make sure their kids haven't been getting up to no good, but still give them some space. I don't know about everyone else, but I panic if my parents even think about reading through my texts and if they walk into the room when I'm on my laptop I just open up Google and stare at it awkwardly. o-o However, they should encourage their children to do well in their hobbies and to be active.

I don't agree with 'spanking' though, as people have said before, it contradicts the whole "violence is not the answer" thing, and children should feel they can be honest with their parents if they've done something wrong, not be afraid of them.

[arkwright]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

I`m not sure; I`d like to think from the perspective of a 17 year old girl that I`m good online. But then, what sites do I use; facebook and Neopets and thats about it. I met my boyfriend online, and I know its wrong to meet up with someone you met online ... But we`ve been together three years now, and thats working out. Its a tricky one, but I think it depends on the responsibility of the teenager.

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

I think they should have the proactivity to do things for themselves; if they end up getting fat and lazy from sitting in front of a screen its their fault, encouragement would be good.

 

How involved should parents be?

My parents are the least involved in the world. And on the one hand whilst at ceremonies they're not there and its awkward because everyone else's are - on the other hand I`m fine with it, they never NEED to check homework, and its true my ceremonies are boring.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

Definitely lots, thats the one thing I do stand by; my parents are incredible with me and my brother. Quality time is the one, and though we fight often, it makes me happiest.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

Yes, watch what they eat but sports not so much - the kids should be proactive to do that themselves.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

Definitely not ok, it shows violence is fine.

[cherryv]

How much privacy should a teen be allowed to have? Which age should they get more?

I think teens should have privacy. Specially their own rooms. I can't stand when having space in a house, teenagers share rooms with their younger siblings!

 

Should teens have limited online time and access?

As long as they do their obligations and get some sleep, I would let my children use the computer or watch tv as long as they want.

 

How involved should parents be?

If I had a child I would see their homework regularly, but I don't know if I'd get involve in school events and so.

 

How much quality time should parents try and spend with their children?

I would at least have a meal with them everyday, with no tv, radio or whatsoever, just talking about our days.

 

Should parents force their children to be active?

Parents should watch their children health, but not tell them they're fat or things like that, specially growing up. Parents should make their meals and maybe do exercise with them, be a role model in this issue.

 

Spanking- Okay or not?

I'm totally not okay with it. I'm against violence. I had a violent father growing up, with the excuse that I miss behaved he spanked me and hited me and it really made some bad things with my head while growing up. Also I think that other methods would be more effective, like grounding.