PARENTING TIP

Kim Leon, Ph.D., Human Development and Family Studies, University of Missouri-Columbia

Teenagers often go through a period where they are not interested in participating in family activities.  These feelings may cause tension at family gatherings such as meals.  Are you wondering if you should insist that your teenagers have dinner with the family or allow them the freedom to choose?  Read the following for some helpful advice:

Although teenagers should be allowed much more freedom than younger children, they still need to be connected to their families, and parents still need to set limits. You can talk with your teenagers and emphasize how important it is to you that they be there for meals. Perhaps you can work out a "free" night or two of the week when they can choose whether or not to attend meals, but they will be required to attend on other nights. You may also want to consider allowing them to invite friends over for some family meals.