Good Reasons to Let a Teen Go Over to a Friend's House
As your dependent child matures into an increasingly independent teenager, her desire to socialize with friends might outweigh her interest in her family. While you might hesitate to send your teen off to a friend's house, this socialization can benefit your teen in a number of ways. Consider the positive effects of a teen with a healthy social life that thrives in a friend's home.
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Face-to-Face Interaction
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Today's teens are increasingly dependent on technology, connecting with their friends through social networks and text messages often. The Pew Internet and American Life Project reported in 2013 that 78 percent of teens had a cell phone, with 47 percent of those teens with a smartphone. Even more, 95 percent of teens use the Internet. Hanging out at a friend's house eliminates this digital communication between your teen and his friends and allows them to enjoy some face-to-face interaction instead.
Supervision
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When your teen hangs out in the comfort of a friend's home rather than at a public spot such as the mall or movie theater, you can confirm that your teen is supervised. Give the friend's parents a call before your teen heads over to confirm that he will be at home while the teens are hanging out. You'll be less worried about your teen's safety when you know he's in a private home with an adult rather than in a public area unsupervised.
Known Location
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When you drop your teen off at the mall, you don't quite know where she will end up. Perhaps she'll shop from store to store, or she and her friends will head to a nearby restaurant or arcade. When your teen is at a friend's house, her whereabouts are known. Coupled with a parent on site to chaperone, knowing your teen's location can give you some peace of mind as your teen enjoys a bit of socialization.
Known Friend
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When your teen heads to a friend's house, you know who he's hanging out with. Perhaps you've met his friend, or you have already established a relationship with his parents. A public social engagement means your teen might meet up with other kids you've never met -- and perhaps he's never met as well. In the security of a friend's home, your teen's social circle is well known, which allows you to better control his social life and keep him safe when he's with his pals.
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