What kind of ground rules do you have for your teenagers?

My son is only 7 and so I don't have the problem that you have, however I could try to say what I think. The world, nowadays, is really violent and we must protect our kids. Your daughter is 15, she is really young. Me too I had the curfew of 10 p.m. when I was young and I hated my parents because all my friends could come back home at 11 p.m. or 12 p.m. Now I can understand their worries, but I still think that 10 p.m. was a too strich curfew. I think that the most important thing is to speak with our sons and daughters. She must understand that even if their friends have more freedom than her they could be wrong because they have too freedom. Freedom is a thing that teen agers should learn slowly so they could appreciate it more. I think that you are right about "makeup", but you could be less strict and allow her to be free to choose her own "make up" when she is invited to a party, for example. So, light and natural make up, but a trendy make up in special occasions. I say the same thing with clothing, in special occasions she could dress as her friends.

I haven't got any children yet (we are trying for a baby this year, fingers crossed...). But I think your rules are sound. She's only 15 - you don't want her to get old too soon. She has plenty of time. As for the rules on not going out in the week, they sound sensible. I expect she has study to do for exams? In Britain, there are national exams you take at age 16, and then A levels at 18. The exams at 16 determine whether you get to do A levels and go on to university, and in any case, you can't get a job at all if you don't pass them. (We're keen on exams in Britain - kids start getting tested regularly from the age of 8 onwards). The best thing you can do as a parent is make her stay in and study as hard as she can - her whole future depends on it. Plenty of time for partying once she's landed a well-paid job.

From someone who was recently a teenager, I think you're being an awesome mom. Sure it sucks to be a teen when your mom puts all these rules on you. But I guarantee you that she'll thank you for it later--maybe not verbally, but she will appreciate it. I now feel bad for all the drama I put my mom through--and I was a pretty good teen. I think the key is to stretch the rules as bit as your trust in them grows. But it's definitely a balancing act. As they get older and are still responsible, you can let up a bit--like maybe a 10:30 curfew when she's 16 and for good behavior or something. Keep on being tough! Your kids will someday thank you!

I think parents today need lot's of talking to do, this century is very different from we grow up. Thinks can go wrong with out we know. In my house talking everything make thinks better, but we have our rollercoaster too, girls is very different. We don't had problem with our boy. I just do what my paarents did, be nice to each other, talking if is possible, and just be a best friend if the needed. If I look back sometimes, we have a lot to talk about on their wedding day!+++++