Parenting Quick Tips • 10 Don'ts When Interacting with Your Teen's Friends

10 Don'ts When Interacting with Your Teen's Friends

1. Don't try to be cool.
           Awkward.
           And painful. It never works when a parent tries to be cool.

2. Don't compete.
           Loser.
           You lose when you make it about competing with your kid. Join a ball team. 
3. Don't make fun. 
           Ever.
           Never use your kid (or their friends) as the punch line for a joke. Laugh at      
           something else.
4. Don't always jump in.            
            Know-it-all.
            Let them figure a few things out. You don't always have to share the answers.
5. Don't look for friends. 
            Creepy.
            Don't make your kids friends your friends. On FB or at home. Find your own.
6. Don't be pushy.            
            Bully.
            It doesn't have to be my way or the high way. Let some things ride.
7. Don't be fake.            
            Phony.            
            Embrace & express who you are & be authentic. No need to use a bull horn.
8. Don't take over the conversation.
            Windbag.
            Be a small part of the conversation, don't be the conversation. Sometimes, 
            don't even talk.
9. Don't be sensual.
            Ewe.
            Do I even need to say anything? Sadly, yes. Turn your sexual brain off. Period.
10. Don't try to outshine.
            Diva.
            The spotlight shouldn't be on you or how you feel. Your kid is the star.
       Bonus: Don't embarrass.
            Jerk. 
            This isn't about you. Then, again, it's all about you. Kids don't want to be embarrassed at all costs. You have the power to make sure that doesn't happen to them, or their friends. Make them comfortable, and keep them coming around. You won't end up being the jerk parent, or any of the above kind either.

What other "don't" would you add to the list?