A Pre-Teen’s Conflict

Our teens are both mature and in need of guidance at the same time at this age. It’s just knowing where each applies is the challenge.

My son flew from San Jose; Ca to Philadelphia, PA with a 1.5 hour lay over at Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW) to visit my uncle and see the historic sites of the area.

When we were figuring out his flight schedule, my biggest fear was my pre-teen having to change planes at DFW. Luckily, the airlines required us to pay for him to be escorted. Of course, my son said it was no problem he could handle it. Not only was I concerned about him changing planes, I was also concerned about adults that might notice him being by himself (am I too doom and gloom?).

Well, the Dallas area was having major storms the day of his flight. His flight got into DFW ~2 hours late. Because my husband and I could not confirm his second flight had taken off, I called the airlines and found out his connecting flight was delayed by 4 hours.

Just then, my son called from the “Unaccompanied Minor’s Room”. You could hear the fear/panic in his voice. He relaxed once I explained the situation.

What would have happened had he not been escorted? Would he have known what to do? Even though he wanted to be treated like an adult, he definitely needed the escort.

I followed my gut for reasons other than why I needed to. And as a parent, I think it is important to listen to what your gut says; you can learn a lot.

Has anything like this happened to you? I’d love to hear about it.

Dawn-Marie
www.Parent.Family-Rx.com

Teaching Conflict Resolution

UC Davis Magazine, from my alma mater, published an article titled “Life Skills 101.” What caught my eye is the 4th section titled “Play Well With Others.”

Initially, freshman college students are anxious to make friends with their roommates, but soon find to their surprise that the roommate has different values, beliefs and/or more.

This article noted a new trend; the student’s parents are calling the roommate’s parents regarding issues the students are having. The students hadn't learned how to deal with their differences.

This seems so unreal to me.

My belief is that it is our job as parents is to prepare our children to be adults. This includes teaching them how to accept the differences of others, how to resole conflicts and learn to make the best of situations.

You can read this article by clicking here.

What are your thoughts?



Dawn-Marie

www.Parent.Family-Rx.com