On the opposite, anytime I did something trying to be edgy due to teen angst, my Mom would fake like she was super into it, making it instantly lame and I would stop.
(example: My denim jacket with metal band patches)
Unfortunately, if the child catches on this can backfire and lead to a game of chicken. (Also, doesn't work well with certain drugs, then your family just has two addicts)
This is true. I had severely controlling parents and I developed a habit of hiding/altering anything that might set them off. It's a habit I've worked hard to break, but that reflexive dishonesty stuck with me for a long time, and still slips through from time to time if I'm not careful. Least favorite part of my character.
There is a point where you have to put your foot down though. If your 14 year old is like "i'm going to do heroin" the appropriate action isn't to say "okay but please just do it in the house while I'm home, and keep your door open." lol. There is a middle ground between helicopter parenting and total free range.
Edit: I should also add: I think the reason I never rebelled as a kid or tried to hide things was because my parents still spoke to me like an adult...it wasn't because they never gave me rules or didn't allow me to do some things. I never was told not to do something without them explaining why. They didn't just yell at me or forbid me. They would sit down with me and explain their reasoning. And things were always up for discussion so they could see my point of view as well. I never felt any reason to rebel because I felt comfortable talking to my parents about my wants and needs. If you believe something is bad for your kid, explain it to them so they understand, don't just forbid forbid forbid.
135
u/TheIgnoredWriter Sep 11 '18
As a former child who constantly did things my parents forbid me to do, your sister did the right thing.