Parent Support
 Useful Websites
Other Sources of Support
Christmas Gifts - Parents say 'no' to pester power
Parentline Plus - top tips for parents,
by parents:
- Don't feel guilty for not having a
bottomless purse - especially if you want to give them things you never had.
It helps to be calmly honest and explain what you think is value
for money and what is affordable.
- Don't say yes unless you mean it -
if your child asks you if they can have something and you feel put
on the spot,
tell them you will think about it so you can give them a final answer
rather than break a promise which can be hard for your child to understand.
- Remember that your children change
their minds every week with new crazes. Help them to see that they
can't have
everything they want - tell them that not even Father Christmas
has that much money and ask them to list presents in an order of
preference
with a limit of five.
- When you say no mean it - if your children
know that you will eventually cave in they will keep on trying. This
can be the hardest thing to do but just remember, you are saying
no for a reason.
- When you say no it may help to talk
to your child about why -
it may be that you can't afford it or that you only just bought
them something last week.
- Is their a compromise? -
for example, the latest mobile phone doesn't come cheap but maybe
really important to your teenager and how they fit in with their
friends. Is there a possibility of sharing the cost with your older
children or grandparents? If they have a small income (Saturday job,
etc.) they may be able to pay half if you pay the rest. You could
combine a birthday and Christmas present.
- Even if you say no, try to show your
child you understand how they feel -
sometimes, as parents, we forget how important something as simple
as a pair of trainers or the latest football shirt can be. To some
children it can mean so much more - like fitting in with friends
or trying to impress. Even if the answer is 'no', try not to be
flippant with your answer.
Parents looking for more information on any issue can call the charity's
24-hour Parentline on 0808 800 22 22.
Tips on Teenagers Alone on Holiday
- Talk openly about what you see as the potential dangers in a practical
way so that they don't tune out.
- Don't over focus on anxieties and concerns - remember it is supposed
to be fun for them.
- Make contact with their friends' parents so that you can share contact
details and information.
- Ensure they have credit on their mobile phones and that they are
charged and make a deal with them to text you every couple of days
(check with the phone company that this is possible if holidaying abroad).
- Make them aware of drinks being spiked and not putting themselves
in vulnerable situations. Remind them of safety in pairs.
- Ensure they have access to a bank account or emergency money, e.g.
in case they need to pay for healthcare upfront abroad.
- Get informed and talk about drugs, especially if they are likely
to go to a club.
- Talk about drinking alcohol in moderation, especially when mixed
with the hot sun.
- Expect to wake up in the night worrying and hoping they are ok -
this is normal!
 You
will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 5 or a higher version to open PDF files.
If you don't already have Acrobat Reader you can download it free from Adobe's
web site.
|
