The word ‘curfew’ for any teenager tends to elicit an angry and rebellious response. Many teens believe they are old enough to make their own considered decisions, but in many situations this may not be true. Teenagers still require adult supervision to enforce safety rules, to assist them in keeping out of trouble and keeping safe. There are no definite rules in dictating a teen curfew, but once you have made this decision, you need to enforce it and remain consistent.
There are many reasons for parents or those who have teens in their care to enforce curfews. It can be that they want to limit the problem of teenage delinquency or that they hope to prevent dangerous activities where alcohol may be involved, such as drinking and driving. Curfews may be enforced purely to ensure that their teenagers are getting enough sleep, so that they are able to study effectively the next day. So what defines an appropriate curfew?
It’s important to discuss this with your teen, so that they feel they have been involved in the decision-making process, and that their voice has been heard. This is vital, as it will be more likely that your teen will then adhere to the curfew rather than rebel against it. You need to take into consideration that, perhaps during holidays or weekends, the curfew needs to be more flexible, depending on the activity they are attending or involved with.
Communication is essential in resolving the ugly instances of rebellion, and will ensure that you and your teen have an open line with each other through which you can comfortably discuss changes to this curfew at certain times.
We know that consistency is important when it comes to enforcing discipline with children, and this goes for teens also. If you, as the parent or carer, remain consistent, then your teen will less likely fight with you every time they leave the house in the hope that you will change your mind, and is, therefore, more likely to adhere to the curfew and accept it.
