WTF is this person's problem!?

[conuly]

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been feeling concerned about my teenage daughter lately. She's started spending time with a new group of friends who are really into extreme sports like skateboarding and parkour. This is a big shift from the activities we've always encouraged, such as volunteering and participating in community events. Last night she mentioned planning a parkour session at an old factory, and it made me uneasy. I'm worried about the risks involved and how this new interest might pull her away from the values we've worked hard to instill. I know that today's generation seems to have different sensitivities compared to ours, and I'm reluctant to simply forbid her from pursuing her interests. I want to discuss my concerns with her, but I'm not sure how to approach the conversation without pushing her away. How can I express my worries while remaining supportive and keeping our lines of communication open? -- Concerned Parent

DEAR CONCERNED PARENT: Rather than forbidding her from these activities, learn about them alongside her. Encourage your daughter to use the proper safety gear and to be careful. Telling her she can't do something would likely lead to her doing it without informing you. I recommend supporting her exploration of these sports with caution while also remembering community service. Participate in volunteer opportunities as a family while encouraging her to tell you about her extreme sports activities.

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Comments

[conuly]

I guess Harriette decided not to even address the absolutely bizarre concern that having a hobby would detract from charitable deeds. And, fair, I'm not sure what you can say to that.

(Does LW think that these "extreme" sports involve joining a gang!? That's about all I can figure.)

[melannen]

I strongly suspect that the "new friends" include people who are the "wrong sort", yes.

If LW was concerned her kid was taking dangerous risks and breaking the law to trespass, I would sympathize, but she doesn't even seem to be concerned her kid might fall off a roof and break her neck and get tetanus in a condemned building, just that she might develop "the wrong values"...