Should parents monitor their kids company they keep?

[lynn426]

I feel parents should have 100% input on the company their kids keep if they are residing in their homes with them; this will monitor the downfall of  criminal mischief activities being placed upon their kids by outside influences. Doing so will play a positive part on their kids future educational and financial outlook in life. Just my oipinion what do you think? why or why not??

[dreamyxo]

Of course they can and should.  If the child is a minor they have every right to control every aspect of their lives in the house including who is in that child's life. 

[Ittai]

YES..YES..YES..!! :icon_rr:I fell that until kids are adults and even after that you should....!After all thats your child..flesh and blood...part of you!

[javadog597]

I think they should to a certain extent. Dont creep on them otherwise the kids will never trust you again and you will become distached from your child. If you want to keep a connection with you child give them some slack and let them become a little bit more independent and you should be able to say that you raised your child well enough to make their decisions by themselves and that you trust them.

[home_teachin]

They need to pick their own friends. But if you know the kids your child is hanging out with are getting in serious trouble, step in. Most kids get in trouble once in a while, but if you know they are smoking, doing drugs, stealing etc. you need to try to keep them apart.

I don't think you can judge kids by their parents actions though. For example, my son's best friend's parents are always in trouble. They were even caught with a meth lab. The boy (13) gets passed around between other family and the foster care system. Yet he is a great kid and is at our house almost every day.

It's sad how some kids try to be good even when their parents set the most horrible example.

[animikokala]

I don't think monitoring 24/7 is necessary, but a parent should at least know general information about their child's friends.  A parent should also always know the "who, what, when, and where" of whatever their child is doing when they are out with friends, in case of an emergency.  And a parent should step in if another child is influencing their child in a negative way (such as drugs, etc.).

[lgemini]

Yes, if they are in your house.  You will be responsible for any minors in your house.  You need to make sure they will not drink or smoke in your house.

[texaswhiterose]

Absolutely. You need to meet and get to know all their friends. Then after you get to know the person you can start giving them more space if you think the person is trustworthy. You have to begin to trust your kids and their decisions at some point but they have to earn that trust first.

[Tresbn00]

Most definately....keeping an eye on your children helps them with positive growth, keeps them from making bad decisions, and keeps them out of trouble.  Birds of a feather flock together and at a young age children become a product of their surroundings and peers.  Without being told who my son hung out with yesterday I could tell you because of the way he acts after a playdate.

[Jazzzy231414]

Yes! its another way to show your kids you care.