Appropriate Behavior

I think it's time to have a talk with our teenage son about what is appropriate behavior with his girlfriend. He's a fifteen year old boy, acting like a fifteen year old hormone.

We encourage our children to be open and honest with us. We're fairly lenient with our kids, as long as they are behaving. We talk openly with our children, and try not to judge them. I know some of you are probably thinking we're crazy, but for us, this seems to be working. The kids do talk with us about everything that's going on in their lives without hesitation. Sometimes, it's more than I really want to know, but I'd rather know too much than not enough.

We've had "The Talk" with our oldest son. He's almost sixteen, after all. We've talked about the consequences of irresponsible behavior, not just sexually, but drinking, drugs, and driving also. He's a smart boy, a genius actually. He has big plans for his future, and so does his girlfriend, who is equally as smart.

Last night, he had her over to watch the Packer game with us. She's a wonderful girl, and I really like her. But after last night, I'm not liking the idea of him having a girlfriend, no matter how wonderful she is! Let's just say, they made themselves too comfortable on the couch, and I wasn't pleased. Nothing lewd or outrageous. Just very inappropriate behavior at any time for teenage kids, especially in front of the parents.

I'm glad that he feels that comfortable around us to think he can be that open. I want my kids to feel they can say anything to us, but this was way too much. Comfortable enough to discuss anything.....yes. Comfortable enough to almost make out in front of me.....NO!

So, tonight when he gets home from school, my husband and I will be sitting him down to have a little talk. I don't want to make him feel bad, or discourage the openness, but there has to be a line. He needs to understand that even though we're open about everything, it doesn't mean we encourage that sort of behavior. There will be some changes, that's for sure!