ArcaMax

If your teen is extremely worried about a specific person going far down an extremely risky path, you should reach out to that child’s parents. You’re the adult. This is a judgment call you should make.

The only issue you bring up that has an alarming and long-lasting downside is exchanging, receiving, or providing sexual photos. These photos truly do live forever. It is the “forever” concept that stretches a typical teen’s cognitive capacity. They think that they will live forever, but they can’t imagine that their *** pics will, even if they are delivered and received on apps that promise a quick deletion.

I suggest taking your valid concerns about this issue to the school counselor, without the need to supply specifics.

The school must take on the task of educating their students about the risks and negative consequences of ever sending or sharing explicit photos – even between friends or romantic partners. This is a re-emphasis of the lessons and concerns you will discuss honestly with your own teen at home.

Dear Amy: My in-laws are nice people, but they are very religious and tend to filter everything through their religious beliefs.

My wife and I had our first child (their first grandchild). My wife and I agree on our parenting choices and believe we’re doing well. Her parents, however, like to offer us Christian-based parenting concepts, which they glean from YouTube channels.

I really do love them, but I’d like to discourage this. We do not intend to raise our child in their evangelical church.

What do you suggest?

– Wondering Parents

Dear Wondering: Jesus might have walked on water, but he never had to try to guide a toddler through the grocery store.

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