Toxic Friends: What to Do When Your Teen Hangs Out with the Wrong Crowd
Friends play a vital role in the development of a teenager. Having a good set of friends can improve their communication skills and boost self-confidence. Some friendships may even last a lifetime. On the other hand, hanging out with the wrong crowd can result in bad behaviors and risky decision-making. The teen's academic performance could also suffer. If they want to apply at a particular senior high school , for instance, they may not qualify if their grades are bad. If you believe that your teenager is spending time with the wrong people, you can take steps to help guide your child through this time. Here's what you can do: Focus on the Behavior, Not the Person Refrain from generalizing the friends of your teen as negative influences. Instead, pay close attention to the behavior. Highlight specific areas of concern, such as friends who do petty crimes or skip school. Explain to your teenager that they could face legal trouble if they hang around with people who