1 minute read
PARENTHOOD
by David W. Proefrock, PhD
A couple of weeks ago you discovered your 13 year-old daughter talking on her phone in the middle of the night. You were angry, but thought you handled it and it was case closed. However, her best friend just told you she’s worried because your daughter was talking to a 28 year-old man. She felt she had to tell you. What do you do?
A. Have a talk with your daughter about how dangerous this relationship could be even if it is only over the phone. Share your concerns with her, including the ones that are very difficult to talk about.
B. Report the situation to the police. Your daughter will be angry with you but she will be safe, which is more important.
C. Don’t punish her. She is actually the victim in this situation. However, monitor her phone and computer usage very closely and make sure there is no further contact with him.
D. Do all of the above.
If you answered:
A. This is one part of what you should do, but there’s more. You must notify the police and you must both support and monitor her.
B. This is one part of what you should do, but there’s more. You must have a serious talk with her about how dangerous this situation is, and you must both support and monitor her.
C. This is one part of what you should do, but there’s more. You must have a serious talk with her about how dangerous this situation is, and you must notify the police.
D. This is the correct response in this situation. Every one of these things is vitally important.
This young girl is in serious danger. She must be protected and supported, and the predator she has been talking to must be identified and stopped. Also, her friend should be commended for being a true friend in what must have been a difficult situation for her. This is a friendship that should be encouraged.
Dr. Proefrock is a retired local clinical and forensic child psychologist.
