Carl:Hi Marla, I'm really surprised to see you here.
I didn't know you had kids attending this high school.
Marla:I don't-not yet. I heard about this meeting and decided to attend.
It's best to be ready for those teenage years, don't you think?
Carl:Sure.
Marla:I heard that the principal is going to talk about different ways to handle our teenagers as they start asserting their independence.
I want to be prepared.
Carl:That makes sense, I guess.
Marla:I mean, more and more teenagers are rebelling by getting tattoos and piercings and experimenting with drugs.
Carl:You've clearly done a lot of thinking about this.
Marla:I've read a few books on the topic, about kids having to deal with peer pressure.
It's my job as a parent to set boundaries and be stricter if it's called for and ease up when my child needs space.
Carl:That's all very insightful, but you have some time before all that comes into play, right?
Marla:My little Lucas is already four years old.
Who knows when he might start hanging out with the wrong crowd and being led astray.
A parent has to be vigilant.