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Oct 14, 2008, 07:13 AM
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Member Since: Jun 2007
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 5,518
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I'm not so sure it's just discrediting kids. I think many adults are too consumed with their own lives and just don't care about the lives of teenagers, sometimes even their own. 
I've always respected my son's opinions, but we always had the final say-so. In order for the "family unit" to work, it was imperative he show us respect and follow our rules. He had to prove himself first before he was given any liberty, and my husband tested him often. Respecting authority is a big deal in the real world - even adults have to respect authority.
Along the way, we began to trust his judgment. During junior high, I'd occasionally allow him to "take the reins" (handle a situation his way) even though I knew he wouldn't like the way it would end. It was a good lesson for him while he was still safely under my roof, and a good opportunity for us to say "Now what are you going to do, smarty pants?" 
Kids may be smart, but they don't know everything about life.
You are smart for getting to know your daughter's online friends, and I'm glad you have an open and honest relationship with her.  It's a shame you can't get to know the parents of her friends too.
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