(HealthDay News) -- As your children reach adolescence, they'll want to head out with their friends without your supervision. As a parent, you should be prepared with some safety rules.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests:
- Take a shopping trip together and talk about money, the way goods are marketed, appropriate behavior and treating others respectfully. Bring friends so you can see how they behave together.
- As your child approaches adolescence, start observing others at the mall, which will help you prepare your child.
- Initially, let your child and friends navigate the mall with you close by. Then gradually ease into situations with no parental supervision. Establish a schedule and rules for when and how the child should check in.
- Ultimately, get to a point where you feel comfortable dropping off and picking up your child at the mall. Public transportation may be an option if available and your child is ready for it.
