FamilyLife Forums

We have a 14 year, she is a good kid and loves her friends. One particular friends parents are going thru marital problems and possibly ending in divorce. This friend invited my daughter to her home coming dance this saturday, the friend goes to a differrent school in a different district. We as parents are concerned for several reasons for me; mom selfish and other reasons, dad the concerns of friend rebelling or acting out, wants to say no to her but does not want to deal with the tantrum fits when told no. If the friend decides to act out (boys, alchol, drugs) to get back at her parents or just because she is angry will our daughter be strong enough to with hold the pressure. We have spoken to her about it but she's 14 and really does not get it. Her friend has told her she is fine and does not care, her dad hurt her mom and does not want to see her mom get hurt anymore, so she is okay with them getting a divorce. I came from an abusive and divorced home growing up.

Are we making to much of this.

Any help with be apppreciated, thank you MKC

I believe you have valid concerns and you should not allow your daughter to go over there until you know for a fact it is more stable. Maybe invite them to your home but not the other way around.

Your daughter does not need to understand in order for you to put your foot down. It is okay to protect her. My girl gave me many grey hairs and was tougher to raise than my boys. Be strong, push back, that's what she really needs.