Parenting of Adolescents

Truancy: Prevention

By Denise Witmer, About.com

Be involved with your teen's school. Get to know their teachers, the school administrators by attending Parent's Night and other school functions. Volunteer to help where you can. Schools are always looking for parents help with chaperoning dances or field trips, or running the concession stand at sporting events. The more involved you are in your teen's school the less likely they are to try and get away with skipping class.
Keep the lines of communication open with your teen when it comes to their school environment. Allow them to vent to you if they need to about a teacher, a certain class, etc. We all need to blow off steam. If there seems to be a major problem, work with the school and the teacher to find an answer.
Let your teenager know what the consequences are for being truant. Find out what your local area's laws are for truancy, and if need be, have your teen talk to a local truant officer. Sometimes when these things come from someone else, our teens listen more.
If truancy becomes a problem, set up an Action Plan. Write down all of your expectations, the limits, and the consequences.

Guide since 1997

Denise Witmer
Parenting Teens Guide