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When do most kids get a cell phone or start dating?

July 17, 2014 by GreatDad Writers Leave a Comment

It might be easy to pretend you're the all-powerful parent when it comes to getting your kids to do their homework and chores, but you may be confused when it comes to more complex things like getting a cell phone and smoking. In these cases, you should know when the average kids start doing things so you can be a more effective dad.

  • Cell phones: Cell phones used to be luxuries, but MSN.com explained that 20 percent of second graders and 39 percent of 5th graders in Massachusetts had the devices. While your boy or girl may not be ready for a cell phone that early, you should know that he or she will see friends with them.
  • Cigarettes: There aren't any solid figures on when kids have their first cigarettes, but each day almost 4,000 kids under the age of 18 smoke for the first time, and smokers who pick up the habit during adolescence have a harder time quitting in the future, according to the American Lung Association.
  • Sex: Even if you don't like the idea of talking about sex with your kids, you need to do it. The Guttmacher Institute estimated that 33 percent of 16-year-olds have had sex, while almost 50 percent of 17-year-olds have done it.

Filed Under: Dad News, parenting advice

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Great Dad Talks is a series of conversations with experts on all aspects of the family adventure. With the perspective that “dads don’t always think like moms,” our mission is to support dad voices and our slightly different approaches to parenting. We’ll try to find solutions to every day challenges like getting kids off the couch and making STEM classes available for both boys and girls. But we’ll also tackle bigger issues when they come. The one main theme will be to support dads in the most important role of their lives that of being a great dad. Connect with us at greatdad.com and watch the video version of these podcasts at YouTube.com/greatdadnews

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Today we delve into the complexities of fatherhood with David Marcus, Ph.D., an expert with over forty years of experience working with families and children. In this enlightening conversation, we explore the essential components of communicating with your child, focusing on the development of a common emotional language. Learn about the four assumptions of emotionality that parents often make and discover strategies to foster a safe and open environment for meaningful conversations at any age.

Check out Dr. Marcus’ website at parentrx.org

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