Parenting is one of the most expected stages of life for many people, yet with lots of moments of blissful happiness comes anxiety about the well-being and security of a child. While being kids, they are always within sight, bringing peace of mind to parents. Yet time quickly goes by, and children become closely involved in the social world, interacting with other people and learning the rules of life outside their comfort zone – that’s the time when the fear of “what if” takes the lead.
In our day and age parents have unlimited opportunities for tracking kids’ location during the day. It brings the feeling of reassurance and tranquility, as everything is under control. However, the older the children become, the tougher such control gets, facing rebelliousness and refusal to obey the rules.
How To Approach Your Teenager When Introducing The Tracking Application?
1. Choose the Software
First of all, scan the options for tracking which are available online. As a rule, they offer up-to-date locations and send messages when the kid reaches the destination. You will be connected throughout the day, so there will be no place for anxiety. The most common choices are Find my Kids, Life 360, KidControl, Google Family link, etc. When being in two minds, try GPS tracker for kids that has additional functions like app usage statistics, creating a to-do list, and listening to the kids’ surrounding in case there are no answers to the phone calls, etc. Such multifunctionality will help you see the big picture of the daily performance of the kids and there will be no need to install other apps. However, you need to check the requirement, as additional functions may come with the paid subscription.
After choosing the right application, it’s time to introduce it to the kids, which is quite a challenge as there are high chances to meet resistance.
2. Talking
There is nothing better in approaching any problem than communication. A genuine and open-hearted conversation with children will break the ice. Don’t start the conversation with an authority-like style “Because I said so…” as it’s a true way to a confrontation between, and improper work of the application, because your kids will simply turn off the phone or GPS. Instead, be honest on equal terms. Your children are worried about their status as a “grown-up” and independence as well. It is crucial for parents to show that they are worried about life security, especially, if the neighborhood is far from being safe.
The conversation is an exchange of thoughts and opinions, and it will make your teen feel involved, not just the one who stands aside and is to be controlled.
3. Reasoning
Teenagers may be not very mature at their age, however, they are well-formed personalities, who crave being taken seriously. If you turn on adult-child conversation, you are about to lose, therefore:
- Prepare for the conversation by making a list of mental arguments for installing the tracking application.
- Every argument should be backed up by reason, and better be prepared with facts and real examples.
- Don’t use the ad hominem attack, stating something like “You are just so irresponsible, I’m tired of being worried for you”, or “You always get into trouble because you are not attentive enough”, etc. By saying this, you criticize the personality and character, and it has nothing to do with security.
If you use emotional attacking, you will have one in return, leaving the issue unresolved. Be reasonable, maintain a calm conversation, and keep your head cool. Remember, you are an adult, you are navigating these negotiations.
4. Agreement on the Rules
The purpose of the rules, in this case, is setting the boundaries and a “healthy” tracking:
- Don’t check every step of the child, and don’t question every location during the day – that’s a straightforward way to the loss of trust;
- Set the rules for checking the app – low school performance, no phone calls, emergency situations, etc.
- If there is still resilience, offer to be tracked in return (with rules) as after all, kids are worried about parents as well.
After setting the rules, follow them. Obviously, the rules are created for regular days and situations. In a state of emergency, you need to check the location, listen to the surrounding, and do everything to make sure your beloved ones are safe. However, the state of emergency doesn’t occur every 15 minutes on a daily basis.
5. Choice of Words
When talking, avoid harsh-sounding words, and ones that are meant to be about control. Make the focus on the benefits for the kid – “you need this app because it’s about your security and safety” instead of using all the “I want, I need”, etc. Teenagers have an inbuilt ‘litmus test’ – once they feel the pressure and control, they will hide and try to fight it at any price.
A necessity of a tracking application is a burning issue for parents. Some claim that it’s a freedom restriction, and some prove its helpfulness, and actually, the truth is on both sides. It’s crucial to find the balance, to create a feeling of invisible connection with the kid throughout the day, rather than the burden of control.
