Hi all
I know many 13 year olds do silly things - it’s part of growing up. But our 13 yr old DS is constantly doing stupid / risky / dangerous stuff.
Today he stayed at home on his own for a few hours while I took the younger ones to softplay. (This isn’t unusual we’ve done it several times before). However, while we were out his friend came over and they tried to make a campfire in the back garden.
he often does silly things like making potions out of toiletries and making ‘milkshakes’ out of random things in the kitchen while we are out - this is the first time he has done something so dangerous.
So far we’ve only had a short conversation about how dangerous this was and how we have lost trust in him. But then he had to go out to cadets….
when he gets back I want to have a longer conversation with him but I’m not sure how to handle it?? Just pointing out the risks and trying to get him to understand and make a better choice next time doesn’t seem to work. (Or hasn’t previously)
Is a ‘punishment’ the right thing? The obvious thing is to not leave him in the house alone. But dragging him to sit in a softplay/go to the shops/watch the little ones at their swimming lessons etc will be painful for all involved. Any other thoughts??
thanks xx