Could your teen do this?

[Anonymous]

He should have stayed home instead pouring and souring the nite for you.

If you’re aware he struggles socially he def should have just skipped it.

[Anonymous]

He probably has anxiety.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, I think that this is a life skill and I would expect my kids to make the most of it and at least try to socialize. Of course, if my kid had known anxiety issues or similar, I would approach it differently.

+1

This seems like an infrequent and reasonable request. I don’t think everything should be exactly in your kids comfort zone. I also think that if you do bring your kids you may have to keep it shorter than if you didn’t bring them. As long as you go in with that expectation than they should come.

[Anonymous]

Why couldn’t he be able to just play video games with the other kids ?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why couldn’t he be able to just play video games with the other kids ?

+1 this seems so easy, especially for a kid today

[Anonymous]

Yes, my kid has manners. Might not have liked it, but he certainly wouldn't let anyone else know that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't be concerned in the least if he had a good time or not but, for that short a period of time, would have been expected him to try. He needed to know what was expected of him. It wasn't about his pleasure. He is a guest and others (adults and younger) have put effort into this evening. There are some expectations of guests. It's a short time. Don't let him guilt you, you should guilt him.

+1. Honestly I'm surprised he got to age 15 without practice at this for a few hours at a time a handful of times per year. It seems like something you should practice with him so he has a few ideas of how to engage, be personable, and break the ice with groups of new people.

[Anonymous]

I hated being dragged to parties and stuff and being forced to socialize with the kids of my parents' friends.

[Anonymous]

Mine would have been conversational and likely engaged, but so many kids are screen addicts and have crappy social skills.

[Anonymous]

My teen would go but engage in small talk with adults. She might offer to mix the drinks and play bartender. She an only child