Teen looking for attention in any way..

[marlne]

What can a parent do with a daughter (14) who is looking for attention from boys even if it's in a negative way. A negative way is her telling them she'd do whatever they want sexually.
She doesn't even care if rumors are started about her being easy because then it will get even more attention from more boys.

She loves all kinds of attention as it is. She will even get attention from a boy (and go after him) who is dating any of her friends. So of course then she'll get caught by the girl and it creates more problems.

She seems to have a hard time knowing how best to "fit in" in a positive way and it's gotten herself into trouble before.

What if (to her parents) she acts like she cares about herself more than what she shows to peers. It's like she's one type of kid with parents around, but another type with her peers. She wants more freedom but she's heading down a dangerous path. A path that can lead to some bad situations.

[Cherie2]

one thing I would do is try to help her find attention in more appropriate ways ... maybe she would be interested in joining a drama troupe or singing or some other form of "on stage" type activity.

another thing I would do is acknowledge that she is a sexual being and accept that she will want to explore that part of herself.

[marlne]

Originally Posted by Cherie2

one thing I would do is try to help her find attention in more appropriate ways ... maybe she would be interested in joining a drama troupe or singing or some other form of "on stage" type activity.

another thing I would do is acknowledge that she is a sexual being and accept that she will want to explore that part of herself.

Thanks for your input..
That's a very good idea about the Drama or some type of activity similar. She does like the "spot light", especially when giving speeches.

As for acknowledging that she is a sexual being and accepting her wanting to explore that part of herself, it's definately not going unacknowledged.

The issue is how she is going about this "exploration".
I just don't see how it could be healthy with how she's going about it.


Thanks again, I appreciate your response.

[fek&fuzz]

Is her dad around? Having him spend more time with her can help fill her need for being noticed by the boys. Or even if he just talks to her, or emails her from work, or something small every day. She may shrug it off, but it can make a huge difference.

[marlne]

Fek&Fuzz~ I don't think her dad is around as much as some other fathers might be. I've wondered if it could have a little part in it. Her biological father isn't in her life but my husband (he is dad to her) has been with us since she was almost 8.

My DH is military and we do have times where he'd deployed and now his job keeps him away for hours on end. He may not be deployed but it sure feels like he is at times.
I know we wanted to have father/daughter times out, but unfortunately he just isn't home enough now.
Maybe something little each day like a text message will help. I'll have to see what we can get going there.

Thanks.