Maybe should be in 'Entertainment', but felt so strongly that I felt it had to go here.

Mrs C and I watched "The Children" on ITV last night, having seen the first episode last week. Good drama as it is, I was incensed by the parental behaviour on display during the program. I know from first hand experience that teenagers have their moments and can be a bit of a challenge, but almost every scene in last night's episode was a lesson in bad parenting.

The teenage lad, who seems to me like a perfectly normal teenage boy going through what must be a very confusing and difficult time after his parents' break-up and being pushed from parent to parent, is continuously on the receiving end of both his mother's and father's assaults, both verbal and physical. If there was one thing I would say is guaranteed to intensify any problems a parent is having with a teenager, that is to behave in the way they were on that episode last night.

I hope any of you with little ones who were watching last night think that the way to deal with teenagers is by raised voices (not to mention raised fists), think again. Teenagers are mini adults. They have their own thoughts and opinions. They just need to be guided, not pushed or forced. They learn by mistakes themselves. They also learn from our mistakes. So when your 15 year-old is behaving like the prize prat they often do, see it as part of their learning curve, not an excuse to behave in the way the characters on that drama were last night.

I didn't see this but agree that 'handling' teenagers is totally different from the way you care for them when they are younger.

My main piece of advice would be to talk with them but especially to listen to what they are saying!

They are very deep people (at times extremely shallow ) and appreciate being listened to and valued.

My teenagres are a challenge at times but so rewarding

I know I went slightly off topic then-oops!

We also watched Nigel and enjoyed the 1st episode very much and Paul and I were both shocked at how they are showing the teenage soon being treated.

The programme makes you feel like none of them seem to enjoy being a parent and yes its not real but you can really feel how that poor boy must be feeling.

I dont have teenagers YET but would not treat them like that

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I didnt see the first episode but was watching last night, and was appalled at the way the teenage lad was spoken too, so aggressive

I have also been watching it & thought the exact same! I still remember being a teen (even though it was 10 years ago now! ) & I know how strange it all is growing up into an adult. I would never ever treat any of my kids like that!!!
I pity the kids who have parents like that, trying to pass the child from pillar to post! Don't they realise that its their behaviour which is causing all the trouble! (OK I know its only a drama but it gets you going doesn't it?!)

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