tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946726985562330100.post8217554741544939486..comments2009-10-20T05:48:45.509-07:00Tammyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10930376233629623527tlessick@hotmail.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946726985562330100.post-57935892685931656662009-10-19T19:12:33.261-07:002009-10-19T19:12:33.261-07:00Wow I am so with you on this my 14 yo son Jesse is autistic and getting him out for church and Boy Scouts is a must in the past year I have finally gotten him to walk the 2 blocks to the gas station to rent a movie alone. We often wonder if we will be managing several parts of his life as an adult. My fear is a manipulative person wanting any money he is able to earn.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08705075060670879911noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5946726985562330100.post-74730636932785746452009-10-19T15:38:24.604-07:002009-10-19T15:38:24.604-07:00My children aren&#39;t teenagers yet, so I can&#39;t comment as a parent. I was undiagnosed during my teen years and although my parents helped me, they didn&#39;t over-protect.<br /><br />Two of my friends parents did over-protect and their children suffered greatly for it.<br /><br />At our house, no topic was taboo and everything was open for discussion. My parents led by example but encouraged us to explore our world while making dangers obvious.<br /><br />For example;<br /><br />(I&#39;m using sex as an example only because it&#39;s the most obvious).<br /><br />Your children are old enough to learn about sex. They are old enough to learn about not going &quot;out-of-sight&quot; with a stranger, or even with a good friend of the opposite gender.<br /><br />The line between a clothed kiss and cuddle is quite distinct from sex and it should be obvious when they cross it.<br /><br />If you explain the line and the reasons why it&#39;s there, then your children will be prepared. <br /><br />My mother used to always tell me that if I decided to cross the line, she&#39;d buy contraceptives/protection for me. I never asked her for any but I was always aware that unless I had them, it was a no-go.<br /><br />You can&#39;t shelter your children forever but you can provide a safe and non-judgemental forum in which they can ask questions and benefit from your experience.Gavin Bollardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13833941398375568706noreply@blogger.com