<br>
<blockquote> <blockquote> <blockquote> <p>this weekend will be an interesting challenge- can I make the transition from parent to interested bystander? ( so to speak) <<<<</p> </blockquote> </blockquote> </blockquote>
<br>
<p>Emerald.... the fact that you are asking yourself the Q is a good sign that you want to respect your D. Best wishes for this weekend!</p>
<p>I think if a parent words the "advice" in the same respectful way that the parent would word the advice with a close friend, then it's ok. What's the old saying... "It's not what you say, but how you say it." </p>
<p>If you say, "You're not going to do THAT, are you," any kid is going to "clam up" and close communication. If you say something like, "Have you thought about this possibility?" (or something like that) with a thoughtful voice, a kid might likely listen and take your concern to heart.</p>