Q: My son is 14-years-old and a good student. As he goes through his teen years, what do you think are the most important topics, besides his academics, to discuss with him to prepare him for being an adult and the real world?

Teach your child socialization skills, The Family Project panel recommends.

“He needs to learn how to make friends and be a friend. He should learn how to socialize with not just his peers, but also with adults, the elderly and children,” said panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo.

“Recognize the importance of who he surrounds himself with. He will be interested in whatever his friends are into whether it’s getting good grades or experimenting with drugs,” said panelist Chad Stefanyak.

“Studies say you are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. He also needs to work on his face-to-face social skills as opposed to online social skills, even though that is the world he grew up in,” Stefanyak said.

“Have a conversation with him and try to instill in him your own values. Tell him he will have choices and will have t decide for himself,” Mercado-Arroyo said.

“Explain why you make the choices you make and why you behave the way you do. Ask him if he agrees with your views and if not, ask him why. Let him do the thinking,” said Mercado-Arroyo.

Teach him life skills, the panel agreed.

“Teach him about budgeting and how to handle money. Make sure he knows to clean up after himself and help him learn basic cooking skills,” said Pam Wallace,

“There is so much children aren’t prepared for and take for granted when they move out or go to college,” Wallace said.

Teach him to have respect for other people, the panel recommended.

“You have to have that conversation about sex and protection,” Wallace said.

“He needs to learn the difference between wants and needs, and that life is a continual learning process. You never stop learning,” Mercado-Arroyo said.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, the panel agreed.

“People think asking for help is a negative, but it is a great tool. Kids don’t have to know everything and you may not have all the tools you need. Asking for help is a great skill,” Wallace said,

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor, and Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, former teacher and administrator.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc. and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.