ProstheticRGK
Footballguy
So, today my wife hits me with the idea of taking in her nephew. He just graduated this year from HS, and is planning on attending the local CC in the Fall. There has been some drama at his home- it's not a very stable environment. He needs a stable place to live, while transitioning into adulthood.
A little background: I love this kid like a son. He is an awesome young man. He got decent grades in school, played sports at a standout level in HS and has always been incredibly responsible. Self-motivated to get his license, pay for his own car and insurance, pay for his own internet at home, pay for his own phone, etc. He definitely has the characteristics of kids that come from an unstable background and end up being ultra-responsible and well-behaved.
The one caveat I have is that he seems to be floundering, a little, finding his legs now that he is graduated. We live in a small, podunk town in NorCal with not too many options. He has fallen into "hanging out" and smoking some pot and drinking beers with his buddies. I have zero issues with an 18-year-old doing those things (I did them and turned out ok) as long as you handle your responsibilities first. And, obviously, don't bring any bad influences into my house. I have a 9 yo and a very impressionable 18 yo, still in HS.
I want to give this kid support and guidance, but not be overbearingly paternalistic. What sort of ground rules best set up an environment that's good for everyone? Thoughts? Experiences?
A little background: I love this kid like a son. He is an awesome young man. He got decent grades in school, played sports at a standout level in HS and has always been incredibly responsible. Self-motivated to get his license, pay for his own car and insurance, pay for his own internet at home, pay for his own phone, etc. He definitely has the characteristics of kids that come from an unstable background and end up being ultra-responsible and well-behaved.
The one caveat I have is that he seems to be floundering, a little, finding his legs now that he is graduated. We live in a small, podunk town in NorCal with not too many options. He has fallen into "hanging out" and smoking some pot and drinking beers with his buddies. I have zero issues with an 18-year-old doing those things (I did them and turned out ok) as long as you handle your responsibilities first. And, obviously, don't bring any bad influences into my house. I have a 9 yo and a very impressionable 18 yo, still in HS.
I want to give this kid support and guidance, but not be overbearingly paternalistic. What sort of ground rules best set up an environment that's good for everyone? Thoughts? Experiences?