Parenting: ‘My daughter has fallen in with a bad group of friends

July 12, 2026 - 08:04

This week, a worried mother shares her struggle as she watches her teenage daughter drift into a circle of friends she fears are a destructive influence. The woman, who writes to our parenting advice column, says the change in her daughter has been sudden and alarming. Once a focused and respectful student, the girl now skips homework, talks back constantly, and has been caught sneaking out at night. The mother suspects the new friends are behind the shift, but every attempt to talk about it leads to screaming matches or cold silence.

She describes the friends as older teens who seem to have little parental supervision and a casual attitude toward rules. Her daughter defends them fiercely, calling her mother controlling and out of touch. The mother feels stuck. She does not want to ban the friendships outright, fearing that will push her daughter further away, but she also cannot stand by while her child's grades and behavior spiral.

Experts suggest a balanced approach. Instead of issuing ultimatums, parents should try to understand what the daughter sees in these friends. Often, teens gravitate toward groups that offer a sense of belonging or excitement they feel is missing at home. The key is to keep communication open, set clear boundaries on safety issues like curfews and substance use, and offer alternative social opportunities. The mother is urged to stay calm, pick her battles, and remember that most teenage rebellion is temporary, even when it feels like a crisis.