All of this is the beginning of a slow movement from family as the center of things to one's friends as the center of things to eventually becoming other-centered as an adult. Sometimes these explorations have short lives. What you can do Encourage exploration in safe situations. Examine how you feel about commitment to a new interest and discuss this with your child. Monitor your child's free time.
Empty hours can lead to inappropriate exploration.
Exploration coupled with a young adolescent's need for belonging can lead to gang participation at this age. Contact your school, police department or other community agencies to get help with gang issues if they become a concern. All Rights Reserved.