Dear Concerned Parent,
First, let me assure you that you're not alone in
feeling worried about your daughter's lifestyle. Watching your child navigate
adulthood, especially when their choices seem at odds with what you hoped for
them, can be incredibly tough. But it’s important to remember that she’s an
adult now, making her own decisions and learning from her experiences—however
difficult that might be for you to witness.
Your daughter’s smoking, drinking, and partying
might feel like red flags, but they could simply be her way of exploring her
independence or coping with stress. While it’s easy to jump to conclusions,
it’s important to approach this situation with understanding rather than
judgment. Start by having an open, honest conversation with her. Choose a calm
moment, and instead of focusing on what she’s doing wrong, express your
concerns in a loving and supportive way. For example, you might say, “I’ve
noticed you’ve been enjoying yourself a lot lately, but I’m worried about how
it might affect your health and future. Can we talk about it?” This kind of
approach invites dialogue rather than defensiveness.