Ask Questions Later

I learnt something very important the other night. At least I really appreciate this point of view. My girlfriend and I were talking about the dangers of being a teenager with drinking, drugs etc. The one thing she made abundantly clear was "ask questions later". No matter how many times, or what time of day or night one of her sons phones to say come get me, or my friend - her or her husband drop everything and go. They even choose who will stay dry on Friday/Saturday "in case" one of their sons needs them. They live outside of town and have done the 2 in the morning trip to the city, or a nearby town. No matter what they "ask questions later". A drunk or high teenager will never be able to give coherent answers as to why they are in this predicament, they will not be able to make rational choices and any fear they have of their parents reaction could cause them to make worse choices. If you tell your child to "GET HOME RIGHT NOW" when they phone you in trouble - what have you said? Maybe they'll get in a vehicle with someone just slightly less drunk then they. What then? Maybe they'll hitch a ride, or drive themselves. Ask questions later, just go. You might save their life, their friends and the innocent kid down the street.

I have never thought of that. There is plenty of time to discipline in the morning or whenever - at least you'll have the chance. I like to hope I won't be faced with picking them up drunk in the wee hours (or anytime for that matter). They'll be smarter than that right? Who knows, but I plan on remembering to ask questions later.