​The X-Plan: How to Give Your Teenager a Way Out of Uncomfortable Situations! by Mindy Hudon, M.S., CCC-SLP

As parents, we send our teenagers out into a world of uncertainty hoping that they will return safe. They are exposed to temptations and dangers, but we hope that we have taught them to resist the offers and make good decisions. Even when they feel uncomfortable in situations, they may not be able to resist the social pressures in fear of being a social outcast. 

That's why Bert Fulks developed the X-Plan for his family. It’s a family commitment that helps his kids know that they can escape an uncomfortable situation without parental judgement. Here's how it works:

• Teen texts an “X” to a parent or older sibling.
• Receiver of the “X” calls the teen and uses an agreed-upon script (e.g. something happened and he has to leave).
• Teen has an “out” by telling his friends that something happened at home and he is leaving.
• Parents pass no judgments and ask no questions unless someone is unsafe.

Try this with your family. You can read more about the X-Plan here!