Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos got the chance to share their two cents on parenting and privacy.
On Live with Kelly and Mark on Thursday, Ripa brought up an “interesting article on when you should start knocking on your kids’ doors.”
Consuelos deadpanned, “If it’s not your house.”
“I’ll knock on my kids’ doors when it’s not their house,” he continued after Ripa asked for some clarification.
“Oh, you mean you’re just going to walk in?” she asked.
“‘Hey, I’m coming in,’” Consuelos added. “I guess that’s a knock. Who’s telling us when we should knock?”
Ripa cited her source as an article from Parents magazine, prompting Consuelos to tease, “Well, what do they know?”
Ripa found out that for babies and toddlers aged 1-3, it may not be necessary to knock before entering their room. However, once they reach the age range of 4 to 10 years old, this practice might become more appropriate.
She emphasized the importance of still respecting their space by knocking, especially when they are engaged in activities like playing, reading, or simply having some alone time. Ripa expressed her caution regarding the privacy needs of 4 to 10-year-olds, particularly when they have friends over. In such situations, she stressed the importance of being vigilant and ensuring certain boundaries are respected.
When it comes to tweens aged 11 and 12, Ripa discovered that they begin to seek more privacy, and she acknowledged the significance of parents trying to accommodate this need. However, Ripa maintained her perspective on privacy for this age group, noting that while they may desire it, they might not necessarily be at a stage where they have earned the right to absolute privacy.
“That’s my personal opinion,” she added. “That is that porcupine age. That is that prickly age where it’s like, ‘I’m coming in.’ You may make an announcement, ‘Here I come. I’m entering the room.’”
After Consuelos and Ripa noted that they “obviously” ask if they are “decent” before barging in, the latter read that parents should try to respect teenagers’ privacy “as much as possible.”
“But still, probably remove the lock from the door,” she quipped. “Because that’s the most lock-y age.”
The two agreed that “when it got really, really quiet” was when they felt it was necessary to step in.
“When it gets too quiet, that’s bad,” Consuelos concluded.
Live with Kelly and Mark airs on weekdays. Check out their website for your local listings.
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