When my son was 14, he was friends with "Tim," a boy who drank and did drugs at a young age and who once stole his father's car and took my son joyriding around the neighborhood. I didn't want our son hanging out with Tim after that, but my husband thought the boy should be forgiven and gave our son permission to keep seeing him.

That was four years ago. Tim, now 17, continued breaking the law and is currently serving time in a juvenile facility for various felony convictions. He will be getting out in a couple of months. I do not want him on my property or hanging out with my son (who does not use the best judgment when he is around Tim), but my husband still believes Tim should be forgiven. Please help. － Distraught and WorriedDear Distraught and Worried:

You can forgive Tim without letting him be an influence on your son. Inform your husband that forgiveness doesn't mean disregarding another's safety. It means you let go of your anger toward the person.

It is important to discuss your concerns with your son. Calmly explain why you think spending time with Tim is not in his best interests. Tell him you have confidence in his maturity and trust him. Beyond that, have faith that you have raised him right.

joyriding  (n.)   开车兜风to hang out with   跟…在一起；与…为伍permission  (n.)   允许；许可to break the law   犯法juvenile facility   少年辅导中心；少年监狱felony  (n.)   重罪property  (n.)   所有物；不动产distraught  (adj.)   心烦意乱的；发狂的to disregard  (v.)   不顾；忽视maturity  (n.)   成熟；完成