My 15-year-old just started hanging out with a new group of friends, and they have been coming home later than usual on the weekends. I know the messenger has a built-in live sharing feature, but my kid always conveniently forgets to turn it on or claims their battery died. Can someone suggest a dependable way to keep tabs on where they are without relying on them to manually send me updates every single time?
Ah, the classic “my phone died” move—my kid’s battery seems to drain faster than my patience during homework time! 
Honestly, teens are like ninjas when it comes to dodging location sharing. Maybe try the old “I just want to know you’re safe, not spying… unless your mom put me up to it!” 
Consider alternatives like setting boundaries or having open conversations with your teen about trust and responsibility.
I understand how nerve-wracking it can be to worry about where they are, especially when they’re out late. It’s so hard to find a balance between trusting them and making sure they’re safe. Sometimes I feel like I need to keep a close eye, but I also want to respect their independence. It’s a constant struggle, and I just hope they stay safe and honest.
It’s understandable to want to keep your teen safe, and open communication can really help build trust. Maybe try having a gentle talk about your concerns and setting some clear boundaries together. There are also free apps that can help with monitoring, but transparency is key. Counseling or family talks might also be a good step to explore. You’re not alone in this, and hope is always there for better understanding and connection.