Is it okay for me to forbid my child from being friends with someone?

Is it okay for me to forbid my child from being friends with someone?

Harvey Hoyo (President, California School Counselors Association) gives expert video advice on: How should I react if my child has been in a fight?; How should I relate to my child's friends?; Should I buy clothes for my child so he can dress like his peers? and more...

I think it is totally appropriate to, as a parent, to prohibit your youngster from being friends with a particular person; it's your right as a parent to do that, given all this information. I would just like to suggest that you not do it out of context, that you do some checking, perhaps with the parent of the friends that you are trying to keep your child away from. There's nothing wrong with calling them, that's an essenial part of good communication. Also, by having a conversation with your child's teacher, getting input from your child's teacher about separating these youngsters, if the teacher feels that that's appropriate; I think if you consult with others and you come to the realization that it's in the best interest of your child to prohibit contact with little Johnny that lives next door, then that's your right as a parent.