The population of the United States is very divided along political lines, and the current political climate is volatile. In addition, there have been widespread protests as a result of inequality, climate change, and many other important issues. Many young people are feeling the call to express their opinion and protest injustices. We are very fortunate that we live in
Read moreHomework has always been disliked by students, but with many American students attending school online, homework encompasses more than ever. Students may feel an overwhelming amount of work simply because it’s all at home. In a normal school year, teachers consider homework a valuable tool. It can reinforce concepts taught in class, provide new information beyond what was explained in
Read moreAs confirmed COVID-19 cases rise across the United States, parents might feel confused by or frustrated with teens who don’t seem to care about the pandemic, ignore recommended safety precautions, or believe the virus isn’t a problem at all. Parents need to remember that it is perfectly natural for adolescents to push boundaries, question authority, and embrace risk – their
Read moreParenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and there’s not one “right” way to do it. However there is scientific evidence that supports one important parenting tip: regardless of your parenting style or your family values, children thrive in households where both parents present a united front. What is a “united front”? The definition of a “united front” is a
Read moreSetting goals is an important skill that can help anyone be more successful in life. Goals can provide direction and purpose in our lives. Learning to set goals takes practice, so it’s a great idea for parents and teachers to teach this skill to teens now to help them to become more successful in adulthood. The beginning of a new
Read moreAs schools begin to reopen or start their school year online, Americans have a wide range of passionate opinions on the subject. There have been medical and educational experts that have weighed in on both sides of the issue. So who is right? No one. For every highly educated expert you put your trust in, there is an equally highly
Read moreThe school year is beginning, but it’s never looked so different. Many schools across the world are turning to online learning as a way to continue our youth’s education during the COVID-19 pandemic. While we are very fortunate to have the technology to continue learning online, this format of education creates several challenges. Here is advice from experts on how
Read moreAccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are more than 2 million injuries from motor vehicle crashes in the U.S. every year. The risk of motor vehicle crashes is higher among 16-to 19-year-olds than among any other age group. This means that, sadly, there’s a fair possibility your teen could be involved in a car accident before they
Read moreFor those of you with college freshmen headed to school this Fall, packing for a dorm room is a daunting task. Your teen will likely have lots of ideas about what they want to bring, but dorm rooms are very small. Take these tips from current college upperclassmen on what your teen should NOT bring to college: Your high school
Read moreNew college students have always faced an increased risk of illness from the flu, meningitis, mononucleosis and colds. But the COVID-19 pandemic brings a whole new host of worries. Some colleges are keeping instruction online to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but many universities are bringing students back to campus with new health precautions in place. However, when you’re living
Read morePurpose can be described as a goal that is both personally meaningful and makes a positive difference in the world. Feeling that you have a purpose in life, or connecting to a deeper meaning for your existence, has many benefits. People who believe they are meant for something special tend to: feel more passionate about life, be more focused, have
Read moreWith our nation experiencing intense divisions ranging from politics to face masks to racial injustice, developing empathy in the next generation is more important than ever. Empathy is the ability to emotionally understand what other people feel, see things from their point of view, and imagine yourself in their place. Essentially, it is “walking a mile in someone else’s shoes.”
Read moreDuring this difficult time of upheaval, when the news is focused on the pandemic, racial unrest, economic difficulties, and political divisiveness, it’s important that each of us find healthy ways to cope. Teens are definitely struggling right now with anger, stress, anxiety, and depression. Science shows that one of the most beneficial things we can do to feel better, combat
Read moreMany high school students are pushed towards college as the logical next step in their life’s journey. However, college is not the right option for every person. Some students really don’t like school and committing to another four years feels unbearable. Some students struggled in school and can’t keep up with the rigorous demands of a 4-year institution. Others are
Read moreFor many teens, the pandemic has shut down or cancelled many extracurricular activities that are so critical to the college admissions process. With no school clubs, part-time jobs, volunteer projects, or sports, how are high school students going to get the experience colleges seem to prioritize? Never fear! There are actually lots of ways for teenagers to build their college
Read moreHaving honest and uncomfortable conversations is a healthy part of growing up. There are some conversations, however, that parents may wish they never had to have with young children or teens. For example, many parents of black and brown children anticipate talking to them about how they could be treated in our world today based on the color of their
Read moreThe year of 2020 has brought a host of losses to everyone worldwide in a variety of ways. One loss that many have experienced is the death of someone they love to COVID-19, but there have been countless losses in other ways, too. Regardless of what type of loss you face, grieving is an important step in recovering. No one
Read moreAs protests take place around the United States, worried parents of all ethnicities struggle with what to say to their teens. Conversations about race, police brutality, violence, and injustice are extremely difficult. Unfortunately, because those conversations are uncomfortable and because we want to protect our children from seeing the worst in our society, so many of us tend to avoid
Read moreSummer 2020 will be unlike any summer your child has ever experienced. Many plans and activities have changed or been cancelled due to fears of spreading COVID-19. Part-time jobs for teens are in short supply. Parents fret over whether sports, pools, theme parks, and other amusements are safe. Camps and youth programs are cancelled or moved to online. Many vacation
Read moreRude behavior is fairly common among adolescents, but with so many families locked down in their homes during the pandemic, the problem is likely increasing. Everyone’s stress levels are higher, which makes all of us a little less patient and a lot more frustrated. As children enter adolescence, they begin to create a sense of identity and attempt to differentiate
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