Many of us enjoy the Arts – music, theater, paintings and other visual arts. They can make our world seem more beautiful, and bring us joy and new perspective. But, did you know that the Arts can have a big impact on youth development? Research shows that exposure to the Arts can help teens develop many positive skills and capacities
Read moreExperts are saying that Flakka, a new designer drug luring some young Americans, is stronger and more addictive than other synthetic drugs. The use of this new drug has been primarily reported in Florida, Texas, and Ohio, but its growing popularity is sending it quickly to other states. Its name comes from “la flaca,” a clubbing term among Latinos for
Read moreTechnology has significantly changed the way we do things and the way we interact with those around us. In many ways, it has improved our lives and given us new opportunities, but it also has the potential for dominating our lives and eating up time that could be spent in more productive ways. Pew Research Center recently released a report
Read moreApril is Alcohol Awareness Month, so we want to share some of the more important teen statistics with parents, as well as a recommended list of prevention tips to share with your teen. Alcohol is the drug of choice among America’s adolescents, used by more young people than tobacco or illicit drugs. Approximately 10% of 9- to 10-year-olds have started
Read moreBetween allowances, birthday checks from grandparents, and part-time jobs, today’s teens make a good deal of money. One of the best things parents can do to prepare their teens for adulthood is to teach them how to manage the money they earn. Read on to learn how to help your teen avoid common mistakes with their money: Underestimating Cost Teens
Read moreWork experience gives teens valuable benefits, such as: learning responsibility and professionalism, gaining material for their resume and college applications, using their free time constructively, which helps them avoid trouble, and developing skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving. Since employment provides such valuable experience and skills to teens, it is well worth their effort to look for a job.
Read moreHow often do you hear the groan, “I don’t want to go to school”? Do you have to poke and prod your teen to wake up and get out of the house on time? Does your teen come home grumpy and full of complaints about homework, friends, or teachers? While this is not unusual behavior for teenagers, it doesn’t mean
Read moreTeen parties are a major source of worry for parents, but they can be a really fun part of your teen’s social development. Relaxing and socializing are an important part of what makes life good. We want our teens to fit in and have fun, but we also want them to be safe and responsible. The problem is that not
Read moreThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) just released a report about a new trend in teen suicide. More teens are choosing strangulation and suffocation as their method. This trend concerns government officials because suffocation is typically more lethal. Unlike attempts at poisoning, most suffocation attempts do end up killing the victim. In addition, more young women are committing
Read moreCurrent research shows that parents are not teaching their teens necessary driving skills. That’s not to say that parents aren’t trying! It is not easy to teach skills that come so naturally to an experienced driver. Parents have had their license for so long that they don’t have to consciously think about how hard to step on the brake in
Read moreFebruary is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Studies show that 1 in 3 American teenagers have experienced an abusive dating relationship and 1 in 10 teenagers suffers physical violence at the hands of a boyfriend or girlfriend. A nationwide survey from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 23% of females and 14% of males who ever experienced rape,
Read moreYour son brings home his new friend, but the kid’s bad attitude turns you off immediately. Your daughter is suddenly hanging out with a girl who has multiple body piercings and a tattoo. The way your teen’s friend talks makes you cringe. What should you do when your teen is hanging out with kids you just don’t like? Exercise Understanding
Read moreValentine’s Day is this week, and believe it or not, with the holiday comes stress for your teen. Hyped as the most romantic day of the year, teens are susceptible to the ideas that our culture promotes. Teens love to be ‘in love’ and they also like to find out who sent what valentine to whom. While it should be
Read moreIf your home has more dramatic scenes acted out in it than an Oscar-winning film, you likely have an adolescent in your family. Beginning around age 11, children realize that emotions can garner powerful responses. A slammed door might bring an angry response from dad. Sobbing over a friend’s betrayal might bring a sympathetic response from mom. Regardless of the
Read moreHave you made eye contact with your teen lately, or are their eyes glued to the smartphone that seems to be constantly in their hands? The Nielson Company estimates that American teenagers send and receive an average of 80 text messages per day. For many teens, text messaging is a primary form of communication. It’s a quick, easy and private
Read moreJuvenile crime triples between 3 and 7 p.m. Why? Approximately 8 million children, ages 5 to 14, spend time without adult supervision on a daily basis. Sixty percent of 6th to 12th grade students spend at least 2 hours at home every day without an adult. Parents are at work, and youth are left to their own devices after the
Read moreIt’s 11:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and you’re waiting for your teen to come home. Curfew was 11 p.m. and you’re frustrated that your teen has ignored the rules yet again. What is a parent to do? Do some research. Try to determine if the curfew you set for your teen is reasonable. Call a few parents of your child’s
Read more“Enabling” is when well-meaning parents allow, or even encourage, behavior in their children that is inappropriate, irresponsible, destructive or dangerous. While it is normal to want to protect your children and to prevent their suffering, sometimes parents can go overboard, rescuing them from their problems or uncomfortable situations, rather than allowing them to feel the consequences of their negative behavior.
Read moreFor many people, a new year feels full of hope and possibility, which is probably why so many of us feel the desire to improve ourselves as the year begins. If your teen is having that urge, Middle Earth is offering our “top ten list” for the best New Year’s Resolutions for youth. Give this list to your teen and
Read moreThe school break for the holidays has begun, and our absolute best tip for surviving it with your teen is to have fun! Here are 20 ideas for activities your teen can do over the holiday break. Encourage your teenager to choose a couple of these activities as a family experience or time with their friends. Bake and decorate cookies.
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