Research has shown that the maintenance of family traditions is far more important to children of all ages than most parents realize. Despite their eye-rolling, teens gain a sense of belonging through family rituals that make them part of a clearly defined unit and create lasting memories. While we often focus on creating traditions for December holidays, Thanksgiving can offer
Read moreBeing part of a team can teach young people responsibility, good communication skills, perseverance, and how to work together for a common goal. Additionally, good teamwork is a highly desired skill in the workplace, so youth who develop it now are more marketable in their adulthood. Being a good teammate doesn’t always come naturally, especially to youth. Children learn how
Read moreRaising teens is not an easy task. Teens can be difficult to understand and to get along with, which means that conflict is bound to happen! If you want a more peaceful homelife or a teen who is more connected to the family, you should consider whether or not you are creating an environment that a teen wants to be
Read moreThanks to technology, our world is so much more interconnected than ever before. As a result, our children will be exposed to a wide variety of people with many differences, including race, language, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, disabilities, age, economic circumstances, customs, culture, and lifestyles. It’s important that we teach youth to behave and make decisions based on respect and tolerance
Read moreThere are so many online dangers for parents to be concerned about that it can feel overwhelming. Sadly, it’s important for parents to be aware of the latest threats to their teens, and sextortion is a big threat and more common than you might think. The most current sextortion trend targets boys between 14 and 17 years old. Adult predators
Read moreOctober is Bullying Prevention Month, and while most articles center around how to help victims, it’s equally important that we consider the other side. Could our child be a bully? Every parent loves their children dearly and likely cannot imagine their child intentionally harming someone else. In fact, we can be so blinded by our love that we miss warning
Read moreOctober is bullying prevention month. Today we will discuss the warning signs that your child is being bullied and what you should do if they are experiencing bullying. The first thing to understand is a definition. Bullying is an intentional, aggressive and repeated behavior that involves an imbalance of power or strength. It’s intentional and repeated, so calling someone a
Read moreAdolescence is an emotional roller coaster, and it can seem like teens have over-the-top reactions. For parents, the constant turmoil can be frustrating. But, it’s important to understand that most teenage drama has to do with biology. Brain development and hormonal shifts lead to mood swings that are often beyond a teen’s ability to control. Some teen drama is a way to
Read moreObtaining a driving learner’s permit is a major milestone for teens, but it can be both exciting and terrifying for parents. Parents must quickly take the role of teacher, and we know all too well the possible dangers our teens will face on the roads. It is not easy to teach all of the important driving skills that come so
Read moreWhat should you do when your teen is hanging out with kids you just don’t like? Maybe your daughter brings home a new friend, but the kid’s bad attitude turns you off immediately. Perhaps your son is suddenly hanging out with a group of teens who have multiple body piercings and tattoos. The way your teen’s friend talks makes you
Read moreSome teens seem to find a hobby or sport that they really love and stick with it. Other teens seem to flit from activity to activity, often losing interest as soon as the hobby gets a bit challenging. As a parent, it’s hard to know whether it’s important to let your teen have control over what activities they pursue or
Read moreBringing home a bad grade is dreaded by every student. How will their parents react? What will they say? Will there be a punishment? Parents also dread bad grades for different reasons. They worry about how the grade will impact their child’s future, and they wonder if it’s a reflection of a failing in their own parenting. They struggle with
Read moreParents of teens have a difficult job. We are somehow supposed to encourage open communication with a person who rolls their eyes, slams doors, and generally acts like we don’t know anything. It can feel difficult to know what to say or how to say it. In fact, communicating with teens can be so overwhelming, at times, that parents will
Read moreIt’s normal for everyone to wonder about their purpose. Unfortunately, our mind can spiral to a darker place, getting to the point where you wonder, “What is the point of life?” These feelings can sometimes lead to or accompany depression or hopelessness. As a parent, it can feel scary when a teenager wonders if there’s any purpose to life. They
Read moreSending a teen off to college is a very stressful and emotional time. Parents feel a lot of excitement, but also some fear, worry, a sense of loss, and will certainly miss their day-to-day interaction with their child. Similarly, teens feel excited, but also worry, and will often experience homesickness. If you are a parent preparing to send your teen
Read moreSummer is winding down and families are preparing to send children back to school. Teens might be feeling a wide variety of emotions, ranging from excitement to anxiety. Whatever your teen might be feeling, it’s always important for parents to validate their emotions and help them cope with any stress. If your teen is feeling nervous about returning to school,
Read moreMore and more Americans seem to be struggling under the burden of debt. Whether it’s credit cards, student loans, or other forms, debt is all too common for many young adults. Unfortunately, financial education isn’t part of the curriculum in most U.S. schools. As a result, many teens aren’t financially literate which means they are unable to make good financial
Read moreIf your teen is a bit self-absorbed, you are not alone. Many teens go through a phase of believing they are the center of the universe, and while annoying, it will likely pass. However, there are some teens who could be developing a narcissistic personality. They insist on special treatment, think the rules don’t apply to them, frequently brag about
Read moreConfidence or self-esteem is how your child feels about themself and their abilities. These feelings develop as your child interacts with you and others. A child with a healthy self-esteem values themself as a person, trusts their feelings and abilities, believes they are capable, and is able to work toward their goals. All parents want their children to have a
Read moreThe U.S. Surgeon General recently issued an advisory that social media is hurting our nation’s children. Social media causes teens to lose sleep, withdraw from face-to-face interactions, spend too much time staring at screens, and engage with content that is making them anxious and depressed. Unfortunately, 95% of teens between 13 and 17 have a smartphone, so there’s a general feeling among parents
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