A lot changes when your child turns 18-years-old, and it can be difficult for parents to know how to adjust their role. Technically, your teen has become an adult, and many of our systems – from medical practices to government offices – will no longer speak to you without the permission of your child. And yet, it’s not like a
Read moreLet’s face it: teenagers can be mean sometimes. They know their parents’ buttons and just how to push them. If your teen is lashing out at you, rest assured that you are not alone. Every parent has had their feelings hurt by the sharp tongue of their teenage son or daughter. While it feels absolutely terrible, in truth, this kind
Read moreThe majority of teens today struggle with poor self-image. Our culture and media are constantly feeding them messages that imply they are not enough – not good-looking enough, not cool enough, not smart enough, not rich enough, etc. Social media, in particular, encourages teens to compare themselves to everyone else’s highlight reel. Inside, many teens wonder if they are valued
Read moreAlthough our culture pushes the holidays as a joyous time, the reality can sometimes be different. Hectic schedules can make us feel stressed. There is pressure to spend money we don’t have for gifts. A change in the family, from divorce or death, can rekindle grief during this time. The winter weather can give us the blues. The change in
Read moreHousehold chores are a perfect way to teach youth responsibility and communicate that everyone in a household is expected to chip in to help the family. We cannot raise teens to become competent adults if we are always doing everything for them. Instead, we must equip them with the skills they need to take care of themselves and contribute to
Read moreResearch 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 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 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 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 moreThe number of young adults in the United States who are living with a parent has increased significantly over the past couple of decades. In July 2022, half of adults ages 18 to 29 were living with one or both of their parents. While this was slightly lower than a recent peak in 2020 as a result of the pandemic,
Read moreTeenagers are not the easiest people to hold a conversation with. While it’s very normal and common for teens to separate from their parents, it can be frustrating and hurtful for parents when teens are distant or withdrawn. Parents often want to talk to their teens about school or their peers or possible trouble they need to avoid, but many
Read moreAs the holidays approach, many of us feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety. While holidays have the potential for fun and special memories, they also have the potential for stress and family conflict that can take the joy out of the season. If one of the reasons for your holiday anxiety is because you dread your teen’s possible behavior,
Read moreResearch 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. Simple things – such as sharing a special meal or wearing a holiday outfit or watching a
Read moreWhen our children are irresponsible, disrespectful or disobedient, it’s extremely difficult to stay calm. Teens especially seem to know just the right buttons to push to make us see red. Typically, when we get very angry, our normal reaction is to yell. Honestly, it can feel good to scream at the source of our frustration. The problem with yelling at
Read moreAlmost every adult wants a magic formula that will make conversations with teens easier. There actually is one, but it’s likely not what you expected or want to hear. Communication with teens always improves when we practice active listening. Most of us aren’t as good at listening as we’d like to think. Hearing someone talk is different from concentrating on
Read moreApproximately half of marriages fail in the United States. This is a difficult statistic to swallow and maybe more so for the children whose lives are impacted. No matter what the marriage situation was at home, no matter how the divorce is handled, no matter where the children fall in the transition – divorce turns a child’s world upside down.
Read moreThe adolescent years are a difficult transition as teens still need close connections with their parents, but are also in the process of developing more independence and creating their own identity. There can be a push-pull effect in the parent-teen relationship. Teens might ask for your advice and then roll their eyes when you make a suggestion. They might launch
Read moreChildren can be excellent manipulators, especially with their parents. Some teens use it like a weapon to cover their mistakes or avoid punishment. Others use it to get what they want or gain attention. Manipulation can provide teens with a sense of power. There are many forms of manipulation, but here are a few of the most common: Repeated Request.
Read moreSummer is rapidly approaching, and many of us are considering vacations. The only problem for many families is that parents aren’t sure they want to spend an entire week traveling with an eye-rolling, attitude-copping teen. Don’t bail yet! Traveling with your teen can be a great experience, if you just follow a few guidelines: Let your teen have input. From
Read moreMany teens are talented at making their parents feel guilty. Their protests over your actions can be endless… “I have the earliest curfew.” “None of my friends have to stay home for family movie night on Fridays.” “You are invading my privacy when you look at my cell phone!” It can make a parent doubt every move they make. Teens
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