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 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for teens to separate from their parents, it can be frustrating and hurtful for parents when teens are distant or withdrawn.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
Read moreIf you’re someone whose tweens or teens are being taken care of by other adults – whether that’s an ex-spouse every weekend, a neighbor while at work, or a grandparent for a trip – then you’re well aware of the stress and tension that can occur from different styles in caretaking. It can feel frustrating when another adult disregards your
Read moreOur society has some strong stereotypes about the “type of parent” who raises a teen who is a troublemaker. Our culture implies that kind of kid must belong to a parent who doesn’t care or doesn’t spend enough time with their kid or is abusive or doesn’t make their child feel loved or is too permissive. And, the idea makes
Read moreAny adult who has a teenager in their life knows that it is not an easy task to get them to talk and share. Conversing with a teen can be filled with one-word responses and plenty of eye-rolling. If you want to try to establish those important open lines of communication, then try these tips: Get to know them. Adults
Read moreMany parents look toward the teen years with dread. They hear the horror stories of back-talking, eye-rolling, and rebellion, and wish they could just skip the whole thing. If you’re in this category, we first encourage you to read our previous blog, Reasons to Be Thankful for Teenagers, because there are some real upsides to teens that are often overlooked!
Read moreWhen teens behave badly, it can feel infuriating! Parents are bound to feel frustrated when their teen acts defiant, withdrawn, aggressive, or unmotivated. We might feel that our teen is ungrateful, entitled, disrespectful, or that he/she hates us. While these are perfectly natural reactions, we are missing an important key. Don’t guess or assume that your teen is acting out
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