Category Archives: Teen Parenting

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Teen Confidence

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Teenager often experience a “crisis in confidence” when something in their world ignites. This can be as simple as trying a new activity or as complicated as navigating social relationships. And while feelings may be involved, confidence is not about emotions; rather, it is about ability and being good at something. Unfortunately, when anyone lacks confidence, it can lead to negative feelings, situational depression, and undue anxiety.

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Sibling Relationships

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My 14 year old son used to be best friends with his little brother. Lately, my older child ignores his little brother, and they don’t spend as much time together. What do I do?

It is upsetting for parents to see their children drift apart. Siblings share a special bond, and it brings parents much pleasure to see their kids spend quality time together. The teenage years, however, bring on behavioral changes that impact how adolescents view family, and it feels like it happens almost overnight. All of sudden your child prefers time with friends more than time with the family. And when your son is home, staying in his room, playing on the computer, and text messaging his friends becomes his priority. This behavior is part of normal adolescent development.

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Appropriate Teen Attire

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My teen age daughter dresses in clothes that make her look too mature, and, I am embarrassed to say, a little too sexy. What do I do?

Before the school year ended, I had the opportunity to attend a high school prom. While some girls where dressed in traditional taffeta, many girls wore sleek, stylish and, yes, sexy dresses. Unfortunately, these adolescents looked mature beyond their years. These intelligent teens were able to push the limits of the school’s sensible dress code with heels that were too high, dresses that were too tight, and makeup that was too sophisticated.

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Traveling with Teens

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Our kids are now teenagers and it seem that their idea of a vacation differs from ours. What can we do to ensure that our family has a great time?

When your teenagers were tots, traveling was much simpler. A sandy beach with the occasional kid-friendly activity was all the family needed to have a good time. Now, however, your young children have become young adults, and the family vacation has become a complex negotiation as generations clash over what to do. To pave the way for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation, do some advance planning and allow your teen a say in the stay.

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Teen Texting

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On my most recent cell phone bill, I noticed that my teenage son had 1500 text messages. Does this seem like too much?

OMG (that is text talk for oh my god), 1500 messages sounds like a lot but it may not be. Consider that today’s teen texts for a variety of reasons. How, why, and when your son communicates may be more important than the actual number.

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Teen Dating

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Last month, my ninth grade son ask me to help him pick out a Valentine’s present for his girlfriend. He seems so young to have a girlfriend. What age is normal for kids to start having dates?

First, it is great that your son still wants his mother’s input. When kids enter high school, they often start relying on their friends more than their parents. I hope you were able to help your son and that he had a positive experience around this very difficult time.

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Connecting with Teens

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My daughter is getting older, and I feel like I am losing touch with her. I know that teenagers want to be independent, but how do I stay connected with her.

I believe that many parents are scared of their teens—really! I often hear anxious adults say things such as, “my teenager never wants to talk and she is rarely ever home.” The first comment is a myth and the second is an excuse.

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Mean Girls

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Some of my daughter’s friends seem to be teasing her a little more than they should. She seems hurt by this but tells me there is nothing wrong. Could she be hiding her feelings?

Girls can be just as aggressive as boys. In fact, some might consider female hostility more dramatic and damaging than boy bullying. Girls antagonize in a covert, complex and long-term manner; boys, on the other hand, are overt, obnoxious, and instantaneous. Girls employ socially manipulative tactics often causing good friends to be instant enemies.

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Parents Who Bully Their Kids… by accident!

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Many adults believe that bullies only exist at school. Unfortunately, this is not always the  situation. Many kids return home to face humiliation, verbal aggression and behaviorally manipulative parents. This blog is not about them. This blog is about the well-intentioned parent who “bullies” their child—by accident.

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The Teenage Brain

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Sometimes my teenager does not use her brain and makes really poor decisions. She knows what is right, but often chooses to do what is wrong. Why is this?

Adolescence is the second time in life that your teen will actually act like a child. Don’t be surprised if your teenager throws tantrums and makes unreasonable demands that one might typically associate with the terrible twos or terrible teens. Here is the thing; teens actually know their behavior is inappropriate. In fact, if you ask a teen if drinking and driving is dangerous or eating an entire pack of Oreos is unhealthy, they will tell you it is! So why do they pretend to be asleep when it is time to do household chores? Blame it on the brain!

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