The job market for teens is slow. Jobs traditionally given to teens are going to older workers who are willing to take low paying employment to make end’s meat. Also, establishments that usually add summer help are also the places (retail, theme parks, and the hospitality industry) where Americans hit by the recession are cutting back on spending.
With the school year starting, how can I help my son be a better student and study more efficiently?
I recently asked a group of high school freshman how they study. The answers were insightfully intelligent as well as interestingly unique. One student commented that he studies the big points because the little stuff doesn’t matter, another commented he just stares at his book for 15 minute before taking a break, and one looks for the “bold” words to learn and memorize.
I don’t like my daughter’s friend. Should I tell her or forbid her from spending time with this friend?
What most parents do not realize is that their intelligent teens know when mom or dad disapproves of a friend. And while your daughter does care what you think, she will often ignore your feelings in pursuit of her independence. This leaves you wondering why your previously intelligent child would spend time with “that kid.”
My daughter does not know if she should take the ACT, SAT or both. How does she decided?
You finally learned what LOL, OMG and BTW means. Now, your daughter is in high school, and there is another set of acronyms to learn—PSAT, PLAN, ACT, and SAT. Most parents are familiar with these letters and don’t need Google to determine their initial meaning. However, further examination is required if you are going to truly understand how these tests will impact your child.
Many believe that bully behaviors are confined to school yard taunts and teases. This is not always the case. Many children return home to face further humiliation especially if they happen to be overweight. Parents often have difficulty approaching their teenagers about any difficult subject, but weight issues appear to be particularly misunderstood.
When our children were younger, my husband and I would never argue in front of them. Now that they are in high school, is it still important to hide our disagreements?
Wow! I am impressed that you and your husband have had that much self-control. While I don’t actively advocate that parents argue in front of their adolescents, dismissing or delaying disagreements can also be potentially detrimental to emotional development. In fact, it may actually be healthy for teens to see their mom and dad engage in the occasional dispute.
My daughter is overweight and she is very sensitive and gets upset with me when I offer advice. What should I do?
Many believe that bully behaviors are confined to school yard taunts and teases. Unfortunately, some teens return home to face further humiliation especially if they happen to be overweight. Parents often have difficulty approaching their adolescent about any sensitive subject, but weight issues appear to be particularly misunderstood.
My teenager constantly asks us to buy expensive things for him and says he will pay us back. The problem is he rarely does. How should we react to his requests?
Does your son understand interest rates, know that ATMs charge fees, or have the skill to balance a check book? Did you know that almost 1/3 of all teens have some form of debt (Schwab, 2007 Survey)? Teens are intelligent, but they still need mom and dad to help guide them toward fiscal responsibility.
A recent survey reports that kids now spend more time listening to music, playing games and watching TV on their cell phones than talking on them. Even more surprising is that most of the students surveyed commented that their parents do not have rules about how much time they can spend watching TV, playing video games, or surfing the net.
AVOIDING OVERINDULGENCE HELPS TEACH KIDS VALUABLE LIFE LESSONS
It’s that time of year when kids are creating their lists and checking them twice to make sure mom and dad know everything they want. But parents, keep in mind that it’s merely a “wish list”, not a “must get list”.
