Archive for September, 2009

Helping Your Teen Make Decisions (2009-9-16)

It can seem confusing when you want to help your teen make a decision, but you know you shouldn’t give them advice (you can read more here), which essentially means try very hard not to tell them what to do. Let them make their own decision and reap the benefits of it’s consequences good or bad, [...]

My Teen Hates Me (2009-9-15)

“It’s like my teen hates us. He doesn’t want to be seen with us or associate with us anymore. We used to do things together, but now he’s so moody. You don’t even want to talk to him.  Besides I never know what mood he’ll be in and if it’s bad, well, I could get [...]

What Kind Of Loser Is Your Teen? (2009-9-14)

The artist Kanye West was overcome with disappointment when he did not win an award and rushed the stage interrupting the winner making her acceptance speech. He felt he should have won. Although embarrassing for Mr. West, this offers an opportunity to teach your teen about being a good winner and even better loser.   Asking [...]

In Memoriam, 9-11-01 (2009-9-11)

Today will mark the eight year anniversary of the 9-11-01 tragedy. Although the events occurred long ago, for those who lost their parents when they were children and are now teens, the moment may seem like yesterday.   Anniversaries are important because they allow the living to honor the dead. When people do not seem [...]

Are You A Strict Teen Parent? (2009-9-10)

Parenting is hard stuff. Parenting teens is, well, hard. A teen’s brain knows just enough to question authority, especially when that authority is you. The more you try and control them, the harder your teen is to control. If you have strict guidelines on socializing, dating, talking on the phone, going to the movies, talking about [...]

Your Teen Is Not Their Failure (2009-9-9)

When your teen fails, they define themselves by that failure and it affects their self-esteem, their identity. The poor performance, the missed goal, the drug problem, the teen pregnancy, the rejected girl or boyfriend define who they are. “Man, I’m such a loser!”   Irrespective of what you may have thought about the speech President [...]

Does Your Teen Know How To Say, “No?” (2009-9-8)

There is an art to saying, “No.” If your teen really means it then there is no doubt, but if there is any uncertainty well, your teen can end up with the other person thinking they were simply shy about saying, “Yes.”   Ask your self, if you have ever seen them really say, “No” to [...]

Labor Day A Lesson For Teens (2009-9-7)

The original U.S. Labor Day was designed as a celebration of the strength and spirit of trade and labor organizations. Today it has become a sign of the end of summer.  Despite this change, the appreciation for hard work can still be instilled in teens. The trick becomes recognizing opportunities to teach teens about hard [...]

Gay Teen: A Parent Introductory Guide (2009-9-4)

What does it mean when your teen tells you they’re gay? If you’re like any other parent, you’re going to have questions like, “Well, how do you know you’re gay?” “How will you have a family?” and “What about your safety?” or you may just deny it and be very angry.   If your teen [...]

3 Things Teens Learn From Their Mistakes (2009-9-3)

Cleaning up or even preventing your teen’s mistakes doesn’t make your teen’s life easier. Instead, it can make them dependent on you. Mistakes are the learning opportunity of life. To truly live life your teen needs to know they are capable. So although some mistakes are very painful, they serve to show your teen’s resilience.  These [...]