Archive for October, 2009

Halloween, Insight Into Your Teen’s Mind (2009-10-30)

Halloween is a great time to experiment with the fantasy of who your teen might be.  For teens who have not considered what they might want to do with their life, this can be a glimpse into their mind’s eye of what they might like to do.
 
It’s always interesting to see the creative characters that [...]

Are You Raising A Selfish Teen? (2009-10-29)

You absolutely adore your teen so you do EVERYTHING for them. Then, you wonder why they won’t do anything for you or anyone else.
 
You didn’t mean to and it all came from a loving place, but you now have a teen who only thinks of themselves, and how they can get out of doing anything. [...]

Are Your Teen’s Risks Too Much For You? (2009-10-28)

Your darn near perfect teen just told you they smoked pot two weeks ago. You’re wondering what is going on and is your teen now at risk for drug addiction. You know, it’s a slippery slope.
 
Breathe. Take a minute. Your teen has been awesome for 3 years.  All of a sudden they make a judgment [...]

4 Reasons Your Teen Is Lying? (2009-10-27)

How do you know a teen is lying? Their mouth is open.  This is an old joke, but for some parents, the problem is, “When is their teen telling the truth?”
 
“I’m so sick of your lying!!” Do you have this type of relationship with your teen? There’s a lot of dishonesty and mistrust? To figure [...]

Are You Calling Your Teen Fat? (2009-10-26)

Why are you eating that? Should you be eating that? Why don’t you come with me to the gym? Your teen get’s it, you think they’re fat. Is there another way to say this that isn’t quite as hurtful?
 
You think your trying to help, but your teen thinks you’re just an a**hole for mentioning it. [...]

Tween Communication: The Teen Door Hanger (2009-10-23)

Becoming a teen isn’t just confusing to adults, it’s confusing to tweens too.  Their outbursts catch them off guard in the same way they catch you off guard. The difference is they are too embarrassed to come back to you and say, “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.”
 
The crazy thing [...]

6 Things That Make A Great Teen Parent (2009-10-22)

Speak to teens.  If you have this opportunity speak to a small group of tweens and/or teens.  Why? Because if asked to do so, they will tell you what is going on and they will make you a better parent.
 
If you ask them what makes a great teen parent, they will say:
1. Listen: Listen to [...]

Don’t “Wish You Had” With Your Teen (2009-10-21)

We regret to inform you that your daughter was found -. You don’t want this notification. You don’t want the police or anyone notifying you about this kind of news. This thought is scary and places your mind in a place that asks, “Oh How I wish I had…”
 
Please give this moment a good thought. [...]

Using Parenting Power For Good or Bad? (2009-10-20)

Your teen is better prepared for adulthood when they have a parent that uses their parenting power to guide, nurture and teach; In other words, using their parenting power for good instead of bad.
 
When you use parenting power for bad, it looks like:
•Reminding your teen of previous mistakes every time they ask for a new [...]

Your Teen Craves Your Approval (2009-10-19)

As a parent you do a lot for your teen. You pay the bills, put food on the table and you can give or take the car keys, but beyond these obvious parental duties, you hold the power of a teen who wants your approval.
 
Your teen actually wants you to like them and be proud [...]