Parenting a teenager can be a challenge, a constant power struggle over control and conformity. It’s often way easier to think of ways to punish your teenager than it is to think of ways to enjoy them. However, there is no replacement for the important parent/child bond and having these moments of love and connection are absolutely vital to your relationship. The list below details simple ways to show love to your often unlovable teenager that you love them. Write...
Adolescence is a complicated time in a parent/child relationship. Parents often go to sleep with a teenager who is happy and content and wake up to the same teenager being a cranky, angry monster. The happy-go-lucky child you spent years raising has transformed into a moody, mercurial teenager. It’s completely ordinary to wonder if you’ll survive this time with your sanity intact. Here are some new and easy tips to deal with the emotional highs and lows of your teen....
Self-harm, often referred to as cutting, is a complex series of behaviors and actions where people purposely harm themselves for emotional release. These behaviors can include cutting, burning, pinching, self-medicating, head-banging and hair pulling. It is estimated up to 2 million people in the U.S., including 8% of the teenage population, have consciously harmed their body in some way. Here is some helpful information to understand what self-injury is, what it is not, and what can be done to help....
Communication is important when raising teenagers. There is so much change that happens during these years which is why it is especially important to utilize conversation. Learning exactly what to say and what role to take as you move through your day together will provide a strong base of communication for you to build upon in your relationship. Car - This is where you spend a lot of time with your teen. Whether it’s ferrying them back and forth to...
Teenagers have strong opinions, strong emotions and strong desires they want to apply. This often comes in the form of explosive arguments which brings sadness, anger and hurt to both sides of the fight. Instead of resigning yourself to living with an emotional teenage time bomb, equip yourself with these useful tricks to handles these teenage struggles. Use nonverbal cues wisely. Give your teen all of your attention. Put down the cell phone. Turn off the television. Pull off the...
A teen going to a camp or training program away from home will have many overwhelming emotions during their time there. Some will be positive, some will be negative, but the most powerful emotion will most likely be homesickness. There’s no better way to tell a teen they are loved and missed by their loved ones than by sending a care package. Here are some great items to add to a care package for youth who are spending time in...
In the era of near constant distraction from the technology of social media, text messaging, and emails, the art of active listening is being lost. This is especially true for today’s youth, as many troubled teen services have begun teaching courses on becoming an active listener. It’s important for parents, teachers, and anyone investing time into teenagers’ lives to learn how to communicate sensitively and effectively. This will help to dramatically reduce frustration while increasing upbeat, constructive interactions. Active vs....
Are you seriously thinking about enrolling your teen in a teen wilderness program? It may be just what your teen needs as he struggles through the tumultuous teenage years. If your child has been indulging in risky and self-destructive behavior, he may need some intervention such as a troubled teen program. The program can be a dramatic and therapeutic experience that can help your teen sort out his issues. Here are some things to think about: Usual enrolment in a...
“Caution: Work in Progress” This may very well be the sign that should be placed on teenagers – giving some level of comfort to baffled parents. What happened to their sweet, acquiescent toddler who seemed to have transformed into a sullen, irrational and rebellious teen? Under Construction Scientific research indicates that there is a physiological reason. According to a paper by the American College of Pediatricians1 , the teenage brain still has a lot of growing up to do. This...
Parents may not realize it, but their teens do get stressed. In fact, the teenage years may be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. The teen has to deal with changes in their body and emotions, as well as other life issues. Often, a teen is not yet mature and equipped with the coping tools to help him when the stressors threaten to overwhelm. As parents, we can help our teens by being on the lookout...
