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...
Is your teen an angry one? Often, teens experience a barrage of emotions and feel these emotions even more intensely. They may swing from being ecstatic to disappointed, energetic one moment to sullen in the next. However, in some extremes, a teen may exhibit more than the normal level of anger. It is important to recognize that a teen is not yet mature enough to handle his emotions. The area of the brain that regulates self-control, discipline or decision-making has...
It is one of a parent’s fears – to discover that your teen has become hooked on drugs and is on a downward spiral towards self-destruction. A teen is especially vulnerable. He is struggling with his sense of self, is yearning for the acceptance of his peers and validation from loved ones and can be curious enough to try dangerous substances. As a parent, you need to be alert for red flags and telltale signs that your teen may be...
An ounce of prevention is definitely worth a pound of cure. The same goes when raising a teen. It is best to be proactive. Do not wait for your teen to exhibit behavioral problems where you will end up enrolling him in a troubled teen program. Nip the problem in the bud by nurturing a healthy self-image in your teen. This will prepare him to face the tumultuous time ahead, where he can cope with peer pressure, academic stresses, personal...
