More often then not we associate risk-taking behavior in teens as negative or harmful. However, we know that the teen brain is literally wired to take risks. Therein lies the dilemma. We are left with the belief, or fear, that our teens are going to take risks that could have serious consequences. I would like … Continue reading A Spin on Risk-Taking Behavior as an Expression of Positive Youth Development
Connect With Your Teen Through Music
One of the greatest things about teenagers is the wonder, passion, and intensity through which they see the world and live their lives. They are curious, thoughtful, and dramatic. For many teens, music becomes a major way to express themselves and feel through their emotions. The love struck teen makes a playlist of love songs. … Continue reading Connect With Your Teen Through Music
Something Has Got To Change! Creating Habits for School Success
It is natural to put a lot of energy into the transition back to school. Don’t forget that it is just as important to develop good habits throughout the entire year. Consider that many of the things that you do on a day-to-day basis are not well thought out decisions, but habits. This is as … Continue reading Something Has Got To Change! Creating Habits for School Success
What’s Going On? My Teen Seems So Far Away!
One of the barriers to communication is the naturally occurring distancing that takes place during adolescence. Communication during the teen years can be especially challenging because of the rapid changes that occur in their physical bodies and social worlds. The first thing to remember is that as your child moves through the teen years, he/she … Continue reading What’s Going On? My Teen Seems So Far Away!
The Adolescent Brain: What Stays? What Goes?
The brain is a powerful and mysterious thing! It is functioning all of the time, day and night. Certain parts of the brain even have multiple pathways to perform the same task......just in case something goes wrong. There is an entire body of science looking exclusively at what our brain does when we … Continue reading The Adolescent Brain: What Stays? What Goes?
How Do We Help Our Teens Be Achievers in Life?
There is no shortage of information, movies, and opinions about student achievement. Some talk about how to compete in a global economy. Others talk about the increased use of strategies such as cheating or using drugs like Adderall to improve performance. Still others talk about how to promote achievement in a healthy way. Recently, I … Continue reading How Do We Help Our Teens Be Achievers in Life?
The Search for Identity: Who Am I? What Am I Committed To? What Am I Afraid Of?
Identity development is one of the most fundamental tasks teens face. It is during this time that they are most likely to try on different aspects of their personality as they work to figure out who they are and who they want to become. Your teen will grow and develop. Some characteristics will stay the … Continue reading The Search for Identity: Who Am I? What Am I Committed To? What Am I Afraid Of?
Raising a Teen Can Feel Like Being in an Arena with a Matador
Consider this scene After many moves and years of hanging onto "keepsakes", the Smiths are cleaning the basement in preparation for a garage sale. The two kids have been told that they can keep part of the profits if they help with both the preparation and sale of the items. The day before the garage … Continue reading Raising a Teen Can Feel Like Being in an Arena with a Matador
Your Teen Was Born Vulnerable & Imperfect
I have heard a lot of parents say, "Being a parent has taught me how to be a better person." Why is it that our children are often the ones that push us to grow as individuals? What does it look like, to be a better person? Parents tell me that they became a better … Continue reading Your Teen Was Born Vulnerable & Imperfect
Give Me Five Minutes and Two Words: Therapy for You & Your Teen
Sometimes a little humor can go a long way! This last weekend, one of my counseling students shared this video with me and it made me laugh. It also made me think of raising teens. When I returned home, I shared this video with my own two teens. Jokingly I said, "Should I give this … Continue reading Give Me Five Minutes and Two Words: Therapy for You & Your Teen
Shelly D Mahon, Ph.D. 