My first test of being responsible for another living thing happened when I was in college. I received a Black Labrador Retriever from another college student who had purchased this full-bred, papered puppy before realizing that "Having a puppy is a lot of work!" His lanky body and big feet made him goofy and his … Continue reading Are Teens Really Wild Animals?
How You Respond Can Influence Your Teen’s Behavior
Think back to when you first brought your baby home. There you sat, fully responsible for the livelihood of this child. You may have felt exhausted, or even a little overwhelmed by all that had changed. Yet, you loved this baby more than anything in the world and very quickly realized how much he/she enriched … Continue reading How You Respond Can Influence Your Teen’s Behavior
Positive Parenting Tips to Build Self Esteem in Teens
Just recently, I was talking with a 16 year old teen about what it was like to be 16. He said, There is a lot of change at 16. You know it is hard to believe I am almost 17, and that 10 months ago I was just 15....there is a very big difference between … Continue reading Positive Parenting Tips to Build Self Esteem in Teens
Making a Difference in Your Teen’s Life
Parenting teens is so different than parenting younger children. Parenting young children involves teaching them about the world, giving them boundaries, and keeping them safe. The older they get, the more parents learn about who their child is and what their child needs to grow into adulthood. Home can provides a place where teens can … Continue reading Making a Difference in Your Teen’s Life
What are the Consequences & What Happens If They Don’t Work?
As parents, we know our teens are going to make mistakes. Sometimes these are small mistakes, and other times they are pretty big mistakes....mistakes that fill our souls with fear for our teen. What comes of these mistakes can vary, but one thing is for sure...eventually there are consequences for their actions. Consequences can take … Continue reading What are the Consequences & What Happens If They Don’t Work?
Parenting From Fear Can Be Crippling
Years ago I attended a Tony Robbins conference. It was a pretty intense three days and over the years, one of the biggest things that stuck with me was the idea that fear is crippling. Imagine walking into a room with about 350 other people, and hearing someone say, “You are going to walk on … Continue reading Parenting From Fear Can Be Crippling
Motivating Teens: Helping Them Meet Their Potential
I have three children: 13 (boy), 17 (girl), and 19 (boy). Over the years, I have experienced so many feelings about being a parent, and I have asked so many questions about whether I am doing it right. I am desperately trying to establish reasonable boundaries, set fair expectations, and show unconditional and never-ending love … Continue reading Motivating Teens: Helping Them Meet Their Potential
Motivating Teens: What Does Self-Control Have To Do With It?
Think back to when you were 4 years old. What would you do if someone put you in a room with a marshmallow and asked you not to eat it? What if the person said you could have two marshmallows if you could wait 15 minutes to eat it? Would it be easier to hold … Continue reading Motivating Teens: What Does Self-Control Have To Do With It?
Motivating Teens: The Role of Independence
The need to feel as though our behavior is truly chosen, not imposed upon us, may be its strongest during adolescents. During this time between childhood and adulthood, teens are striving for independence at the same time that they still need guidance from their parents. As children move into adolescence, they are motivated by a … Continue reading Motivating Teens: The Role of Independence
Motivating Teens: Pain, Pleasure, & the Pressure to Achieve
Have you ever found yourself doing something for fear of negative consequences? Ever tried to achieve something difficult, just to prove to yourself that you can? Have you ever pushed yourself to do a dreaded task, only to find you truly love what you are doing? Think about each of these scenarios. Why do we … Continue reading Motivating Teens: Pain, Pleasure, & the Pressure to Achieve