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!
Practical Tips for Parenting Children of All Ages Through Divorce
Whether you are going through a divorce, or you know someone who is, this information can help you understand what children of divorce need from their parents and other adults in their lives. You can either use this information yourself, or share it with those who are seeking tips for helping their children through … Continue reading Practical Tips for Parenting Children of All Ages Through Divorce
Hearing Is Not the Same as Listening to Your Teen
It is just another Monday. A mom takes her kids to school, does a few hours of work, runs an errand, and then heads back to the school to pick her kids up at the end of the day. She arrives at the junior high and her daughter is about 20 minutes late. Then, she … Continue reading Hearing Is Not the Same as Listening to Your Teen
Stand By Teens When They Make Mistakes
Recently, I shared some bad news with a good friend of mine and she sent me this video. The video served two purposes: (1) She wanted me to know that she would stand by me through the hard times and (2) she wanted to communicate how important it was for me to stand by others. … Continue reading Stand By Teens When They Make Mistakes
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
Are Teens Really Wild Animals?
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
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
Increase Communication by Creating “Commonness” with Your Teen
Communication involves expressing your ideas and feelings, as well as accurately receiving the ideas expressed by others. But, communication is more than just the exchange of words. Originating from the Latin word “communis”, communication means to establish a sense of “commonness” through what we say, how we say it, why we say it, when we … Continue reading Increase Communication by Creating “Commonness” with Your Teen