A mentor is "an experienced and trusted adviser." How do we come to find mentors? Often we either seek them out or they appear in our lives as someone to whom we feel connected. Whether it is someone to share in your parenting, career choices, or hobbies, mentors can help you grow. I just got … Continue reading Mentors: What Are They and How Do You Find One?
The Pressure of Being a Teenager
Teenagers know what pressure is! Just try it, it will be fun. Are you really going to wear that? Hey, did you hear that Joe's parents are out of town Saturday. OMG! We have to do that again! Do it, or I'll tell everyone what a poser you are! You can't say things like that if you are … Continue reading The Pressure of Being a Teenager
A Spin on Risk-Taking Behavior as an Expression of Positive Youth Development
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
5 Steps to Creating the New Year With Your Teen
First of all HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope 2012 was filled with exciting moments and lasting memories, and that 2013 brings you happiness and vitality! People often start their new year by making resolutions, either individually or as a family. Many think of a resolution as a single goal, or a habit that should be created … Continue reading 5 Steps to Creating the New Year With Your Teen
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
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?
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
Goodness of Fit: Giving Up Being Right Doesn’t Make You Wrong
Sam bursts through the door after school, throws his book bag on the ground, and heads toward his room. Mom is in the kitchen making a cup of tea when she hears Sam get home. She hollers, "Hey kid....how was school? What is your plan for tonight?" Sam says, "I don't know" while heading up … Continue reading Goodness of Fit: Giving Up Being Right Doesn’t Make You Wrong
Two Weeks in the “Pig on Skates”: Parenting Thoughts From the Road
As we drive down the Oregon coast on Highway 101 in the 34-foot RV that my family has come to call the “Pig on Skates”, I am reminded by how much we gain from spending time with our teens. In today’s busy world, it is so easy to get caught up in the day-to-day hustle … Continue reading Two Weeks in the “Pig on Skates”: Parenting Thoughts From the Road