Since it is Mother’s day, let’s talk about moms. Moms become moms the day they find out they are pregnant. Before the baby even enters the world, moms feel responsible for taking care of this new life by providing it with the most nurturing environment she can inside her body. And, babies make themselves known! … Continue reading Mom: Sherpa, Supporter, & Number 1 Fan
Have you ever asked your teen, "What were you thinking" and gotten the answer, "I wasn't" or "I don't know." During adolescence, the teenage brain is undergoing subtle, but dynamic changes, all in the midst of major physiological, psychological, and social transitions. Overall, theses changes lead to more sophisticated thinking skills and increases in their … Continue reading What Where You Thinking?!?! Understanding the Prefrontal Cortex of the Teenage Brain
In the words of Salt-N-Pepa: "Let's Talk About Sex" Talks about relationships and sexuality are a series of revolving conversations. It really starts the first time a child says, "Where do babies come from?" It is inevitable. By the time your child hits the teenage years he/she has been exposed to countless songs, images, magazines, … Continue reading Talk to your teen about sex or someone else is going to!
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
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
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?
Teenagers are a breed of their own, and raising teenagers is not an easy task. Recently, I was invited to speak with Steven Spierer on Talk Radio One about raising teenagers and building healthy parent-child relationships. Having raised teenagers himself, Mr. Spierer frequently incorporates information about parenting into his show. Check out his website at … Continue reading Raising Teenagers: Interview with Steven Spierer