Consciously, and generally unconsciously, all of us like to hear, “I love you.” That’s probably the most important message in life. However, when raising children, the “I love you” message may be coupled with other messages that children may not, at first, appreciate. The messages teens don’t like to hear include variations of, “It looks like you Read More
Parent Tips
High School Underachievement
Most parents want their teens to make it to the head of the class. Unfortunately, some teens lack the motivation to achieve good grades or even stay in school. The reasons for underachievement can include low self-esteem, boredom, family issues, rebellion and drug abuse. And, it is a rare teen who does not tire of Read More
Smart Mouth Can Be Cured
“What’s wrong with that kid?! No respect! Every time I turn around she’s talking back.” This complaint from a parent reminded me that concerns about kids who “talk back” come up often. Sassing is a frustrating problem. Solving this problem usually means a change of behavior for both child and adult. As an adult, I Read More
When Our Children Really Think
Don’t be surprised if your 13-year-old replaces her play-by-play description of her day with angry outbrusts. What is happening is a gradual, almost magical shift in the way your child thinks. Up until the early teens, a child thinks immaturely with little ability to conceptualize. But around age 13, a young person begins to think Read More
And I Mean It
Making Your Word GoldHow many times have you heard a parent give an order to a child, then add, “Do you understand me?!” Kids can’t wait to hear a parent talk like this because it means the parent is at the end of his/her rope. The parent has once more reduced his/her authority through hollow, Read More
Clothes, Looks, Music, Friends
It may be hard for parents to understand why the sounds blaring from the radio in their teen’s bedroom are practically sacred to their son or daughter. But music, along with looks, friends and clothes, are four things a parent should never criticize. It’s devastating to teens, who are seeking their own identities, when we Read More