Teenagers are addicted to texting. They are expected to respond to text messages instantaneously and have no problem putting a stop to whatever it is they are doing in order to reply. This becomes a huge problem when what they are doing is operating a motorized vehicle. Many parents worry about distracted driving, and rightfully…
What My Special Needs Nephew Has Taught Me About Confidence
This post is sponsored by Mirum, but opinions expressed are my own. My nephew is one of the most inspirational kids I know. Well, actually, the most inspirational young man I know (he's 16). I only met Brandon 4 years ago when I reconnected with my birth family after 34 years. The day I met him I…
You Are NOT A Loser
“Mom, can I ask you something?” my son asked me this as he put away his backpack after coming home from school. “Of course”, I answer, slicing apples and spooning out peanut butter for a snack. “What’s up?” “Why does everyone think I am such a loser? How come no one likes me?” I put…
Letting Go: Redefining The Mother-Daughter Relationship
It is the eve of the night before my first baby girl Neriah becomes an adult. How did this day come so soon? This natural rite of passage I imagined gently greeting me hit me like a bold question mark at the end of a sentence. Despite the lack of emotional preparation, the day unfolds,…
Focus On Resilience In Wake of School Shootings
Each year, one of the administrators from the middle school tells a story to incoming parents. The story involves a chrysalis that is struggling to turn into a butterfly and a kind person who, after seeing the painful process, decides to help remove it from its binds. The problem is that it is in the…
College Acceptance – Then and Now
All across the country high school seniors are anxiously awaiting their acceptance notices from colleges and universities. My daughter is one of those seniors. She has spent four years in high school studying hard to keep her GPA high, playing sports, joining clubs and taking part in all aspects of high school life to build…
Emotional Development of Adolescents
The emotional development of adolescents seems ever more complex in a changing and challenging world. With new ways of communicating with one and another and the ability to remain in close touch with parents, or to “turn parents off,” adolescents pose a challenge to themselves and those who care about them.
Volleyball Legend Gabby Reece On Raising A Teen
Parenting a teen is not without it's challenges no matter who you are. Pro volleyball champion Gabrielle Reece talked to us about raising her teens. What are the biggest challenges in raising teens in today’s age? One of the biggest challenges is trying to understand how to navigate their world and our world regarding the…
Birthday Party Ideas for 14-Year-Olds
Planning parties for teenagers can prove challenging. They need your help to plan and execute the big event, yet they also want their birthday parties to feel special. Make your 14-year-old’s party an event to remember by selecting a theme, activities, foods, entertainment and a location that pleases all parties involved.
Teen STD Testing
While the thought of your teen engaging in behavior that could result in the acquisition of an STD is likely enough to keep you up at night, it’s important to realize teens can and do get them. If you believe your teen has engaged in risky behavior, an STD test may be a wise choice. A test for sexually transmitted diseases will prompt immediate treatment and ensure she doesn’t suffer from the ill-effects of the condition in the future.