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The By Parents For Parents Blog is regularly updated with the latest news and information on topics that relate to parenting teenagers. We'll post parenting advice and tips from trusted online news sources and expert parenting columns.
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posted by ByParents-forParents at 3:47 PM
"From the ages of 11 to 14, young people lose connections between cells in the part of the brain that enables them to think clearly and make good decisions. The brain is actually 'pruning; unneeded wiring."Though many studies have discovered that the teenage brain is still developing, this is the first that suggests any re-wiring. Learn more online.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 6:42 PM
"Thirty to 40 percent of adolescents from affluent homes experience psychological symptoms ranging from depression to drug use to anorexia. Ten to 15 percent of depressed teens attempt suicide..."As a psychotherapist, Levine says she's seen an increase in teen clients, and many of their psychological problems stem from "relentless parental pressure". Read more online.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 8:20 AM
"Trying to counter that loss of control by constraining him/her more may drive the teen away. Instead, focus on controlling your behavior and making adjustments in your fathering skills."Continue expressing your love for your teen. Show affection, and tell them you love them. Learn more online.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 11:12 AM
"Many educators feel, as I do, that children develop imagination and learn intellectual concepts best through hands-on experience as they play with toys and open-ended materials such as clays, art media, blocks and construction materials."Books can be good choices, too. The National Parenting Center's Seal of Approval has a web site that reviews books, toys, and educational products, and could help you make your Christmas gift selections. Read more at Tennessean.com.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 7:05 PM
"[Teens] know [snooping] is wrong and will use your wrongdoing to deflect criticism of their alleged, implied, or confessed behaviors. As a parent, your authority is undermined when you have not come by your information honestly."There are ways to stay informed of what's happening with your teen without invading her privacy. Set limits, set consequences, and set a good example. These will go much farther. Read more at ParentingAdolescents.com.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 6:55 AM
"Parents can model good listening behavior for their children and advise them on ways to listen as an active listener, pick out highlights of a conversation, and ask relevant questions."This article from Focus Adolescent Services offers several tips for modeling good listening skills and teaching them to your children. Read more at FocasAS.com.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 9:12 AM
"According to RenovatorsPlace.com, home renovation projects need not bust a parent's holiday-spending budget. In fact, 46% of teens report that if they could remodel one thing in their bedrooms, they'd simply repaint it."Many teens reported being willing to put in a little "elbow grease" as well. Read more online.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 8:56 AM
"'This poll reinforces a disconcerting trend we're seeing with parents today. Too many parents are avoiding tough conversations - or tough stances - because they're afraid of jeopardizing their relationship with their teens,' said John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy."The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign has a web site, TheAntiDrug.com, that gives parents helpful hints and starter conversations to make things a little easier. Read more at MedicalNewsToday.com.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 10:54 AM
"'It sounds rather Orewellian to me,' [said Frank Garcia], 'to track him like he's some sort of felon... If we can't trust our kids to behave, then we've failed as parents.'"The most expensive of the devices, priced at $599, sends real-time alerts to a parents cell phone when their teen exceeds speed limits or leaves an "approved" driving area. Read more online.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 8:09 AM
"This year I asked a group of 25 teens and adults... about the toys they received when they were children. The thing I found out that surprised me was almost all of them could only remember a few of the toys they received and even fewer could remember any toy they wanted but did not receive."So, while the advertising companies, and your children, may be trying to sell you on the "gotta have it" gifts, don't buy into the hype. The memories you create with your family during this season will far outlast any toy or game.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 11:56 AM
"One of the biggest things you can do to promote healthy grieving is to send the message that it's OK for your son to express his emotions, and give him the space and time to do it."Many young people struggle to process the loss of a loved one or close friend. They will often follow the example of the adults in their lives. The more open and honest you are about your own emotions, the more your teenager will feel free to do the same.
posted by ByParents-forParents at 3:20 PM