News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Maybe you have heard the buzz about brat camp and wonder what exactly a brat camp is. Last summer ABC produced a show called Brat Camp and followed students at a wilderness therapy program in Oregon as they went through the therapeutic experience in the outdoors. Brat Camp might sound a bit derogatory, but that's just television for you - sensationalizing for the biggest impact. In actuality these are very serious therapeutic programs that have been shown to be highly effective in helping all types of teens who might be struggling at home or at school.

A conclusive study on the effectiveness of wilderness programs in treating substance abuse issues was published in 2007.

So if your teen is struggling in school or showing other signs of behavioral or emotional problems, you may want to learn more about brat camp by visit www.bratcamps.com.

Labels: therapy, wilderness programs, brat camp

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Most adults don't know what kind of music their teens are listening to. This article from OnMilwaukee.com delves into the world of popular teen music, surveying high school students to find out what they do and don't love. Their answers may surprise you.

"You might be surprised to find out just how many teenagers love the rock 'n' roll tunes of the '60s, '70s and '80s that mom and dad were rockin' to decades ago. Jake, 16, says that the loves classic rock because it's the foundation for all today's new breeds of rock."

Screamo, rap, and electronica where also listed among their favorites. Don't know what they are? Read more at OnMilwaukee.com.

Labels: music, trends

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The largest study ever of teen driving habits indicates that they get into accidents not only because they drink and drive, but also because of distractions like noisy passengers and cell phones.

The National Teen Driver Survey of 5,565 teenagers, done in cooperation with State Farm Insurance and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, found that teen drivers face "a driving environment that would be challenging even to experienced drivers."

• 90% said friends in the car distracted the drivers;
• 79% said they had witnessed teen passengers dancing and singing;
• 89% said friends used cell phones for talking or text messaging while they were driving.

Teens also reported that many of their friends drink and drive, do not wear seatbelts, and participate in off-road racing. Every year about one in five high school students is a passenger in an automobile accident.

Labels: driving, text messaging, cell phones

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Years ago, scientific studies indicated that parents who argue a lot have children with conduct disorders.

Now a new study concludes that argumentative parents probably pass on genes for conduct problems.

A research team led by Dr. Paige Harden at the University of Virginia studied 1,045 twins and their 2,051 children. The team concluded that genetics, not marital conflicts, caused children's conduct disorders.

Children with conduct disorders exhibit a range of misbehaviors such as skipping school, bullying, shoplifting, lying, and running away from home.

This study appears in the January/February 2007 issue of the journal, Child Development.

Labels: behavior, research, role models

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A study conducted by the University of California Davis and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University has concluded that anti-social behavior is often learned by children observing parents who display anti-social behavior.

"Parents' behavior provides children with a model for their own behavior, and children's perception that a parent is anti-social may be a key component in choosing and validating their own behaviors, giving children permission to engage in this type of behavior."

The study also found that the development of this behavior began well before the child reached the 9th grade, and often continued on throughout high school. Read more at PsychCentral.com.

Could your child's anti-social behavior be Asperger's Syndrome? Children diagnosed with Aspergers or AS can be overly logical, clumsy and uncoordinated, tend to speak too loudly or in whispers, or may have trouble with sensory integration. The most difficult trait for kids with Asperger's is their inability to pick up other people's social cues and to respond appropriately. Learn more about Asperger's Syndrome, including diagnosing symptoms, the benefits, and the differences between AS and autism, at www.yourlittleprofessor.com.

Labels: behavior, role models

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Emerson Hospital in Massachusetts created a new study to identify risky behaviors among middle- and high school students. One of the most surprising results was the students' responses to questions about oral sex; 36% of high school students admitted giving or receiving oral sex.

"Educators say the study is a valuable assessment of teenage behavior and opens up a window for parents to talk to their teens about good decision making."

More than 8,000 middle- and high school students filled out the anonymous surveys which will be discussed at upcoming school committee meetings. Read more at LowellSun.com.

Labels: behavior, sex, communication

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Learn to effectively communicate with your teen can be frustrating. You don't always get the results you want. Though you may be tempted to resort to bribery or manipulation, remember that your kids follow your lead when learning how to relate to others.

"Teenagers need to learn how to get their needs met but without resorting to using control, power, or manipulation."

As you work to strengthen and improve your relationship with your teenager, learning to accept her for who she is, you'll see her begin to emulate your example in her relationships with others. Read more at ParentingIdeas.com.

Labels: communication, role models

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Sex and alcohol use are now second-rate worries among parents, a new study finds. Parents in the United States now say their number one concern is that their children spend too much time in front of TV and computer screens.

A study by Insight Research Group funded by a San Francisco organization that monitors the effect of media on children found that 57% of parents in their survey were concerned about the time spent in computer, television and video activities. Fewer parents (45%) worried about sex and alcohol.

Labels: teens, sex, alcohol

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Parents of teenagers often seek solace in books. Some are looking for advice; others simply want to know they're not alone. The teenage years are tough, both for the teen and for the parent.

"Teens are beautiful in the same way that thunderstorms are. You never know whether to step outside and revel in the display or run for cover."

This list of books offers both sound advice and reassurance that parents all over the world are struggling with the same experiences, questions, and doubts. Read more at ParentingTeens.com.

Labels: parenting, teenagers

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It's a common theme among teenagers; the "the parents are away on vacation" party. In this day and age, word can spread quickly that a teenager's parents are gone for a weekend or for an entire week. Is it possible to ensure that your teenager will act responsibly while you're gone?

"[Family Project] Panelist Joanne Nigito says it may be possible to go away and leave teens at home but safety nets need to be in place and kids need to have their activities planned out."

Other members on the Family Project panel suggest having a responsible adult stay in the house when you're gone, and plan trips during the week, when kids are busy with school. Read more at McCall.com.

Labels: teens, parenting

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Blame the media?

Young white teens who take in a lot of sexual content from movies, television, magazines and music are twice as likely to have sex at an earlier age than those who don't, according to a study done in North Carolina. The "media effect" was much weaker for black teens, who were more influenced by parents and friends.

Researchers in the Department of Sociology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, interviewed about a thousand middle school students ages 12 to 14 years and asked how often they were exposed to sexual content in the four media. Two years later, the white teens who had the most exposure to such media were 2.2 times more likely to be sexually active than those who did not.

The research team also concluded that parental attitudes among both white and black 16-year-olds could deter them from having sex, but the biggest risk factor was if the teens believed their friends were sexually active. This study appeared in the April 2006 issue of Pediatrics.

Labels: teens, music, tv

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Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid is taking a 30-day leave of absence to be with his family as they wait for the outcome of potential legal proceedings against both of his sons. While the general public may be surprised that the children of such an affluent family have gotten in trouble with the law, many counselors and psychologists are not.

"Studies show that children of affluence can actually be more prone to damaging and dangerous behavior once thought to be the province of their less-privileged peers."

The reason? In a word: pressure. Many teens of affluent families feel a tremendous amount of pressure to be as successful as their parents. Many feel their parents value achievement over character. Read more online.

Labels: teens, trouble, affluence

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State lawmakers in Illinois are pushing for higher fines and prison time for parents who provide teenagers with alcohol and a place to drink it. Parents who allow their teens and their friends a place to party will face tougher penalties if state representatives and police agencies get their way.

"'It's not acceptable for parents to allow teenagers to break the law in their own homes,' said state Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat and mother of two. 'Parents might think that as long as teenagers are at home, they're in a safe environment. But there's nothing to keep those teens from leaving, there's nothing to keep them off the roads.'"

Throughout the state, and the country, high profile alcohol-related deaths involving teens who have been given alcohol by adults has brought the issue to the forefront. Read more online from the Daily Herald.

Labels: alcohol, parents, laws

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Ambien, one of the most popular prescription medicines in the U.S., is now among the drug of choice at teen parties says the Drug Enforcement Agency. A recent survey by the government shows that more and more teenagers are abusing prescription drugs because they're easy to get from parents, friends or on the Internet.

"On the street, it's called "A-minus", "zombie pills", or "tic-tacs." Teens find it cheap and are popping Ambien for relaxation, euphoria and hallucinations. Dr. Richard Friedman of the Cornell Medical Center says when Ambien is abused, it can be dangerous."

Read more from CBS5.com.

Labels: teens, drugs, party

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It's a common sight; teenagers (usually boys) wearing their pants so low that the belt sits on or below their buttocks. It drives most parents, and many teenage girls, crazy - and not in a good way. But where did this "fashion statement" start?

"While sagging did start in prison, it resulted from the fact that many of the clothes given to the inmates were too big... The style was then adopted by some rap stars and the hip-hop industry..."

Since then, the style has become widely popular, and now, parents from all cultures and ethnic groups can be heard saying "Pull your pants up!" Read more at OnMilwaukee.com.

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Teens are regularly warned about the use of drugs and alcohol. But some teens are using a different method to achieve a quick 'high'. It's called the "choking game".

"Done alone or in a group, teens playing the game choke themselves with belts, ropes, ties or their bare hands in an attempt to temporarily cut off their oxygen supply until they pass out, creating a quick, 5- to 10-second rush of euphoria."

Though teens may be aware of the obvious dangers of choking, few of them know that asphyxiation causes brain cells to die. Additionally, the change in blood pressure can cause other problems, including strokes or seizures. Parents need to talk openly and honestly about choking and its dangers. Read more at NewarkAdvocate.com.

Do you have a teenager who may benefit from animal assisted therapy? Aspen Ranch is a boarding school for troubled teens with a strong equine therapy program.

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