News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Even if your child breezed through high school and appears to be doing well in college, don't assume that there's not need to worry about matters related to emotional well-being.

According to a study that was published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, university students report feeling significant levels of stress, much of it associated with the pressure to excel.

• More than 65 percent of the students in the survey told researchers that they felt overwhelmed at times
• 44 percent told researchers that depression sometimes made it hard for them to function.
• Only 30 of students said they regularly got eight hours of sleep a night, and 35 percent told researchers they stayed up till 3 a.m. at least once a week.

Though lack of sleep is often associated with anxiety and depression, experts believe that the late nights are neither the sole cause nor the only effect of the students' emotional distress.

"Stress levels in college students are so high because of the pressure to perform well," said Washington University psychiatrist Eleatha Surratt. "Performance is tied to the subsequent ability to obtain better postbaccalaureate employment or educational programs. There is an added pressure of a tighter job market with lower starting salaries for college graduates."

Labels: stress, anxiety, college

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

Children who suffer from migraine headaches are less likely to go to college, according to a new study from the University of Colorado.

Professor Daniel Rees and his colleagues studied sibling pairs, using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Children who have migraines were 5 percent less likely to graduate from high school and 15 percent less likely to attend college, and had grade-point averages five below their peers.

"There are lots of studies out there that try to get at the cost of migraine headaches to society, and what were arguing is that cost should include their effect on educational outcomes," Dr. Rees explained.

This study was presented at 84th Annual Conference of the Western Economic Association International in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Labels: health, college, headaches

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

On April 6, a Colorado State University student committed suicide. The tragedy prompted school officials to send out a message to all faculty members, urging them to watch for signs of stress among students who may have increased financial concerns due to the economy.

Michael Daine, associate executive director of CSU's University Counseling Center, said counselors are helping an increasing number of students dealing with tight budgets and parents losing jobs during a time of year that historically is the most stressful with finals approaching.

Dean of Students Anne Hudgens said many students realize the sacrifices their parents are making and begin to feel like they're burdening their parents. Worries about finding a job after graduation are weighing heavy on their minds, too.

Source: Coloradoan

Labels: suicide, stress, college, economics

Posted By: Aspen/CRC 0 Comments

A study from the University of California at Irvine found that 33 percent of college students believe they should earn grades of B or higher just because they attend lectures. About 40 percent said they should get Bs for doing the required reading.

This study, which appears in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, reinforces the opinions of many college professors that students today have an increased sense of entitlement when it comes to grades.

"Students often confuse the level of effort with the quality of work," said Dr. James Hogge, associate dean of the Peabody School of Education at Vanderbilt University. "There is a mentality in students that 'if I work hard, I deserve a high grade.'"

Dr. Aaron Brower, vice provost for teaching and learning at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, believes that their attitude "stems from their K-12 experiences. They have become ultra-efficient in test preparation, and this hyper-efficiency has led them to look for a magic formula to get high scores."

Nearly 66 percent of the students in the UC study believe that if they told their professors how hard they were trying, that should count toward a higher grade.

Labels: college, students, grades

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

A survey of parents of college-bound high school seniors found that most are encouraging their children to consider in-state public universities or otherwise limit their choices to more inexpensive institutions. The survey, which was conducted by ApplyWise.com, found that 88 percent of families plan to limit spending because of today's economic downturn. Less than a third said economic factors would not influence their college selections.

Two-thirds intend to apply for need-based scholarships, and 53 percent will ask for government and private loans. Many plan more drastic ways of financing college: seven percent will sell real estate, 11 percent will liquidate a retirement fund, and 27 percent will take out a second mortgage.

Labels: college, scholarships. money

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

A survey of parents of college-bound seniors found that most parents are encouraging their children to consider in-state public universities or otherwise limit their choices to inexpensive institutions. The survey, conducted by ApplyWise.com, found that 88 percent plan to limit spending because of today's economic downturn. Less than a third said economic factors would not influence their college selections.

Two-thirds of those who were surveyed said that they intend to apply for need-based scholarships, and 53 percent will ask for government and private loans. Many plan more drastic ways of financing college: seven percent will sell real estate, 11 percent will liquidate a retirement fund, and 27 percent will take out a second mortgage.

Labels: college, economics, student_loans

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

This fall, college campuses across the nation will be populated with bleary-eyed freshmen trying to take it all in. Awaiting them will be class professors, dormitory roommates, and credit card offers.

"Advise your college freshman not to fill out any application impulsively, and without understanding the fine print. If you don't want your college student to have a credit card just yet, put your foot down. Remind him that if he does anyway, you will not bail him out if he gets into debt."

If your teenager is adamant about getting a credit card, have him get one before he goes to college. Stop by the local bank and ask for a no-fee, low-limit card that will prevent him from overspending. Source: The Porterville Recorder

Read Money and Teens: Fiscal Responsibility for more information.

Labels: money, college, students

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

The transition from high school to college can be hard. As your teen prepares to make this shift, there are some things you can do to help.

"Be excited for them. If you are struggling to let them go, then it is OK to tell them that, but do not put pressure on them to worry about you. They are likely feeling overwhelmed by it all or are so excited that they don't want to be bothered by your struggle."

Take time to listen. Give your teenager the chance to express himself, to talk about his fears, concerns, and hopes about this new phase of his life. Don't smother your teen, but be available to spend time with him and reassure him that you're there for him. Source: Clarion Ledger

Learn more about college prep boarding schools at BoardingSchoolsInfo.com.

Labels: college, support, transitions

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Philosophy is now the "hot" major for college students.

Enrollments in philosophy departments have more than doubled over the past two years at schools like Reuters, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Notre Dame, Texas A&M, University of Pittsburgh, and City University of New York.

David Schrader, director of the American Philosophical Association, noted that demand for courses is outpacing resources at some colleges. "Philosophy is a major that helps students become quick learners," he said, "and gives them strong skills in writing, analysis and critical thinking."

One student noted another added benefit of majoring in philosophy: "The whole deep existential torment thing - it's good for getting girls."

Will your local public school be able to prepare your teen for college? If you're not sure, then you may want to think about a private boarding school. Find a private college prep boarding school at BoardingSchoolsInfo.com.

Labels: college, classes, trends

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Although most colleges ban hazing, more than half of students told researchers that it is still going on - and not just in fraternities and sororities, but also in glee clubs and other organizations. Students also reported widespread college binge drinking games and "drinking until we pass out."

Researchers from the University of Main's College of Education and Development looked at answers given by more than 11,480 students enrolled in 53 colleges. Over 30% of the men and 23% of the women said they participate in drinking games; 17% of the men and 9% of the women said they drank to the point of passing out or getting sick.

Hazing was prevalent on athletic teams (74% reporting), Greek organizations (73%), performing arts (56%), and even honor societies (20%).

Professors Mary Madden and Elizabeth Allan presented this study at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators meeting on March 11.

Labels: college, binge_drinking, hazing

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Helicopter parents - who hover over their child's every move and decision - are becoming more common at the University level, according to several University professors. But all of the attention can have a negative impact.

"Ms McDonald said, 'It's like the term infantilizing, which means treating young people as children and buying them more options than previous generations of undergraduates. So students often feel disempowered and less independent, especially in their last year of university when they come to speak to career advisers."

Some parents who continue trying to manage their kids' lives have gone so far as to attend job interview and call potential employers to try and negotiate salaries for their kids.

Looking for a private college prep boarding school? The Academy at Swift River offers traditional New England values at their private boarding school.

Labels: helicopter_parenting, college, independence

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 1 Comment

A majority of college students believes that it is okay to use pornography, according to a new study from Brigham Young University. In fact, about one in five male college students said they view pornography every day or nearly every day. Some 86% report that they viewed such materials at least once this year.

Among college women, nearly half said that porn was acceptable, but only 31% have actually viewed it and only 3% were regular users.

Jason Carroll, author of the study, also found that regular porn use is linked to risky behaviors such as binge drinking and having sex with multiple partners. Carroll surveyed 813 students from six different colleges for the study, which appears in the Journal of Adolescent Research.

Worried that your teenage daughter may be engaging in risky behaviors like having sex and using drugs or alcohol? Copper Canyon Academy can help. Copper Canyon is an all girls boarding school in Arizona that offers accredited academics, therapy, and a safe, structured environment for teens.

Labels: media_infuences, college, porn

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Over the last coupe of weeks, homes and parents all across America have been welcoming college students returning home for the summer. While both student and parent are usually glad to see each other, tensions can begin to arise as the children exert more independence and the parents wonder at the lack of communication, untidy rooms, and new piles of laundry.

"[Natalie] Caine says one of the biggest and most common mistakes parents make is asking too many questions. She says this can alienate college students and make them feel as if their parents don't trust them."

College-age children and parents have very different views on the parent-child relationship. The parent thinks that less communication means the relationship will deteriorate, while the child believes that the relationship will remain strong and doesn't need as much attention. Read more at BendBulletin.com.

Labels: communication, college, rules

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

High school counselors say that teenagers should begin preparing for college life, or just life after high school, as early as possible. In addition to applying to college and filling out financial aid forms, teens should learn how to do laundry, manage their money, and do things like make their own doctor appointments.

"Susan Verduin, in the Dean of Students office at Northern Michigan University, has some more tips on how to get ready for campus life... "One of the biggest things is, they need to learn how to budget money," Verduin said. "They should sit down either with their parents or high school counselor and work out a budget as early as the last semester of high school." She added that getting a planner and taking control of time management is very important. When living on campus, she said, no one will let students know when to get up or when to study."

Other tips include becoming a better reader and learning how to handle car maintenance. Read more from the Marquette Mining Journal.

Labels: money, college, independence

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

The Indy Star recently received a question from a parent about what to do with a child who didn't want to go to college. The parent said that grades and money weren't the issue - just the teenager's willingness to continue their education. The reply by the Star's parenting expert said to ask the teen questions about why they didn't want to go, what their plans where for the future, and to avoid lecturing. Read more online.

Turn-About Ranch, the world-renown program for teens, is launching a new vocational program. While at Turn-About Ranch, teenagers can earn certificates in subjects including Culinary Arts and Automotive Technology.

Labels: teens, parenting, college

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments