News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

An innovative study of babies found that even small children can feel guilt and want to atone for something they did wrong. The study found that such guilt was not necessarily a bad thing, because the two-year-olds who showed the most guilt went on to have fewer behavioral problems over the next five years.

• Dr. Grazyna Kochanska and her colleagues at the University of Iowa told toddlers that they should be very careful with a certain toy.
• The toy was special and precious because it had belonged to the researcher when she was a little child.
• However, the toy was rigged to fall apart. Once that happened, the researcher would observe the child.

Some children would cover their faces with their hands, avoid eye contact with the researcher, and otherwise express guilt. The ones who expressed the most guilt were more likely to behave well over the next five years, even if they scored low on their ability to focus and control their impulses.

(By the way, the researchers did assure the children that the toy was easily fixed, showing them perfect replicas and reassuring them that it wasn't their fault and that toy was as good as new.)

Labels: research, emotions, babies

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When describing today's teenagers, people are likely to use words like "rebellious" and "confrontational" or phrases like "acting out" or "low self-esteem". But a recent survey conducted by Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) has found the opposite is true for most teens.

"...there is significant evidence from SADD that the majority of teens feel happy almost every day and perceive themselves as friends (77 percent), honest (72 percent) and smart (72 percent). Similarly, more than six in ten say they can handle change well and are liked by others."

The survey results are confirmed by Tufts University profess Richard M. Lerner, whose new book "The Good Teen" found that many adolescents consider themselves to be of good character, caring, competent and confident.

Island View's programs for troubled teens offer teenagers a chance to work on their emotions and behaviors while earning school credits.

Labels: happiness, emotions, perceptions

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It's inevitable. That little girl who loved to go shopping with you is suddenly more interested in shopping with her friends. That little boy who loved to play catch suddenly doesn't want to be seen in public with you. Your child has become a teenager. It's time to shift your parenting style.

"Don't overreact. You're not imagining those mood swings. Your teen's quick-fire emotion switches show up on brain scans. They experience feelings more intensely and often overreact because they think we're upset or angry. Try counting to three before you talk. Stay calm. Lower your voice. Clarify emotions. Or take a time out. Then reconnect. Don't take it personally."

Though teens act like they don't want their parents around - they do. Respect their privacy and their desire for independence, but temper that with open communication and guidance.

Having a hard time figuring out how to be a parent and a friend? Visit our articles page to find free parenting tips for parents of teenagers.

Labels: parenting_styles, emotions, independence

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments