News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

Few people would argue that spending time with family is an important part of growing up. Studies have found that kids of families that regularly eat dinner together are less likely to start using drugs or alcohol. Conversation is also necessary in keeping updated on what's happening in a teen's life. But getting the conversation started can be difficult. Vanessa Van Petten has some suggestions.

"Find a time once a week where your family can get together and talk about a certain issue or play a game. Make it consistent. One family I know has every family member during the week write down at least five words they came upon in everyday life they didn't recognize. It makes both parents and kids think about the 'challenge' during the week, they get to learn new words and supposedly they have some pretty funny guessing games and example sentences on their weekly Sunday night challenge."

Other options to consider are having a family game night or attending local concerts and festivals. The key is to do something together that can spark conversation, making it easier for teens and parents to talk.

Labels: families, communication, quality_time

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments

Teens are busy. Any parent, teacher, friend or sibling can attest to that. School, friends, sports, drama club, choir, band, academic clubs, blogs, MySpace  all leave very little time for teens to spend with their families. Yet studies have shown that time with family keeps teens grounded and actually makes them happy. This means that parents need to be creative and make the most of the time they have.

"One year we had three kids playing on three different travel baseball teams. I spent almost four hours in the car every Saturday... In marketing, this is called a captive audience. In parenting, it's called quality time. I learned so much about my kids that summer. Little things like what music they liked to big things like their views on abortion and the war in Iraq."

Serving favorite foods for dinner also increases the chances that teens will stick around long enough to eat, or try hard to make it home in time. And consider letting them invite a friend. It not only makes "family dinner" more appealing, but helps parents get to know the kids their teens are hanging out with.

Experts say parents are the biggest influence in the battle of teen drug abuse. Visit Adolescent-Substance-Abuse.com to learn how you can help your child avoid teenage drug addiction.

Labels: influences, communication, quality_time

Posted By: Aspen Education Group 0 Comments