News, Advice, and Tips for Parenting Teenagers

The competitive, high-achieving mind-set that has ruled corporate America for decades has begun working its way into the lives of teenagers and even younger children. Today, it's not unusual for a 12-year-old girl to be involved in so many activities that her day is completely scheduled from sun-up to sun-down. But many experts are trying to warn parents that over-scheduling can have detrimental effects.

"Last year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a report touting the benefits of play. The report found play 'essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.'"

Dr. Denise Pope, lecturer at Stanford University's School of Education says that businesses are increasingly disappointed in the graduates they're seeing, who lack the type of creativity and innovation for which they're looking; a direct result, experts say, of an over-scheduled childhood. Read more at WisconsinRapidsTribune.com.

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Labels: development, down_time, time_management

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The start of a new school year brings an unsettling combination of excitement and anxiety - for both parent and teen. Getting in the routine of the school year can be tough, so KidsHealth.org has offered some suggestions to help smooth the way.

"Start the routine early: Start the school routine 1 or 2 weeks before school starts, especially mealtimes and bedtimes. Be sure that kids are having a healthy breakfast each morning."

If possible, it's good for parents to be home at the end of a school day for the first week. Having mom or dad present when he walks in the door can help an anxious teen feel more secure and supported. If it's not possible to be home, parents should keep evenings free for the first week so they can spend some extra time with their kids. Read more online.

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Labels: parenting tips, school, time_management

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Another school year is just around the corner. Many teens' lives become incredibly hectic once school starts; between actual classes and all the extracurricular activity. Helping a teen get and stay organized will help him better manage the near-chaos of school life.

"Organization means stuff management as well as time management, and these life skills are closely intertwined, experts say. Taking the time to toss or donate unused items, setting up systems to store what remains and creating a command center for dates and homework will save time - and stress - every day."

Experts say there's a difference between being disorganized and being messy. A teen that's disorganized will be late nearly every day because he was searching for homework or a permission slip. A messy teen will know which pile of papers has what he needs. Read more at MontereyHerald.com.

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Labels: stress, time_management, homework

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