Teens

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Bullying is more than just being mean to another person. Officially, it is defined as repeated unkind or abusive behaviors that target a specific person and is intended to physically, socially, and/or emotionally...

Senior Year, that magical time when you embark on a journey with fellow parental spirits through the mysteries of Testing, Applications, Graduation, Parties, and the Evil Empty Nest.  You swear allegiance to Facebook support groups, start Pinterest boards, and...

Now that it’s August, it’s back to school time. For some, it’s a period of mixed emotions. Some students are excited to enter a new grade level or school students other kids may have some anxiety to go to...

Ryan (name changed) was one of my students several years ago. He was a good student, and generally quiet. He often sat with his legs stretched out beneath the desk and his chin resting in his hand. One day--he...

What do I say to my kids about school shootings and/or other anxiety-provoking news? How do you help your kids feel safe when their world feels out of control? I get many questions on this.  One thing I always tell my...

My daughter and I have this communication thing down pat.  She's 18-years-old, she's female, and she's an open book.  We have a natural rhythm going, (even though we hit a sour note every once in a while). My son and...

Well, we are at the halfway point of the long goodbye. She finished her last first semester of high school. College applications have been sent, senior photos have been taken, spring break plans are being made, and the graduation...

"MOOOOM...Geez, that's NOT how it's done!" This phrase runs on repeat at my house, and in many cases, it is in response to my complete lack of understanding of the rules to modern teen dating.   "In my day...we passed notes...

I didn't want to see it. We were on our summer family vacation in California, and I wanted to slap on my rose-colored glasses and frolic in ignorant bliss. But my 14-year-old son could see nothing else. We were staying...

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal, a generally reliable source of information, but I have to say that in this instance I just Do. Not. Agree. The article, "The Wrong Way to Speak to Children", warns...