There are many rites of passage throughout our kids' lives, including the transitions from elementary to middle school, then on to high school. Our society has defined the next rite of passage as college. It’s what every teen must do to have a happy, successful, and fulfilling life. But is that true? Maybe or maybe not. Student loan debt has skyrocketed because teens jump straight into college, thinking it's the appropriate next step. But many drop out or change majors because they can't...
School is beginning to start across the country. Parents and kids are attending sneak-a-peaks and orientations. The school's individual Facebook groups have many questions from anxious parents whose kids are just starting to participate in middle or high school. I giggled when some middle school parents were asking questions like, "Does my kid get snack time?" and "I don't see P.E. on their schedule. Do they get to go outside every day?" These questions are a stark contrast to the questions...
If you want your teen to listen to you, it’s important to listen to them. According to a study published in the journal Pediatrics, kids were six times more likely to overcome challenges and complete their homework if they had a parent who listened to them. Anyone can strengthen their attentive listening skills. Those same skills are likely to help you with other relationships too. Use these strategies to increase your listening skills: Focus on interaction. Dialogue moves in two...
Naturally, as parents, we love our children and want them to be happy. However, once they become teenagers, things seem to change. Suddenly, the happy, carefree days of childhood turn into one moody day after another. Yes, teenagers are notoriously moody. I’m sure you can remember being moody yourself as a teen. I know I can. Of course, with the pandemic, their moods might be even more up and down than usual. This moodiness might lead to behaviors that are difficult to manage, such as:...
As a parent, it’s our job is to take care of our children until the day when they can strike out on their own. While they graduate from high school knowing how to read and write, there are other skills that are just as important that may not get covered in the classroom. I remember my parents teaching me how to do laundry, maintain my car, and balance a checkbook before I went to college. Before your teen leaves home, ensure they're ready to fend for themselves and have a positive impact on...
I often work with teens who are somewhat discouraged about the future. The teen feels pressured to figure out what they want to do for the rest of their life. The pressure comes from: Having friends who know exactly what they want to do Knowing that high school will come to an end And yes, they feel pressure from us parents In addition, teens worry about student debt, potentially hating college, finding a job after graduation, ending up with a job that they dislike, and their biggest worry –...
Remember when your kids were little, and they were happy to do just about anything for a sticker or a kind word? Now they’re older, and you have to try harder to motivate them. Many parents become frustrated with teens who play video games for hours but avoid homework and chores. The situation can be even more challenging now that COVID-19 limits opportunities for socializing and extracurricular activities. Before you label your teen as lazy, try to understand their perspective. Take a look at...
As a teen, you can’t wait to be on your own and be able to buy whatever you want. I remember that feeling. I also remember going into debt because I didn’t make smart choices. I didn’t have the financial know-how that I do now. Most states don’t have financial literacy requirements in education. It’s on parents and the children themselves to gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Unfortunately, many parents are uncomfortable discussing money. They’re concerned about saying something wrong...
If you're the parent of a teenager, you've probably noticed some major behavioral changes over the past few years. I know I have as a parent of two teen boys. Although these behaviors are normal for adolescence, it's still necessary to keep the communication flowing between the two of you. As kids enter their teens, they start spending more time alone in their rooms or out with friends. Maybe your teen also seems less interested in hanging out with you and more interested in listening to music...
Life is unpredictable and often very challenging. The year 2020 has more than proved that notion for all of us. For high school seniors like mine, many of the traditional senior events we’ve anticipated for years have sadly been canceled. Each day we're faced with obstacles that test our ability to cope with difficulties. It's easy to get angry, scared, or resentful and forget about the good things in our lives. As parents, we need to be positive role models for our kids. If we don't cherish...