Why Are You Always So Negative
“All we need is a Little Patience” – Guns & Roses First things first, I’ve got some bad news. There’s no way to “fix” this. No amount of discipline, punishment or consequences is going to have your teen become a happy-go-lucky child who loves life and everything in it so you enjoy being around them […]
Teaching Your Teen Self Care
The first thing that you need to know: you can’t control what your teenager is going to do. You can certainly try to, but it’s not going to work in the long-run. What you can do is teach them how to listen to their body. Once they’re in tune with their body, they’ll be better […]
Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
Parents: “Where are you going?” Me: “We’re all meeting at Jackie’s then hanging out.” Parents: “Doing what?” Me: “Hanging out! Just sitting around and talking.” Parents: “Ok, well, be home by 11:30pm.” Me: “Ok” (eye rolling, frustrated, annoyed and knowing full well I wasn’t coming home on time). My friend’s all lived in walking distance […]
The Hidden Price of Forcing Family Time with Your Teen
You know you have a limited number of days before your teen leaves home so you’re trying to maintain some family structure and quality time while you have it. You’ve read the studies showing the more connected teens are the less likely they are to participate in risky behaviours so family time is happening no […]
10 Strategies For Conquering Summer School
Now your teen is starting summer school and already seeing the pattern that’s going to create more of the same, a total lack of motivation or responsibility. We’re NOT doing this again! You’ve laid down the law so your teen understands this isn’t a joke or dress rehearsal. You’ve limited or removed all technology time, […]
6 Tips to Survive Family Vacation with Your Teen
Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same enthusiasm as you do. Your teen is grumpy because they’d rather do nothing, hang out with friends and be on their phones/gaming all night and this family vacation is cramping their summer style. You literally just want to smack them upside the head because of their selfish, negative attitude […]
Boundaries – They are not what you think
The truth is that style of parenting creates insecurity, anxiety, codependence, and even trauma without higher and higher levels of control. Perhaps the same ones you’re trying on your teen that are fueling conflict and disconnection right now. “I turned out just fine!” You haven’t worked this hard to get this far and you’re not […]
Are You Teaching Your Teen About Money
That’s what a ‘good’ parent does. As a tween, your child’s becoming more independent and doing things with friends, so you offer ‘fun money’ to grab a slurpee, coffee or whatever the treat of the day is. You rework your budget for increased costs in food consumption, activities, pursuing passions, and replacing outgrown clothing. Where’s […]
The Year I Never Wanted For My Daughter
“As a child of the system, including adoption where I was worse off than where I started, I endured physical abuse, emotional manipulation, and sexual molestation. I worked hard to heal and grow, providing my own children with the emotional health and stability I never had. Somewhere along the line I got off track with […]
When your teen doesn’t care about consequences
Your teen doesn’t care no matter what you do. You’ve watched the videos, read the posts, followed the steps, and it’s NOT WORKING! Nothing fazes them and they’re not changing. You’ve tried conversations, sharing your beliefs, and discussing why your teen’s behaviour isn’t working. Still nothing. You’re at your wits end, feeling defeated and frustrated. […]
