How to protect your teen from ‘bad influences’
Where does one buy enough bubble wrap for a 5’10” teen? Teenage brains are wired for risk taking. They lack emotional regulation, impulse control, and therefore some of the critical thinking to understand impact and consequences. That’s a normal part of adolescent brain development that DOES NOT mean they lack intelligence! In fact, the teen […]
Secrets You AND Your Teen Need Before Heading to University
Honestly, that feels hard to write as the days count down and the reality sinks in. I can feel the tears in my throat. My emotional mom brain is wondering how my 5lb ginger baby who loved to snuggle got to be 6ft tall and heading to university? The rational part is like, “Um, we’ve […]
12 Tips for Back to School Success
What if you had simple tips you AND your teen could use to lower stress and frustration and build trust, respect and confidence? Watch the full video below ⬇️ https://youtu.be/d2FKLTvgNOI?list=PLWfKd3Y5TEXZChIBaRsTMyGmI2LwbhyoP Back to school also means more time with peer groups and access or exposure to substance use including vaping and marijuana. This isn’t just for ‘bad parents’ […]
Navigating Teenage Substance Use
This is new territory for our generation of parents. You might have had access to some things as a teen and even tried a few, but it was on the down low and away from your parents. Do you remember seeing this ad on every channel all day? I’m guessing your teenager hasn’t seen that. […]
I just caught my teen (fill in the blank)
This is a tough one. You just caught your teen in a less than desirable situation. There’s a moment of shock and disbelief that takes your breath away. It’s painful, with a side of rage inducing anger. It doesn’t matter what ‘it’ was. The emotional process is the same and your relationship with your teen […]
Why is your teenager so mean?
Every day I read posts on social media like these: “My teenager called me a B*tch today because I wouldn’t drive her and her friends to the mall.” “My teen just told me to shut up because I asked him to pick up his laundry.” “My teen told me to F Off. I never thought […]
The ‘Chipper Chicken’ Sister’s Weekend
The days before children. Just 17 months apart, my sister and I had always been close yet completely different in so many ways. We ‘got’ each other. We played together for hours in make-believe worlds of our future careers and creative eruptions with craft supplies strewn from one end of the kitchen to the other. We were called […]
Turn that frown upside down – The secret price of Pompom Parenting
When your child hurts, you hurt. It’s genetic. You’re their parent, the person who’s known them longest so it’s on your shoulders to sprinkle your special brand of cheer to turn that frown upside down. These situations call for the good stuff at the back of the costume closet. Pompom parenting ENGAGE! (Insert cheer, high […]
Tired of hearing, ‘I don’t know’ from your teenager?
“Ok, I get you might need a moment to think about your answer.” Or, “I understand you have a lot on your mind.” Taking another inhale… A few moments later you ask the seemingly simple question again and get the same, flat ‘I don’t know’ response. Insert inside voice, “Aaannnnddd we’re breathing…stay calm….stay calm.” You […]
How to diffuse sibling rivalry WITHOUT getting stuck in the middle
“Why can’t you leave me alone!” “I AM, I just needed to get my phone charger” “That’s MY charger!” “No, it’s not, I left it in the bathroom this morning.” “You’re always losing things. You can’t keep track of anything.” “At least I can keep friends which is better than you!” And so it goes. […]