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. […]
Is your teen the boss of your emotions?
Every morning I’d wait in the kitchen with nervous anticipation, like hanging on for enough oxygen to take a breath. I was waiting for my son to come down the hall from his room and see his face. That’s all I needed; I could tell. My whole day was dictated by my teenager’s mood. On […]
Are you losing yourself trying to fix your teen?
Maybe your teen has mustered the courage to come to you with their struggle and are looking for support of some kind. They may have already looked up symptoms or done some research to validate their concerns. Either way, something beyond the scope of parenting is required. When your teenager is struggling, of course you […]
A little perspective goes a long way
There’s eight sides to every story. Your version of ‘normal’ in relationships, teen behaviour and parenting were set up years ago. Those norms operate silently from your unconscious brain; sometimes for the better and sometimes not. If you’re emotionally upset or triggered, they cloud the truth of what’s really going on, and your response to […]