Many teen girls worry about breast size, usually because they feel their breasts are too small. They wonder if they’re normal, and if they’ll grow more. Reassure your daughter that development is a process lasting some years. Studies show that the average white American female does not reach a final stage of breast growth and […]
If your teenager has had a lot of accidents lately, bike crashes, skateboard wipeouts, or automobile accidents, it may be time to take inventory on what else is going on in your teenager’s life. Some accidents, especially when they occur in a cluster, may not be accidents, but a sign of emotional trouble or a
His best friend is into motorcycles and cutting classes… Her friends smoke and drink, or maybe you’re disturbed by the way her friend dresses or talks… What can you do when you fear your teen is running with the “wrong crowd”? Talk with your teen. Without attacking his friends personally, voice your concerns. “I worry
Two of the most common eating disorders seen in teens are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia nervosa usually occurs in young women, but occasionally afflicts young men. The symptoms include obsessional fear of obesity coupled with refusal to eat, compulsive exercising, severe weight loss and body image distortion. This causes a severely underweight teen to
Obesity during the teenage years can be a difficult experience. It can limit opportunities, and further damage body image. Also, your teen’s attempts to diet may become a power struggle between yourself and your teen. How can you help your overweight teenager? Here’s some ideas: 1. Don’t use criticism or threats to motivate your over-
Maybe it seems you have little to be thankful for if your teenager is sullen, uncommunicative, and is openly embarrassed to seen with you much of the time. But this Thanksgiving, remember to give thanks for the little blessings in your life with your teenager: 1. Give thanks for good health — your teens and
Even though your teenager is growing up, and in a sense, growing away, there are still ways you can reaffirm and maintain family unity — now and in the future. How can you do this? • Face your problems together as a family. Don’t let denial or blame come between you. Facing pain together can
Many teens shoplift for the sport of it, under pressure from friends, or because they have problems delaying gratification. How can you prevent your teen from engaging in this form of risk taking? • If your teen feels peer pressure to shoplift, talk about ways to say no and discuss some good reasons to do
Hope, renewed strength, and the reassurance that you are not alone are major advantages of participating in parental support groups. These may be informal networks of friends, or they may be more formal groups, such as “Toughlove” or “Mothers Without Custody”. These are not therapy groups, but groups run by the participants who tend to
Has your teenager had a lot of accidents and injuries lately? A series of accidents or obviously reckless behavior can be a sign of depression, even suicidal feelings, and professional counseling may be in order. If your teen doesn’t seem to have serious emotional problems but is still accident prone, try the following strategies: •
