The turbulent times of adolescence can mean trouble at school, either academically or socially. If your teen’s grades have fallen, talk with him and his teachers about this to discover the reason. Make sure that he has enough structured study time and completes homework assignments on time. • Consider a temporary dip in grades as […]
Behavioral
How can you best discipline a strong willed teenager? The following are a few parent-tested guidelines. • First, give clear messages about household rules and limitations. Let them know what behavior is acceptable and what isn’t. • Second, accent the positive. “Do’s” make a stronger impression than “Don’ts”. • Third, give your teen increasing responsibilities
Creating happy memories as a family can be rich reserve of good will to draw on during stressful times. These don’t have to mean peak experiences – they can be simple moments, family traditions and activities you enjoy together. Creating happy memories can mean doing something alone with your teen, going to a concert or
Not all peer pressure is negative. Much of it can be positive if your teen is in the right peer group. How can your help him or her in this regard? • First, help your teen to find special interests and peers who share these interests by participating in group activities and organizations. • Second,
Many teens who have sex don’t use birth control, initially or ever. Why do they take such risks? Quite often it’s because they believe certain birth control myths. These include: 1. “Birth control is unromantic.” Ask a teen how romantic pregnancy or fears of pregnancy might be. The fact is, using a reliable method of
Some people, especially teens, think sex and intimacy are the same, but that’s not so. Some have sex without emotional intimacy. Others have intimate relationships that don’t include sex. Still others are able to build a lovely combination of emotional and physical intimacy. Let your teen know that intimacy, above all, means feeling safe in
Besides physiological facts and pertinent warnings about sexually transmitted diseases, there are five important, and all too often overlooked, facts that teens need to know about sex. This is what you might tell your teenager: • First, sex is an acquired skill. People expect miracles when they first have sex, not realizing that people need
What can you tell your teen about saying no to sex? You might give him the following reasons to abstain: • First, abstain from sex if you don’t know anything about birth control or if you’re too embarrassed to seek or use birth control. Until you can learn about and have the emotional maturity to
Telling your teen to “just say no” to sex may not be nearly as effective as helping him or her find their own best reasons for saying no. You might say to your teen: • First, say no if you don’t feel ready. Feeling ready, instead of pressured, can make sex, when you finally choose
A wonderful book that will answer all your travel questions, help you pre plan and pack, and make you feel secure is Vicki Lansky`s book, “Trouble Free Travel with Children,“ (Book Peddlers, 6.95) Try your book store, or call Book Peddlers at 1-800-255-3379 and explain why you need it post haste. This book covers all
