How to actively listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Those words make me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy. Kids do, too. When it's said without any added details, the person can only conclude it must be something really dire. And frankly, approaching someone with an ominous opener like that will not engender healthy communication.  Kids shouldn't have to walk on eggshells wondering what they've done wrong now. If they've done something you disapprove of, say so. Don't be cagey. Don't play games. Don't turn it into a drama fest. The only thing you'll accomplish is to alienate your teen.  Be honest and open with your kids and they'll be more likely to return the favor. Here are other parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable. How to actively listen to your teen and talk with empathy 

Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

Clinical teen depression is relatively uncommon, but tell that to parents of teens and they may not agree. I certainly wouldn't have. Bouts of moodiness are hallmarks of teen behavior and one of the most worrisome for parents. Here's a parent survival kit for dealing with teen mood swings.  Parent coping tips for teen anger and mood swings

How to talk and listen to your teen

"We need to talk." Hearing those words makes me nervous. I don't know whether it's the faint implication of censure, the possible portent of bad news or just the fear of the unknown, but I get edgy when someone says that to me. Kids get nervous, too. Here are parenting tips on talking to teens so everyone feels comfortable.  To read the article, click here How to listen to your teen. (Please note: there are several errors in this article and I apologize for that. I'm not sure, but I think they're happening when I transfer the article from WORD to the template I'm using.)

Parenting teens through relationship drama (without tearing your hair out)

 As a mom, I'm generally confident handling childhood hurdles--potty-training, picky eaters, night frights--bring 'em on. There's one issue that shakes my equanimity--teen relationship drama. Whether they're boyfriend-girlfriend connections or same-gender friendships, teenage relationships are often fraught with drama and drenched in anxiety. Frankly, I'd rather walk barefoot over hot coals carrying a sack of nails on my head than deal with drama (esp. OP--other peoples'--drama. I can distance from drama in my own relationships. In my kid's--not so much). Even the term "drama" makes my face twitch. Disagreeable as they are, relationship problems are part of a teen's life and they need us parents for emotional support. After four kids (and a lot of trial and error), I've assembled some thoughts for parents on helping kids navigate peer relationships.  How to parent teens through relationship drama without going crazy - Yahoo! Shine

For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts

During most of my early parenting, cellphones weren't so common and texting was virtually unheard of. Though I've had a mobile device for about 12 years, I still don't have a texting plan. In parenting, I can think of few good outcomes and lots of negative ones from frequent cellphone texting. I'm not referring to business cellphone use, but casual chat.  This isn't multitasking--it's an accident waiting to happen. Here's why texting and parenting don't mix. For best parenting practices, nix frequent cellphone texts 

Verbal bullying: 7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to

No parent is perfect, and I'm no exception. I've used inappropriate language and said things I shouldn't around my kids. But that doesn't mean I don't have standards about what I do and don't want my kids to hear. Some kinds of language constitute verbal harassment and bullying. I may not be able to protect my kids from everything, but I can certainly stand up to objectionable things. No matter who is saying these things, be they friend or family, there are certain kinds of talk that I won't subject my kids to. If it comes on television, the set goes off. My kids know that songs that use these words don't come in the house.  7 kinds of talk that kids shouldn't be subjected to 

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity I've heard it said that 'today's teens lack respect for authority'. Are teens disrespectful of parents of adults? How can you make your teenager respect you without compromising integrity? Here's how to teach teens respect. Lead by example. Healthy respect begins with healthy role models. Do you show respect for others? Are you polite in public, to family members and co-workers, with authority figures? If you engage in sarcasm, mocking, shaming or rude behavior, don't expect your kids to act any differently. Read more...

Tips for Parents About Setting Curfews for Teenagers - Associated Content from Yahoo! - associatedcontent.com

Tips for Parents About Setting Curfews for Teenagers Your children are moving into the teen years, going out more, and staying out later at night. Should you set a curfew for your teenagers? Should they be expected home by a certain time? Are teens safer with a curfew? The answers are yes, with exceptions.

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity

How to Get Your Teen to Respect You Without Compromising Your Integrity
Respect is the name of the game for parents, but how to achieve that oft-elusive goal with teens and children? How can you "get" teens to respect you? With these simple tips. Read on...

Fire Safety and Family Emergency Preparedness Resources

Tuesday's house fire that killed seven children in a Pa. farmhouse sparks concerns about family emergency preparedness. Is your family prepared for an emergency? Do you have an emergency plan? Have you taught your children about fire safety? Here are guidelines to get parents and children fire ready and fire safe. Read on

Helping Your Children Cope with Mean Kids

How to Help Your Children Deal with Selfish Mean Kids
Every children's play group or social club has them. That one family that lets their children run wild. They behave as if their children can do no wrong. These children are hurtful. They don't play nice or fair. And mom is oblivious to them.
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Protective Parent, Over Protective or Power Struggle

Protective Parent or Partner Power Struggles
Family dynamics are complicated to say the least. Parents have relationships with each other as lovers, as partners and as caregivers for their children. It's vital that parents keep personal power struggles out of their parenting decisions. Co-parents and ex spouses need to be very careful with this.
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Discipline and Kids: Respond vs React

Relationships and Communication: Proactive Response Vs Reactionary Behavior
In psychology, we use the terms 'reactive' and 'proactive' to define different types of response to stimulus. This article defines reactive vs. proactive behavior.  It also explores the affect that reactionary behavior vs. proactive response. The key is to learn self discipline and self care.
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How to Get Your Kids to Accept Your New Spouse or Lover

How to Get Your Kids to Accept Your New Lover or Spouse
I'm not going to mince words in this article. If you are divorced with kids and in a new relationship, there are a few things you need to know about parenting with another spouse or lover. What can you expect of your kids?
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How to Get Your Kids to Obey

How to Get Your Kids to Obey You: Communicating Expectations
Parents expect things from their children; obedience, cooperation, help, respect. Children comply or don't comply for different reasons. Here's one way to get obedience, to meet your expectations.
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Discipline Dialog How to Properly and Effectively Ground a Child

Parenting Issues How to Effectively Ground a Child
The oft used grounding or removal of privileges is a common punishment. I'm all for grounding as a measure of punishment. But effective grounding delicate. Many parents confuse length of grounding with effectiveness. Wrong. Kids need to learn self discipline and long groundings don't accomplish that.
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Senior Caregiver: Choose Your Battles

Caring for Elderly Senior Citizens: Choose Your Battles
We have been caring for my 84 year-old mother-in-law in our home after she broke her back. My husband and I have learned some good lessons about performing custodial care for an elderly person or senior citizen.
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Senior Caregiver: Communicating with an Elderly Person

Caring for Senior Citizens: Communicating with the Elderly
One of the tools that senior citizens are most reluctant to use are hearing aids. They will accept eyeglasses, medications, dentures and sometimes even Depends before they will admit to needing one or more hearing aids. Here are skills to employ when communicating with an elderly person.
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Communication with Teenagers: Listen More Talk Less

Communicating with Teenagers: Listen More and Talk Less
Parenting teens is like moving in a maze. Navigate one corner, and another crossroad presents itself. Let's try to de-mystify some of the misnomers surrounding teenagers and how to communicate and interact with them.
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Myths About Teenagers

10 Common Myths that Prevent Healthy Communication with Teenagers
10 myths about teenagers and adulthood that cut off healthy communication. Taken from the reading, writing, mistakes and experience of a psychology-Special Education instructor and mother of four.
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