Communicating with your teenager can be a challenge. At this point in your kid's life, you are no longer center stage. Their peer groups get to spend time with the charming child you once knew, while you get the leftovers. The first step to engaging your teen is understanding their communication techniques. Let's start with some light-hearted but accurate assessment of how teens communicate with their parents. How Teens Communicate The sigh: Usually preceded by a question from a parent, … [Read more...] about Communicating With Your Teenager
Parenting
Coping Strategies for Teens with Anxiety
Most teenagers experience some degree of anxiety in their lives. It could be due to many things such as life changes like moving or changing schools, real or perceived pressure to do well in school or in extra-curriculars, conflict with peers or due to trauma or health issues. These instances of anxiety can be brief or prolonged. Anxiety can present itself in many ways including poor sleeping patterns, irritability, seclusion, crying, poor academic performance, headaches, stomach aches and poor … [Read more...] about Coping Strategies for Teens with Anxiety
The Teenager and the (lack of) Winter Coat
At 15 years old, I rocked a fedora as my own personal fashion trend. I spent my free time in the local arcade and braved Canadian winters in nothing but a jean jacket. Strike that... I had clothes on, but none of the appropriate outdoor variety. While we weren't wealthy by any means, I assure you that my parents provided a winter coat and boots. They even gave me gloves and a hat, although I feel that was a waste of their money. A toque on a girl's hair in the eighties? I think not. Thirty … [Read more...] about The Teenager and the (lack of) Winter Coat
The Period Pack: What to Give a Tween Girl
You've had the talk. The school has done their part to educate kids about puberty and what is going to happen to their bodies. Now it's time to ensure your tween girl has the supplies she needs for her first period. If your daughter is easily embarrassed or prefers her privacy, put the period pack in a box. A cardboard gift box would work well, or you could go big with a fancy chest like the only below. Whatever you decide, it is the contents that are going to be the most … [Read more...] about The Period Pack: What to Give a Tween Girl
Helping your Child Heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences
This post is written in partnership with Stress Health, an initiative of the Center for Youth Wellness, but opinions expressed are my own. There is a public health crisis happening in America and around the world. More children are growing up with chronic health issues such as asthma and diabetes. Some are displaying learning disabilities, mental health and behavioural issues. Others are developing anxiety and depression, and they’re growing up to experience continued health problems like … [Read more...] about Helping your Child Heal from Adverse Childhood Experiences
When to say No to Teenagers
Long before I had teenagers, I watched a parenting video by Barbara Coloroso. At the time I was struggling with three year old tantrums on a daily basis. He would throw screaming fits after school every day if he didn't get what he wanted immediately. He wanted to eat his dinner and to play with his friend across the hall. I had to cook dinner before he could eat and we had to eat before he could visit his friend. It was a daily drama that I didn't enjoy. I was at my wit's end when I sat down to … [Read more...] about When to say No to Teenagers
