| FROM THE PRESIDENT |
 |
| PARENTING TOPICS |
| RESOURCES |
 Parenting Related NewsShe smiled and said she was proud of him. He had come to a 180 degree turn in his life. And with that, he turned to the other teens and thanked them for helping him change his life. His victory became theirs.
My colleague told me she was having her 10-year-old stepson practice his reading and comprehension skills while reading entries from my personal blog. Effectively, she noted, along the way she discovered that it’s a creative method of early drug prevention too.
One in five teenagers has abuse prescription pain medication. Dr. Drew shares some reasons why teens are abusing pills and what parents can do if they suspect their child is using.
I am betting that very few of you have sat through a week’s worth of sex education classes at your teenkid’s school. If your school district offers – or mandates – such classes, you no doubt have received a carefully crafted note listing the topics to be covered. And, if you have somehow managed to raise one of those rare tweens or teens who, in response to “so, what happened at school today?” replies polysyllabically, you might have a general notion of what goes on.
One of the most important things you can do as a 21st Century grandparent is instilling a belief in philanthropy. My husband and I have helped foster a sense of “giving back” into our grandchildren that is helping them learn the importance of assisting those in need.
Let’s face it. Teens are not that interested in talking to someone whose sole intent is to pepper them with questions, judge their answers, and offer unsolicited advice. In fact, these forms of communication serve to obstruct rather than facilitate communication with our teens. As a matter of fact, they are part of a longer list of communication blocks that parents would do well to avoid if they’d want their teens to talk to them.
Being a responsive parent instead of a reactive parent begins with more matter-of-fact interactions with our kids. This means speaking to them in a calm manner and not freaking out, overreacting and getting extreme with our emotions. Too often, when we see something in our relationship that we don’t like, we try to change everything wholesale. We say things like, “From now on, things are going to be different!”
Do you know an outstanding youth coach or student athlete who demonstrates a commitment to fair, drug-free play and an overall healthy lifestyle? Does this person inspire others to give it their all, make the team smile after a big defeat, or show exemplary character and integrity on and off the field?
If you answered YES, [...]
Truth be told, the lessons about alcohol consumption that are the most powerful may just be the ones that are not accompanied by a wagging finger and a tongue lashing. It is the small, accumulated lessons about drinking that add up to make a difference.
As a college student living 5 hours away from my parents, I have the freedom to do pretty much whatever I want. If I got into any real trouble, with the university or the law, only then would the school contact my parents. Otherwise, I can get away with a lot without my parents ever knowing. That’s a scary thought for parents reading this, right?
|
 |
| HOME | ABOUT US | MISSION STATEMENT | SUPPORT PTRN | CONTACT US |
Warning Signs of Depression and SuicideBy Elaine Leader, Ph.D.,Executive Director, TEEN LINE The following behaviors can be warning signs of suicide and/or depression if they persist for more than two weeks.
Also watch for these behaviors as they indicate serious suicidal thinking:
HOW YOU CAN INTERVENE UNTIL YOU CAN GET HELP FOR YOUR CHILD
Do not deny the depressed or suicidal person’s feelings. Don’t try to reassure him; this is the person’s subjective reality and therefore a true part of the problem. Also, if he actually says " want to die," do not respond with: "You don’t really want to die" "you’re exaggerating." He is trying to communicate his true feeling. If you tell him what he says is not true, it may confirm his notion that no one understands or cares. Denial of his feeling may actually be harmful. If your child is communicating with you about feelings of suicide or threatens to commit suicide, it is far more useful to ask: "Are you thinking of killing yourself"rather than "You aren’t thinking about doing something to yourself, are you" This may make him conclude that you are not a real source of help. Remember: It is a myth that talking about suicide to a distressed individual can lead him to kill himself. This is not to say that parents should handle this situation alone. Your teen needs help; sometimes he needs immediate attention. If you are at all fearful that your child is contemplating suicide, be sure there are no guns in the home, and rid the house of ropes and knives and medications (prescribed and over-the-counter) that can be used to overdose. This is not enough. Get him attention immediately from a hospital emergency room, psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker. Call 911 first. You or your teen can also call TEEN LINE at 1-800-TLC-TEEN (California toll-free) or outside California call collect to 310-855-HOPE or your local suicide prevention center. |
SUPPORTERS:
|
