So, your high school or college student has convinced you to let them go on a Spring Break trip away from you. Good for you! You can’t watch over them forever, and they’ve got to have opportunities to make decisions on their own in order for them to grow into Read more…
I wrote this post 7 years ago, and it is as relevant now as it was then. Even more critical, given the recent US Surgeon General’s call to attention I mentioned in my previous post a couple weeks ago. A study released by the British Psychological Society last week shows the consuming Read more…
The US Surgeon General released a VERY SIGNIFICANT advisory this week regarding social media and youth mental health that should have us all sitting up, paying attention, and making some serious adjustments – especially those of us who are parents of teens and preteens, educators, therapists, coaches, pastors, etc! For Read more…
Above is just one screenshot example of the kind of goofiness my son and I sometimes share in our text exchanges. I do love a good GIF! So, my last entry in this series of posts is the quirkiest one, I suppose. And not one to be overused, for sure. Read more…
Today’s suggestion is as simple as it gets! And it’s got a very high chance of being a teen-pleaser, regardless of your teen’s particular interests. Invite your teen out for a one-on-one at their favorite place to eat. Fast food, dine-in, coffee shop, dessert spot, or whatever. Let your teen Read more…
Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, another social media video site, or a combination, there’s a VERY good chance your teen enjoys watching socially posted videos. And if you’re willing to approach it the right way, this can pose a delightful opportunity for you to connect and build your relationship with them. Read more…
(Intro: As I’m working on the process of revamping my website, I’m beginning a new blog series: Simple Ways to Connect with Your Teen. Some, and likely – many, of the suggestions in this series will be just as doable and helpful with younger kids. But my driving focus of Read more…
Over the past three to five years, I have seen a dramatic rise in social anxiety struggles as a reason teens are coming to see me in my counseling practice. This social anxiety commonly shows up in two intertwined ways in their lives: struggles with self-doubt / negative self image Read more…
Come mothers and fathers Throughout the land And don’t criticize What you can’t understand Your sons and your daughters Are beyond your command Your old road is rapidly agin’ Please get out of the new one If you can’t lend your hand For the times they are a-changin’ – Bob Read more…
The pandemic has lingered on for months and months and months – about a year now, actually! WOW!!! To say it has brought many layers of changes to our everyday lives is an understatement. And things just haven’t “gone back to normal.” Who knows how “normal” things will ever be Read more…