As a professional who works with teens, people frequently ask me what signs they should be looking for in their teens regarding depression and risk of suicide. We’ve all seen the lists that circulate: 🖋Withdrawing from life 🖋Grades take a dive 🖋Poor hygiene 🖋Giving away things 🖋Lack of emotions 🖋Talking about death 🖋Comments about “wanting […]
Talk About It: Depression & Suicide Read More »
We are mourning as a community today. We will be respecting the privacy of the family who is going through such a difficult tragedy by not sharing details at this time… There is nothing that can prepare an adolescent for the death of a classmate, a friend, or a sibling. When you are young, there
Talking To Your Teen about Loss Read More »
Think back to when your daughter was born. She was so fragile. You held her head otherwise it bobbled. You watched her every move and listened to her every breath on the baby monitor. You covered up sharp corners and barricaded the stairs. You bought the latest and greatest car seat. You protected her from
She’s Not Porcelain Read More »
Our teens are busy, our teens are stressed, we love our teens. These are all true, but these are not good excuses for forgetting about making them do chores. It’s much bigger than just having them do stuff around the house for you. Here are five reasons why you should absolutely, definitely, positively require your
5 REASONS CHORES ARE GOOD FOR YOUR TEENS Read More »
Schools, parents, and counselors all drill it in to teens to speak up when someone is bullying them. However, we as parents and as a society forget to teach our teens when to speak up to authority figures. In fact, until the teen years, some often-used phrases are “listen to your teacher”,” don’t interrupt”, “do
Teaching Teens to Speak Up For Themselves Read More »
When I woke up on a clear day in October, the day ahead of me looked promising. That lasted until I looked in a mirror and noticed a red dot on my face that rivaled Mount Rainier. A pimple had erupted overnight. My heart started pumping and my mind was blown. How could I possibly
The Teenage Magnifying Glass Read More »
Middle school is when your child’s young adult identity is under construction and slowly emerges. According to Erickson, a Developmental Psychologist, in 6th grade your child is still grappling with her individuality (industry vs. inferiority). She is beginning to develop responsible habits and form moral values. In 7th grade, your child is starting to wonder
Who is She? Identity Formation Read More »
I’ll admit that I’m a bit of a nerd and I get a natural high from walking through the aisles of office supplies. When I study, learn, and work I make sure that there is some joy in it. Teens will probably give you an eye roll if you tell them there is joy in