Family Dinners Also Feed The Teenager’s Soul
Compared to teens who have frequent family dinners (five to seven per week), those who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than three per week) are almost four times likelier to use tobacco; more than twice as likely to use alcohol; two-and-a-half times likelier to use marijuana; and almost four times likelier to say they expect to try drugs in the future. Continue reading
What Teens Can Learn from a Recession
Recessions are a fact of life. In fact, history says that teenagers today will most likely experience at least one more major economic recession in their lifetime. But by learning valuable and eye-opening lessons from their circumstances, teens can be better equipped to weather hard times that may come in the future. Continue reading
What Teachers Really Want to Tell Parents
A recent article published in CNN’s online newspaper addresses an issue that many consider is a major factor relating to the crisis in our educational system. The opinions expressed are from a teacher’s perspective. Continue reading
Using Gaming to Re-Engage Boys in Learning
Ali Carr-Chellman pinpoints three reasons boys are tuning out of school in droves, and lays out her bold plan to re-engage them: bringing their culture into the classroom, with new rules that let boys be boys, and video games that teach as well as entertain. Continue reading
Social Media: Understanding It and Finding Balance
Children and teens are spending upwards of seven hours a day attached to and engaged in some sort of digital device. Over the last decade, there have been numerous studies to confirm that there are both risks, as well as a few benefits, for parents to be aware of as their teens take part in the current social media revolution. Continue reading
Strengths & Weaknesses Of The New ChooseMyPlate Model
The changes made on the USDA’s new ChooseMyPlate food guide are simple to follow, but may be too vague to make the strides needed for Americans to avoid obesity, heart disease and diabetes. The new guidelines are helpful if the consumer seeks out more information in the Selected Messages. As with most things in life, rewards correspond to the amount of effort we put into things, and our health is no different.
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Performance Anxiety in Teens
Although a certain amount of anxiety is natural, parents often perpetuate performance anxiety by setting standards that are too high for their children. Teens suffering from performance anxiety may have problems including low self-esteem and higher incidences of alcohol and drug abuse.
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The Real Dangers of Teen Drug and Alcohol Use
Drugs and alcohol affect the mind negatively by distorting perception, blocking all sensations, blurring memory, destroying creativity, and they can become a doorway to mental illness. Educate yourself on the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse in teens. Be a part of the solution, not the problem.
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Community Service: Getting Kids Involved
By teaching children to volunteer their time and resources, you not only teach them to positively impact the people in the world around them, but you give them a source of reward that will last their entire life. Continue reading
The Pain of Rejection
At lunch time, I found some of my old friends. I ran up to them and started asking what they had done on summer break. Already, they had new friends. They were not mean to me, but somehow I felt left out. After lunch they returned to their class with their new buddies and I wandered off to my solitude amongst strangers. Continue reading
The Five Best and Worst Things You Can Say to Your Children about War and Terrorism
Children worry. They get scared. They have strong feelings about war, terrorism, and death. To tell them they have nothing to worry about is to ask them to numb their feelings, push them down, and pretend they don’t exist. In emotional times, children need support. They need adults in their lives who help them work through their feelings in safe ways.
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Introducing Your Child to Charity
You and your child will both reap the benefits of charitable giving. You will experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from generosity, and your child will learn the value of thinking of others. Ideally, it will be just the start of a lifelong practice of participating in charitable causes.
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How to Praise Your Child Effectively and Encourage Good Behavior
Words of praise are powerful and can be used to bring out the best in your child. Children love nothing more than the approval of their parents, so let them know just how grateful and pleased you are when they behave in a desirable way.
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The Mental Aspects of Work/Life Balance
With three out of ten people likely to experience mental health issues due to employment pressure, it’s obvious that steps need to be taken to lead a more balanced life. This article discusses signs of unbalance, effects on the family, and how to get back in balance.
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