FOR TEENAGERS: Adolescence is a scary time for children, and one in which they are most at risk for sexual assault. Prepare for the possibility that as adolescents, they may engage in some risk-taking behavior and try to minimize that risk by educating them about the danger of sexual assault by friends, acquaintances, or others. […]
One of the major reasons why it is important to be informed about sexual assault is so that you can take steps to prevent it. And, there are indeed steps you can take to reduce your risk of sexual assault, your child’s risk, or the risk facing others. FOR PARENTS: • Inform children that it […]
For many adolescents, the divorce of their parents is a terrifying thought and a vivid reality. Divorce means a loss of their home as they knew it. It may mean changes in financial situation – possibly a stay at home parent goes to work or both parents work more. It may mean having to relocate […]
One of the hardest things for a parent to do is say no to his child. “Well,” parents often rationalize, “it’s only the first time he has stayed out past curfew. He is under a lot of stress and really wants to see his friends, so I suppose I will let him go out tonight.” […]
Persistence is a virtue, I am beginning to realize. That and patience. The two are unusual companions when rearing teens. Let’s start with patience. A wise person once told a story about learning to watercolor. During the first art session, the teacher brushed on the first layer, a wash of cobalt blue, then leaned back […]
Mentors, much like lanterns, can “illuminate dark and uncertain paths, calm and still doubts and fears with encouraging words, wise lessons, gentle touches, firm nudges and faithful actions.” These words of Marian Wright Edelman help us to become aware of our gifts as parents. We are mentors to our children and may be mentors to […]
Symptoms of Anorexia • Severe dieting • Intense fear of being fat • Rigid exercise • Dressing in layers • Complaints of being cold • Mood shifts, restlessness, insomnia Symptoms of Bulimia • Binging • Secretive eating/missing food • Frequent dieting • Avoidance of food related events • Bathroom visits after meals • Tooth decay […]
It is common for adolescents to be concerned about how they look. They commonly feel self-conscious about their weight as their bodies are changing and they are face new social pressures, such as physical attraction to peers.Unfortunately, for a growing number of teens, that concern grows into an unhealthy fixation that causes weight fluctuation, interferes […]
Role of Adults Several factors collectively contribute to bullying and other antisocial behaviors and may be found both in the home and in the school; these are: • A punitive environment • A lack of positive consequences and reinforcement • Inconsistencies in the rules and the consequences for breaking them • A lack of awareness […]
Characteristics of Bullies: TYPICALLY, school bullies are aggressive and intensely impulsive, and their behavior may be fueled by their own physical strength or strong social position. However, even if small in stature, male or female bullies given the right skills and social standing can manipulate others. Although no single factor determines bully behavior, several influences […]
