A major task (and challenge) for 9-14 year olds is to adjust to their physically and sexually maturing bodies. While the physical development isn’t different than it was 30-40 years ago, how tweens and parents learn about puberty has changed. Be an eParent®! Bookmark informational websites on puberty (such as those listed below) on your […]
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While it might seem like a contradiction, children’s thinking skills are growing in their preteen years. Provide opportunities that help your preteen or teen practice decision-making. Be an eParent®! Involve your teen in making rules when using digital media such as the amount of screen time or the selection of video games. Digital media is […]
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While your child is still too young to vote in upcoming elections, the political season can offer some great topics for you and your teen to connect on. Teens love to have their opinions be known and it isn’t too early to build excitement and encourage your child to become active in civic issues. Be […]
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Although your tween may no longer be looking to you for hugs (at least in public), your continued relationship and communication with your teen is still very “cool” (and important)! One reason many teens find hugs to be “uncool” is because teens are busy seeking their own independence. Public hugs can make a teen feel like […]
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Your teen is changing! They have hair in places you used to change, their voice is cracking, they have pimples…you probably remember going through these same changes! Adjusting to these differences can be tough for your teen. Keep the conversation light and the dialogue open to help your teen cope with these physical changes. Be […]
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If you’ve known a digital world since birth, then you were “born digital.” Your child, who was “born digital,” is using (and developing) words and symbols that did not exist when we were their age! For instance, #momdadareancient may pop up on their Twitter feed. Conversations with your teen will begin to feel much different […]
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Your teen has developed (and is not afraid to use) higher thinking skills which can make even the simplest disagreement seem like a courtroom debate! Use discipline as a tool for teaching and guiding, not for venting or taking revenge. Be an eParent®! Instead of banning your teen from social networking sites for posting a […]
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Think that letter “d” can’t happen to you? The number of youth who have left home after high school and are back living with their parents has exploded in recent years. Help your child think about their future options now as this is exactly what is needed for a smooth transition into adulthood. Be an eParent®! Together with your […]
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Did you know that research has shown that kids’ eyesight improves in their teen years? Yes, they see EVERY inconsistency in what you say compared to what you do! Okay, research hasn’t proven this, but young people are especially skilled at pointing out to parents when they don’t “walk the walk.” Be an eParent®! Use online […]
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In other words, it is not always what we see that matters as our teens go out into the world. Every day your teen is confronted with making decisions that could have positive or negative outcomes. Meaningful morals, values, ethics, and belief systems are things that children look to their parents for guidance throughout their […]
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