Parent Forum
I’m a parenting expert and family coach. Our 21st century tweens and teens are so savvy about pop culture, technology and social media, they may believe they’ve got the emotional and interpersonal part of life figured out too. They don’t. Middle and high school kids need their parents to teach them how to be good people who do the right thing, online and off. Because home is where kids learn the most about love, respect, empathy and resilience, you need 21st century parenting advice you can count on.
Welcome. You’re in the right place.Letters from Parents & Teens
Drugs and Alcohol:
|
Peer pressure:
|
|
|
Dear Annie, I'm trying to raise my 16 year old to be "alcohol and drug free," at least until she goes off to college. Recently she wanted to see what it was like to get drunk with a group of her friends. Things got out of control and she called an adult to get her out of a bad situation. Now her "friends"... |
Hey Terra, My pre-teen daughter says she wants to be Goth. When I asked her why, she said, "I don't know." Because she has no good reason, it feels like she's just going along with a fad in order to be popular. I want her to know what she stand for. Doing something just because others do it isn't going to... |
|
| Read Terra’s Answer » More letters from Teens » |
Annie’s Blog:
I want a boyfriend but I'm not good at flirting!
March 24, 2019
I wish I had a boyfriend...
I just got an email from a girl who's never had a boyfriend and she really wants one. We've all been there, right? Everyone deserves to be loved. Being loved by someone you love is an amazing feeling that nurtures your spirit and opens your heart and mind to the beauty of life. If you aren't in a relationship and you want to be, you may feel frustrated and/or impatient. But you know what they say? You can't hurry love. You can, however, prepare yourself to be a good partner by learning about yourself, what you want, and what you need.
Teen: I'm a 16 year old girl who never had a boyfriend before but I really want one. The thing is, I'm kind of shy so I'm not that good at flirting!
Annie: It might be helpful for you to think about what kind of boyfriend you™re looking for. How about if you fill in the blank in this sentence?
I want a boyfriend who is __________________________________________.
Keep brainstorming until you run out of things that are true for you.
Teen: I want a boyfriend who is: loyal, friendly, kind, respects boundaries, a good listener, and willing to try new things.
Annie: That™s a very thoughtful list of qualities. Good work. So tell me, do you already know someone with any or some of those qualities?
More »
