Teens

The adolescent brain is growing and creating new pathways for thoughts. The brain is changing throughout adolescence, with some brain cells being eliminated and other pathways maturing. Stress and diet can play a role in the development of the brain. This article spells out the process.

As our kids turn into teens, it can feel as if the childhood connections we formed with them all but disappeared overnight. And, understandably, many parents grieve that loss. But adolescence isn’t the end of an old relationship — it’s the beginning of a new one.

When it comes to chitchat, teenagers often have a lot to say. Usually, all that's needed is something to spark the conversation. This list provides 120+ conversation starters that are sure to inspire great discussions with the teen in your life! Plus 8 tips to get teens to open up.

Learning how to drive is a basic rite of passage for many American teenagers. Here are four important steps I took first before allowing my son to safely get behind the wheel.

I've worked with thousands of teens over the last 15 years. Here's one thing you can do for your teens to help them meet the three goals of adolescence.

An examination of eating disorders during adolescence and their potential causes, including the effects of peers, media, and family.

I'm not cool by any means, and I wasn't when I was a teenager, but I know these kids. Here's what you need to know about teens.

Don't know what to do about your teenager that wants to date? Here are ten tips to help navigate the teenage tempest of romantic relationships.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month; what do your kids know?

Why don't some teenagers want to drive yet? How can you help your teen get their license? Do all teens today need a driver's license at all? Is it okay if your teen doesn't want to get a license?

Wondering how divorce might affect your young adult children? According to a good number of studies, parental divorce has been found to affect individuals throughout their lives regardless of their ages. Read on to learn about the full impacts.

Although a lot of media attention is given to marijuana or other illicit drug use, alcohol remains the number one drug of choice for many teens despite the long-term dangers.

Don't be bored this summer! Here are 101 fun hobbies for teenage girls; everything from playing on your phone to hanging out with friends! You're sure to find something fun to do!

Self-absorption, negativity, an inability to plan ahead...these are traits of teens that can frustrate moms and dads. Parents, though, need to appreciate that their children's brains are still developing and this behavior is normal.

What do you do to show that you care when touching is awkward and conversation is challenging? Here are eight practical ways to maintain emotional attachment between adults and teens.

Just as the ship anchor keeps the vessel from drifting into the open seas, so anchor thoughts keep the individual from wandering into unapproved behaviors. Find sample anchor thoughts for teens here.

Since your teenager is embarrassed by you anyway, you can have some fun with it. Hike up those Mom jeans, embrace your parental awkwardness, and embarrass your kids. Instructions included!

Concentrate on what's important when talking with teenagers, not things they don't need to know. Common mistakes parents make with their teens.

The pros and cons of social media (like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and Tumblr) on teenagers. We'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of growing up in the digital age.

This is a guide on what parents need to know about teenage drug and alcohol abuse. It talks about how to recognize if their child is using and what to do about it.

Building a strong and healthy relationship with your teens can impact their future interpersonal relationships as they continue to develop and grow.

Introducing your boyfriend to your parents is a nerve-wracking experience. If things didn't go well, how do you get your parents to like your boyfriend?

A parent lets go of her child at several stages of development, allowing the child to grow up and eventually become independent. This can be more difficult for the parent than it is for the child, but here are some ways to make it easier for everyone.

Discover the secrets to hosting a fun sleepover for your tween, with suggestions for setting rules, food ideas, and preteen-approved activities.

Use the Divergent young adult fiction series to start an ongoing dialog with your teen on values and priorities in life. The books convey powerful messages on belonging and the importance of forging your own identity.

For some girls, they may worry about attending a sleepover when it is "that time of the month." Here are some tips that will help you focus on the fun and less on your cycle.

I am a mom. And I know what would convince me to say yes to a later bedtime. So I have insider information on how to convince your parents to let you have a later bedtime.

Know if someone is using drugs by learning the typical behaviors and reactions to using drugs.

Have you talked with your teens about porn? Explicit adult imagery can all too easily be viewed by children/teens. Therefore a parental “porn talk”, as well as a “sex talk”, is necessary to help negate its harmful effects. Having "the talk" can be a game-changer!

Volunteering helps teens become more involved in their community, explore their interests and gain valuable new skills. This article looks at volunteer opportunities for teens, along with the benefits and challenges.

Prepare for summer with your teen by brainstorming ideas for work. A traditional 9-to-5 job may not be available for your 13-year-old, but there are lots of other opportunities to earn some cash and gain great experience.

Here are 20+ examples of what to write in a card to your son or daughter when you send them off to college. Some of these messages are heartfelt while others are humorous.

This article explains why it's so common for teens to lack confidence and gives suggestions to boost your self-esteem.

This article discusses drug abuse in teens, addiction, drug abuse statistics, rehabs, and other drug abuse facts. The information is based on research and on personal experiences and interviews with teenagers. Written by a retired high school teacher.

If you are thinking of taking your kid's cell phone away as discipline, or think you may do so in the future, read this first for some advice from a parent who did just that. Believe it or not, your kid may not be the only one relying on his cell phone!

Even summer gets a little boring when you run out of ideas. Here are more than a 100 unique ideas for things to do over the summer for teens.

Car insurance for teen drivers costs more since car accidents by teenage drivers are the number one cause of death among teens. Tips to help decide if your teenager is ready to drive are given.

Teens with Asperger’s have a very difficult time having a reciprocal conversation or interaction with people. Here are ways you can help them make friends on their terms.

The teenage years can often be trying times for both teens and parents. Here are 10 tips for parents to help guide teens through this life phase and reach their potential.

Advice for parents and kids on Wicca and witchcraft, and what parents should do if their child says they want to be a witch.

This article provides a list of potential sources of conflict between teens and their parents. These are situations and disagreements that may lead to arguments and fighting, but they do not have to damage relationships.

The overuse of social media, including Facebook, can have a definite impact on teenagers, and parents should be aware of the potential negative effects on kids.

Are you feeling lonely? Read on to discover why and learn about some resources to help you.

It is important to have cell phone rules for kids. Your family cell phone policy should include limits on cell phones at night and at school, and you should monitor cell phone contacts for young kids.

When parents punish their children by taking away their cell phones, kids find ways to outsmart them. Find out the clever ways that they use to keep talking to their friends without their phones.

Great tips for getting along with teenagers: Be casual, but not too casual, get to know their music and friends, and enjoy the ride!

Teens today have it hard. Parenting teenagers is not easy, but understanding the issues they struggle with can help everyone involved. You can't help solve a problem until you know what it is. Here, I highlight the most common problems faced by teenagers today.

Teen curfew laws are in place for a reason. Many teens and advocates are challenging local ordinances as to their constitutionality.