Parenting Teenagers

Teen Brains: Still Under Construction: Parents Play Important Role
by National Institute of Health
Contrary to what most parents have thought at least once, 'teens really do have brains,' quipped Dr. Jay Giedd, an NIH research scientist, in a recent lecture on the 'Teen Brain under Construction.'

Teens: You never listen to me!
by SAMHSA
Do you recognize this phrase? How familiar are the complaints of 'How many times have I told you?' or 'I feel like I'm talking to a brick wall!' These are the timeless cries of frustrated parents everywhere.

Know Your Child's Friends and Their Parents
by SAMHSA
As children move into middle school and on to high school, they meet new people and experience changes in style, outlook, and social life. Don't be surprised to see major shifts in your child's fashion sense, the movies she watches, and the music she

Parenting: Back to School
by SAMHSA
Each week of September, the Family Guide Web site will feature articles and resources about sending children back to school. Whether your children are starting second grade or senior year, you'll find information to keep them mentally healthy and drug

Body Piercing and Risky Behavior: Is There a Connection?
by SAMHSA
Body piercing has become more and more popular among teens and young adults. Pierced ears have been common for many years. But now, no part of the body seems to be off limits for rings, studs, and bars. Navels, tongues, eyebrows, and nostrils have become

Be My Neighbor! Forming Neighborhood 'Safety Nets'
by SAMHSA
You live near them. You may see them almost every day. But how well do you know them? They are your neighbors. Sometimes, people’s lives are so busy that they rarely speak to their neighbors, let alone get to know them.

Help Your Child Build Healthy Relationships
by SAMHSA
We heard them as children and probably repeat them to our own children. It's in the early years when we begin to help our children make friends and build relationships.

Teens: Teachable Media Moments
by SAMHSA
How many times have you walked into a room just in time to hear an underage TV character make a comment about drinking beer? How many times have you changed the channel when a character joked about smoking a joint or having a one-night stand?

Talk With Your Child About Sensitive Issues
by SAMHSA
Many adults struggle in communicating with their children. Talking with a child is an even bigger problem when dealing with sensitive issues. Some subjects may embarrass us because of what they are about.

Communication with Your Teen
by SAMHSA
Do you ever feel like you and your child are speaking two different languages? If so, you aren't alone. Many parents struggle to communicate with their child. Even adults who work with children every day - teachers, coaches, or club leaders

Helping Kids Keep Themselves Out of Hot Water
by SAMHSA
Even though parents try to keep their children properly supervised, sometimes parents may have a hard time finding appropriate activities. Many times during the year, children may have more free time and, usually, more freedom.

Know What Your Child Plays
by SAMHSA
Research suggests that the addictive nature, aggression, violence, and brutality of some games can be harmful to children. If you know what kinds of entertainment your child is involved with in her spare time, you can help her make wise choices

Know What Your Child Watches and Listens To
by SAMHSA
The impact of music on the mind is said to be so great that listening to music that constantly repeats violent words and phrases etches those ideas in the mind. This can cause the listener to act out what he has heard - more so for young people

Adventures in Parenting : 11 - 14 Years
by National Institute of Health
Koji is an active, bright, 11-year-old boy. He plays soccer in the area league, likes computer games, and sleeps over at his friends' houses. He also hates anything related to school, especially homework, and goes out of his way to avoid all things linked

Teens Are Most Comfortable Talking to Mom
by SAMHSA
When it comes to talking about serious subjects like alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs, an overwhelming 70 percent of teens are more at ease when talking with their moms. In contrast, 12 percent of the teens in the survey favored talking