Teens have very active minds and bodies and do best when they have a productive schedule, especially after school. Ideally, their after-school time should be spent exploring activities that develop their sense of self, such as art, community involvement, and sports. Teens who don’t have enough structured time often end up hanging out on Facebook or texting friends, watching TV, or spending time with a boyfriend. While television, technology, and … Read the rest

Have you been in this scenario before: Your daughter has just come home after curfew for the second time in a row. You are angry and begin telling her what the consequence of her actions will be. Suddenly, instead of being remorseful over her choices, she is now fighting you with more of an indignant attitude than ever before. She may even claim you are being unfair. Finally, you separate, … Read the rest

In The Curse of the Good Girl, Rachel Simmons writes at length about the cultural pressures that require a girl to always act nice and look cute. These pressures put girls in a bind because it is not always possible or appropriate to remain nice and cute when they, in fact, have a range of other feelings that include anger, jealousy, competitiveness, and sensitivity, among others.

Without social recognition and … Read the rest

Ideally, you and your daughter will spend quality time together throughout her teen years.

You will laugh together more than you fight and she will seek your support when she is upset and your counsel when she does not know how to handle a conflict with a friend.

But what if your teenage daughter starts disagreeing with you or disobeying your rules? Then, on top of it all, she no … Read the rest

I hope this photo made you laugh! If not  you may be feeling like this teen and your daughter are sharing tips on rebellion.

Sometimes daughters, in an effort to establish themselves as different, begin experimenting with clothes, music, or friendships they know will be met with their mother’s disapproval.

Because of this teen developmental stage, mother-daughter relationships can potentially spiral into a pattern of conflict. As an unintended consequence, … Read the rest

As your daughter becomes a teen, her ability to understand adult concerns and relate with you on a variety of subjects increases. While talking about your experiences of the world can be a very fulfilling way to bond with your daughter, her new ability to relate to you may cause you to falsely conclude that she can or wants to become your emotional support. In other words, there is a … Read the rest

Do you ever ask this question?

Will my teen abuse or–even worse–become addicted to drugs or alcohol?

Be prepared to spot the six signs your teen may be using drugs by listening to the audio discussion below.

              Audio of Six Signs Your Teen May Be Using Drugs

I recorded this discussion with my colleague, Uriah Guilford, MFT of helpthiskid.com. (She also specializes in Adolescent and Family Counseling.)

Please remember… Read the rest

Honoring Your Teen’s Boundaries

Have you noticed that your teen is way less interested in sharing his or her personal life with you lately? And is also way less interested in your opinions?

This week, the topic is how to maintain a respectful relationship with your teen by being of aware of your teen’s new found sensitivities to boundaries.

Your teen is officially in the stage of  life where they … Read the rest