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Teenager

coping methods
Pre-TeenTeenager

​How To Help Your Teen Develop Positive Coping Methods

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

The average teen is dealing with a lot in life and often more than we parents had to struggle with when we were their age. There are situations like bullying and the emotional trauma that can come from it. Body image issues are even more pronounced, thanks to social media and the near-constant, unrealistic views of perfection. Depression continues to be a growing epidemic among our youth.

All of this would be bad enough, but teenagers are trying to process it all with a brain that is still in development. They just don’t have the ability to naturally cope the way adults can and even we tend to struggle.

We’re highlighting four positive coping methods to help teens manage a menagerie of emotions and situations, such as like proper sleep and nutrition. As parents, we have the power to provide additional support and teach our kids to develop healthier coping strategies that they will carry through the rest of their lives.

coping methods

1. Encourage Problem-Solving

When children are young, parents tend to give them the all the answers with minimal, to no work on their part. At some point, they need to start finding those answers on their own. The next time your teen runs into a problem, sit down and brainstorm ideas with your child, rather than provide them with the solution. Let them take the lead and make the final decision, even if you don’t agree with what your teen chooses to do.

2. Let Teens Make Mistakes And Fix Them

You will always be there as a safety net in your role as a parent, but that doesn’t mean you should always be catching your teen every time they fall. Making mistakes at an early age—and having a chance to fix them—helps teens develop the strategies that will carry over into their adult life. Plus, the mistakes are happening during a time where the consequences are not as severe and serve as a great learning opportunity. As a parent, you are training your teen for the job of life they will be taking on, and learning from mistakes are part of any job.

3. Teach Your Teens To Prioritize

Prioritizing can be difficult for many adults, especially if they were never taught how to do it at a young age. Learning to prioritize is an important coping method to learn so your teen can manage pressure and their own independence.

4. Make Stress Relief a Daily Routine

A long day at school, a part-time job and homework, sports participation and more is part of the average teen’s day. When is the day ever done for your teen? They need some off time, so make that a part of your whole family’s day. Whether it is having a meal together, watching a favorite TV show or just giving them some space to breathe on their own, teach your teens to relax by example.

Remember, your teen doesn’t have coping skills, they have to be taught and there’s no one better to teach them than you!

 

Author Bio

Tyler Jacobson is a father of three and avid outdoor enthusiast. He’s learned a thing or two about parenting and has turned from a full time career in digital media to helping fellow parents of teenagers. He pulls from his own life experiences raising spunky, free-spirited children, as well as his work with various organizations that help teens be their best selves. During his free time, Tyler enjoys taking his family into the mountains to connect with a simpler side of life which he finds grounding and rejuvenating.

 

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​How To Help Your Teen Develop Positive Coping Methods

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Teach Your Teen How To Be A Good Friend
Teenager

6 Ways To Teach Your Teen How To Be A Good Friend

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

We all need friends. Whether they are casual ladies we go out and do fun things with, or they are the emotional support we need when we are going through something hard and intense, having people to rely on makes life so much easier and more rewarding. Having friends is a part of life, and this is especially true when it comes to our teenagers. In our current age of technology, teens have different friendships than we used to when growing up, but they are no less important. Being a good friend is a life skill and here are 6 ways you can teach your teen how to be a good friend.

Teach Your Teen How To Be A Good Friend

1. Develop Leadership

Leadership is an important quality for many aspects of life and one that your teen should work hard to foster. When it comes to friendship, it gives your child a way to stand out from the crowd and influence their surroundings, as well as the people in them. A leader can control their place in a friendship, which means they can choose to be a better one. Teaching your child to be a leader amongst friends develops confidence, which they can carry with them their entire life.

2. Show Empathy

Empathy is not a naturally occurring trait in many teenagers. The way their brains are wired tend to make them a bit more self-centered and rash, unable to easily consider the feelings of others. You can guide them into stopping and thinking those things through before their actions have negative consequences. Empathy means taking time to understand how others feel and putting others before themselves.

3. Demonstrate Kindness

We can all stand to be more kind in our lives. Teens in particular can be very cruel, especially when they are lashing out and not stopping to see how their behavior or words is hurting the other person they are speaking to. Fostering kindness in your teen can go a long way, and you never know when your teen will need kindness in return.

4. Have A Sense of Humor

Humor goes beyond the ability to make people laugh. It is about how we interact with others and are able to laugh at ourselves or make a joke of the serious things going on in our lives. There are times to take things seriously and times to laugh them off and brush our shoulders. If your teen can learn and apply that lesson then people will always want to be around them. Plus, it gives them a better perspective on life,

5. Improve Social Skills

Not everyone has to be outgoing all the time- many of us are introverts. But the ability to go out and try something new, step out of our comfort zone, makes us brave and well-rounded people. Developing and improving social skills is a vital way to be a good friend.

6. Set Boundaries

Teaching your teen to set physical and emotional boundaries is one of the most important aspects of being a good friend. Having the confidence to say no, step away from a bad relationship and how to stick up for what’s right are the foundation for a healthy friendship. Have tough conversations with your teen and model what it looks like to carry on friendships that are equitable and healthy for everyone involved.

 

Author Bio

Tyler Jacobson is a father of three and avid outdoor enthusiast. He’s learned a thing or two about parenting and has turned from a full time career in digital media to helping fellow parents of teenagers. He pulls from his own life experiences raising spunky, free-spirited children, as well as his work with various organizations that help teens be their best selves. During his free time, Tyler enjoys taking his family into the mountains to connect with a simpler side of life which he finds grounding and rejuvenating.

 

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Teach Your Teen How To Be A Good Friend

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Teenager

10 Things To Know About Raising College Kids

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

For the older generations, graduating from high school was the first step into the real world. You went to college, moved out of your parent’s home and started making a life for yourself. Millennials, on the other hand, are spending more time at home with their parents. While it might help to postpone your own empty nest syndrome, it does make parenting more challenging once your kids have hit 18 and are technically adults in their own right. To help you keep your sanity until you’re adorable young adults move out on their own, here are the top 10 things you should know about raising college kids.

college children

10. They Aren’t Kids Anymore

They may be sleeping in the same room that they grew up in, and they may always be your little ones, but they aren’t little kids anymore. They deserve to be treated like an adult, and at the same time it should be something that they earn from you. Treating them like a kid, even if you’re paying their rent and tuition, is a fast track to making them resent you. Going to college is supposed to be a rite of passage. Staying at home is the best way to save money on the already exorbitant cost of college, but they’ll be hunting for a dorm next semester if you’re insisting on bedtimes and broccoli.

9. Set Boundaries, But Be Flexible

Rules and boundaries are essential for a functioning household, whether you’re 18 or 80, but if you’re in that fresh out of high school age bracket, boundaries can feel like shackles. If you’ve got young adults living at home, it’s important to set boundaries. What those boundaries are is entirely up to you. It could include curfews, money spent on sundries, or anything else that might need a rule applied to it. Just make sure you’re flexible about those boundaries. A 12pm curfew means nothing to a college student who’s working a part-time night shift.

8. Pay Attention To Mental Health

Mental health isn’t something to play with no matter what your age is, but for college students it can be especially important. When it comes to young adults, between the ages of 18 and 29, their brains are still developing. Yes, no matter what stupid decisions they make that brain is still growing and changing. Those changes at this age are also why mental illnesses can begin to present themselves. Just set up an open door policy with your kids starting from an early age. Let them know that they can come talk to you about anything, anytime.

7. Stay in Touch, Even At Home

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but just because your kids aren’t absent doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stay in touch. If you haven’t learned how to text yet (how?) then I suggest you learn. It’s the best way to keep in touch with those crazy young kids. It lets you keep your kids apprised of the activities in the home, and keep you up to date on what is going on in their lives as well.

6. No More Helicopter Mom

Stop hovering! You might have been a world-class helicopter mom while your kids were growing up but once they’re in college, it’s time to land the helicopter and let them learn to fly on their own. It’s tempting to want to hold your kids back or clip their wings so they don’t make the same mistakes that you did at their age, but they won’t learn anything if you don’t let them make those mistakes.

5. Stay in School or Pay Rent

Just because they’re staying at home doesn’t mean that they should be exempt from the rules. There’s no reason to charge rent if your young adults are staying in school, but if they’re just staying at home and haven’t taken any steps toward their future, then it might be time to lay out an ultimatum. Stay in school, pay rent, or move out. Sometimes it’s all the encouragement they need.

4. Be Encouraging or Butt Kicking, As Needed

Speaking of encouragement, you know that as a parent sometimes your kids need some gentle encouragement and sometimes they need a swift kick in the pants to get them moving. Be prepared to do both for your at home college kids. Sometimes all they need is a kind word from mom or dad to get them moving.

3. Jobs Aren’t the Devil

College is a job in and of itself, especially for full time students, but there’s nothing wrong with picking up a part time job on the side for spending money. Don’t discourage your kids from getting a job, as long as it’s not going to interfere with their college. If they’ve decided to take a semester break before starting school or not to go to college at all, then getting a job is probably the best thing that you could encourage your kids to do.

2. Don’t Shirk the Chores List

They’re in college, but if they’re still living at home and part of your household. Don’t let them get away without keeping up with their part of the chores. It’s not too much to ask for your now adult children to take out the garbage or do the dishes a couple times a week. It’s not going to interfere with their classes, and doing chores at home is a great way to teach them all the skills that they’ll need to keep their own household once they finally move out.

1. Enjoy Every Minute of It

Last but not least, make sure you enjoy every minute that you get to spend with your adult children before they leave home. It’s a unique opportunity to get to know your child as an adult, after the years of changing diapers and bandaging skinned knees. It’s an opportunity that you’ll never get to have again so make sure that you treasure every single minute, no matter how crazy they might make you.

 

If you’re paying college tuition, then having your kids stay at home is a great way to keep that tuition bill from totally breaking the bank. Enjoy having your kids at home for a few more years before they finally spread their wings and fly.

 

Author Bio

Jennifer Landis is a 27-year-old healthy living blogger who loves yoga, running, and dancing it out with her toddler! You can find more from Jennifer at her blog, Mindfulness Mama, or by following her on Twitter: @jenniferelandis.

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Pre-TeenTeenager

6 Issues Your Teenage Daughter Is Dealing With On Social Media

by Guest Post
written by Guest Post

While technology has brought wonderful advantages to society, including connecting people globally, young girls deal with a slew of negative impacts from social media. According to one study, about 20 percent of high school teens wake up during the night to check social media so that they don’t miss what their friends are doing. The pressure has contributed to an increase in anxiety and depression for teens. Furthermore, teens need more sleep – about 9.5 hours per night – than adults. Instead, they are averaging about two hours less a night than that, contributing to various health issues. There are more ways that girls are affected by social media than you may be aware of, but by being aware of the potential stressful issues from social media, parents can help their teens navigate these challenging scenarios.

1. Self-Image

In past generations, girls dealt with comparisons via printed media, such as magazines. In 2016, that has changed so that girls now deal with more photo-shopped images than ever. In addition, they compare themselves to their friends, who likely doctor up what they post on social media, instead presenting a picture of perfection impossible to measure up to.

2. Peer Pressure

While young girls feel that they need social media to be connected with their friends and peers, they feel also feel that social media has “destroyed their lives”—a tension that makes them feel as if they are caught between a rock and a hard place. The pressure on girls presents especially difficult challenges. Parents can help build the self-esteem of their daughters and encourage girls to stand up for themselves.

3. Bullying

Along with peer pressure, nameless, faceless threats mean that cyberbullies often aren’t held accountable for their actions, if they can even be tracked. Teens seem to find power in hiding anonymously behind a computer screen and attacking others. Again, parents can reassure their daughters of their self-worth apart from others’ opinions and do what they can to find the root of bullying.

4. Profanity and Vulgarity

Again, the anonymity of social media allows people to speak however they want with no thought of consequences. As a result, teens, who are already known for using crass language, often step up their word choices for the shock value. Similar to other behaviors, teens take refuge in hiding behind the keyboard.

5. Drugs

Teens use all kinds of jargon to discuss smoking, drinking and drugs on social media. In fact, one study reports that young people who spend regular time of social networking sites are five times as likely to use cigarettes as those who do not. They are also three times as likely to drink and twice as likely to use marijuana. Parents can hold honest conversations to keep the lines of communication open.

6. Sex

Pressure to engage in various types of sexual activity on different types of social media has put a whole new level of expectations on girls. Even if they don’t actively seek out sexual conversations, other teens-and even adults-might actively try to find them, grooming them for some type of sexual encounter. They might receive unsolicited pictures and worry that talking to parents will “get them in trouble.”

By lending support, having regular conversations and demonstrating love, parents can help minimize the negative effects of social media for their teen girls.

Author Bio
Tyler enjoys going to the mountains near his home in Draper, Utah to connect with his wife and children through camping, hiking, and quality time together. When he isn’t rebooting in the outdoors, he shares his fatherly experiences with the world through writing and creative designs. Tyler shares the ups and downs of family life and the solutions he’s found through lengthy research and involvement in the industry and his own experiences to help parents everywhere. Follow Tyler on: Twitter | LinkedIn

 

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HolidayTeenager

8 Cool Stocking Stuffers For Teenage Girls

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

Stocking stuffers are simultaneously one of the coolest and most difficult Christmas gift-giving traditions. While not as expensive or flashy as the big presents under the tree, stocking stuffers are definitely just as special. Stuffers can be accessories that pair perfectly with main gifts, or they can be adorable little trinkets that are great all on their own. If you need a few great stocking stuffer ideas for the fun-loving teenage girls in your life, look no further than this list.

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Source: tattly.com

1. Designer Temporary Tattoos

Teenagers and tattoos definitely don’t mix. Unless, of course, the tattoos are these amazing designer temporary ones. Adorable, hand drawn, and super inexpensive, Tattly temporary tattoos are completely body safe and gorgeous enough to show off anywhere. This company offers everything from classy floral pieces to adorable child-like doodles. These tats are cool, artistic, and amazing as gifts.

Head over to Tattly to find more cool temporary tattoo designs.

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Source:etsy.com

2. Specialty Hashtag Pencils

One can never have too many pencils. Especially if those pencils are colorful and etched in super #relatable hashtags. Harvest Paper Co. somehow manages to make you want to handwrite a five-page essay with their line of engraved pencils. Even if your teen decides to use them as desk decor rather than actual writing utensils, these pencils are sure to be a huge hit.

Find these pencils and more cute paper products at Harvest Paper Co. .

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Source: hisypix.com

3. Bluetooth Phone Camera Remote

Who doesn’t want a product that makes taking selfies way easier and even more fun? This Bluetooth phone camera remote works on both Apple and Samsung products and allows you to take photos without even touching your phone or having to rely on those pesky timers. As an even bigger plus, these little remotes are available in a wide variety of colors and is priced at under $25.

Visit HISY to find more handy cellphone accessories.

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Source: bando.com

4. Work It Out Water Bottle

Teenagers need to stay just as hydrated as adults, if not more so. A great way to help them veer from the path of sugary sodas and endless energy drinks is by giving them an awesome water bottle to show off. Cute, simple, and large enough to hold 24 oz of water, this bottle is BPA and lead free. It is the perfect accessory for any thirsty girl.

Get more cute accessories and trendy clothes at ban.do.

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Source: mochithings.com

5. Patterned Weekly Planner

Sure, these days just about everyone tends to designate all of their plans to their phones and computers, but you definitely can’t beat the greatness of a personal planner. These trendy planners will definitely help your favorite teenage girl appreciate the simpler things in life while keeping track of their oh-so-important social life.

Mochi Things is full of unique, affordable stationary and office supplies.

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Source: urbanoutfitters.com

6. Assorted Nail Polish Set

Much like love and cookies, you can never have too much nail polish. From neon pink to forest green, there’s beauty in ever varnish color out there. This Urban Outfitters set comes with six different but equally gorgeous shades. From matte to glossy to full of glitter, this set has the perfect option for any occasion.

Find clothes, beauty products, home goods, and more at Urban Outfitters.

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Source: compartes.com

7. Gourmet Chocolate Bar

When it comes to gifts, you can never go wrong with a delicious chocolate bar. Especially when that chocolate bar tastes like coffee and donuts, birthday cake, or apple pie. For under $10 your loved one can enjoy the gift of some of the best gourmet chocolate in the world. Made with organic chocolate and the best ingredients on the market, she’ll be nibbling on one of these bars for months.

Find more delicious chocolate goodies at Compartes.

 

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Source: etsy.com

8. “Good Vibes Only” Marble Phone Case

To a teenager, the only thing that feels as cool getting the phone of their dreams is getting the phone case of their wildest fantasies. This case is the perfect combination of chic and artsy and the best part? This case is available for just about every semi-popular cell phone on the market right now.

Find more gorgeous phone cases at CaseMagics.

 

Jordyn Smith

Jordyn Smith

A city girl currently living it up in the south with my little family. I love baking, hoarding makeup, and daydreaming. If I'm not writing, I'm probably trying to think up weird pizza recipes or watching Property Brothers.
Jordyn Smith

Latest posts by Jordyn Smith (see all)

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Teenager

8 Ways To Boost Your Teenage Daughter’s Self Esteem

by Jordyn Smith
written by Jordyn Smith

Being a teenager is hard in any form, but being a teenage girl can be a particularly difficult experience. Puberty, peer pressure, school, young love, it can be an extremely challenging web to weave for a young girl who is just entering teen-dom or one who is well-versed in teenage politics. With all of the pressures from outside forces, young women often times have a serious issue with developing proper self-esteem.

The pressure to look perfect, get perfect grades, and maintain the front of a perfect social life can lead teenage girls to take harmful actions. If your teenage daughter is in the midst of her adolescence, try these great self-esteem boosting tools to keep her confident.

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1. Compliment Her The Right Way

Compliments mean a lot to humans at any age, but they can be especially important to teenage girls. Those small moments of validation do wonders for building self-confidence, as a parent, it is important that you hand out compliments as frequently as possible. It is also important to compliment your teenager the right way. As important and awesome as they may be, only focusing on compliments based on looks and style can be a detriment. Make sure that you are complimenting your daughter on her academic and social attributes as well as her positive personality traits. It is important that your daughter’s self-esteem also be tied to things that are completely separated from her looks.

A photo by Lechon Kirb. unsplash.com/photos/yvx7LSZSzeo

2. Take Stock In Her Interests

Whether this means taking the time to get interested in one of her favorite television shows or supporting her other hobbies, show your daughter that her interests are just important to you as she is. Not only will this give the two of you something new and fun to connect over but it will also show your daughter that you can still relate to her.

 

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3. Get Her Involved in Team Sports and Activities

Numerous studies have shown that girls who play team sports tend to have higher self-esteem than those that don’t. Team sports give girls the opportunity to develop lasting, healthy relationships with other girls as well as the chance to gain confidence in their own accomplishments. Of course, if your daughter isn’t interested in playing sports other girl-centric team activities like Girl Scouts and church groups will do just fine as well.
A photo by Mia Domenico. unsplash.com/photos/1z1F5Qc30Bs

4. Let Her Find Her Own “Thing”

As a mother, it is natural to want your daughter to share all of your own interests, especially if you’re looking for something to bond over. And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with introducing your daughter to the things that you love or activities that you think will benefit her, it is also important that you allow her to make a way for herself. Allow her the room to properly figure out who she is, let her try new, different things, and watch her self-esteem flourish as she comes into her own as she discovers new passions.

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5. Allow Her to Be Outwardly Confident

Often times, girls are taught that they should underplay their accomplishments and positive attributes. This mindset almost always tends to hurt them later in life, turning them into women who lack confidence in their abilities. It is important not to discourage your daughter from being outwardly confident about the things she is proud of concerning herself. While you should definitely encourage her not to be exceedingly arrogant, there is nothing wrong with your daughter admitting that she is a smart, beautiful, talented young woman.

 

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6. Let Her Cultivate Her Own Style

Whether they like to keep up to date with current fashion trends or walk to the beat of their own stylish drum, fashion tends to be a large part of teenagers lives. Even if it isn’t something that you would personally wear, you should allow your daughter to find her own style. Her choices may not always be popular or particularly stylish to you, but if your daughter has the confidence to rock it despite others’ thoughts, then it is the perfect choice. Of course, you should still set boundaries, but be sure to remember that her ability to explore is extremely important.
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7. Don’t Be Afraid To Talk To Her

Many of us remember how terrifying and embarrassing it was to talk to our mothers about certain topics as teenagers. What we didn’t realize was how difficult is was for our mothers as well. Having open lines of communication is a huge part of building a good relationship with your daughter. Give your daughter the space to come to you with anything on her mind, whether it’s as trivial as your opinion a pair of shoes or as complicated as teenage boys.

 

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8. Be An Example

A girl’s first foray into the world of self-esteem and self-confidence is her mother. We learn a lot about how we should treat and feel about ourselves by how our mothers do it. While it is impossible to be an unflinching woman who is constantly full of endless amounts of confidence, it is important to lead by example. Show your daughter how to properly love and care for herself by exhibiting all of the same qualities that you want her to exhibit. In the end, the both of you will succeed in getting a pretty major self-esteem boost.

Jordyn Smith

Jordyn Smith

A city girl currently living it up in the south with my little family. I love baking, hoarding makeup, and daydreaming. If I'm not writing, I'm probably trying to think up weird pizza recipes or watching Property Brothers.
Jordyn Smith

Latest posts by Jordyn Smith (see all)

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