Advice and discussions on raising a teenager, ages 13 to 18.
My nephew is having severe self esteem problems. His “friends” abandon him moment they get to school after carpool and tease him. He is a wonderful young man. He has kind of distanced himself from the family. Being a victim of bullying I know how it is. Do any parents have suggestions on how to “handle” ( using that word loosely) a child with trust and esteem issues. My sister and brother i... More
He’s messier and leaves his things out and in her sink. She might take too long at night getting ready for bed. Any ideas to help?
If it's a double vanity I'd put tape down the middle. My parents did that for me and my sister. If someone's stuff ended up on the others side we cleaned both halves! We never strayed much into each other's space. We also used the layered plastic tubs for all our stuff on the bathroom counter and it was to be all put up when we left the bathroom or we had stuff taken away and mo... More
Please don’t spy on your kids via their phones by adding (what is basically) malware and these janky apps that are poorly secured. 1) one app, TeenSafe, was found to be insecure and may have inadvertently shared your passwords: https://www.zdnet.com/article/teen-phone-monitoring-app-leaks-thousands-of-users-data/ 2) This is not a great way to build trust with your teens/kids. My work does th... More
My daughter is starting the 6th grade next week, she asked me today if she can get some makeup? My first thought was yes, finally something we might bond over that I know since I don’t know sports but then. Is she to young what to start off with, does make up make her more noticeable and attractive to boys (don’t want that) or should I be more worried about her skin since I use make up but not... More
I've been married to my husband for 9 years. He has had full and sole custody of his daughter since 2005 when she was about 2.5. Her mom lived 3 states away. I met him in 2007 and we were married in 2009. As loving as she could be, she was also very defiant and had a lot of problems with anger, lying, etc. Actually all this talk of family separation makes me wonder if this transition from... More
My 16 year old has so much attitude and anger from issues with her father. We’ve been divorced since she was about 5. I believe so much of her behavior focuses on her self esteem (lack of it) and she’s super sensitive. My suggestion, since you can really only control yourself, is to see where she is vulnerable and try to connect with her in that area. Maybe she loves to draw - so try to go to a... More
This sounds like me. Me being your stepdaughter. I hated my father because I felt abandoned by him and his love when to my stepmother who I felt didn’t love me either. Your stepdaughter is a child. Keep trying to understand where the anger she has is coming from. The fact your asking for advice means you do care. Don’t stop caring, keep trying. Try to get her father involved. Don’t outcast her... More
I can’t seem to get on the same page as my “co-parent”. I am against my 12 year old daughter (my son 15 the gamer could care less about them) having social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat while her mother could care less. I know some have age restrictions but they are non responsive when I contact them via email saying it’s my daughter who’s underage and I want to know ... More
I feel you, Christopher! We have gone the rounds with my 13 year-old daughter and social media for more than a year. In our case, no matter what parental restrictions we set or how many talks we have about real-life consequences, she continuously finds a way to get around the system, open new accounts, and behave inappropriately online. I don’t think there’s an easy answer for you—there are s... More
It sounds like you and your ex need to get together and talk about your parenting strategies. I know that's not always possible but if you can both come up with a plan and compromise on some of this it would make things much easier. I don't let my kids have sugary drinks early in the day or late at night and we have a no social media rule in our home. Also, electronic are plugged into ... More
Have a game night, or at least two hours a day strictly for family, where their attention is family based. I don’t recommend just taking her phone away or doing anything drastic, as this could just cause more conflict where there doesn’t need to be any. As a personal tip, try Geocaching as a family! Geocaching is a giant treasure hunt that is available to everyone and you’d be surprised at how ... More
So, what are your thoughts on having a young babysitter? I am looking for a babysitter, and a family friend recommend their neighbor. I contacted her and she asked me if we could set up an interview. During the interview I learned that she is American Red Cross certified in babysitting and pediatric CPR/first aid/AED. She seems very responsible and held herself well. She also seemed to take thi... More
The age of your children and the number of children may be a consideration- if you are leaving an infant or very active child. So while a recommendation is wonderful, the neighbor may have had a different set of circumstances from yours when this child babysat. I like many of the responses in a previous and similar post- especially giving a trial run when you are home and trusting your gut. Bei... More
He presents well in public but it often falls apart at home. It's hard to even carry on a conversation with him because of paranoia, perceived criticism, arguments and inflexibile thinking. Any parents out there in the same boat. Tips?
Hi. ! I have a 13 year old stepdaughter . I’m very blessed to have a great relationship with her. :) my question is though how Can I get her to not be on her phone 24/7? I would love advice from other parents how they’ve dealt with this and how it’s worked out for them . Myself and her father have agreed to take her phone away every day at 5pm so it’ll one —- make her finish any chores she has... More
While I agree phones from minors needs to be taken away overnight it does seem to be a little early in the afternoon. Especially if she’s been at school all day where she isn’t supposed to be on her phone either. I’d say take the phone (if you must) when she walks in the door until hw and chores are completed. And if you want her to spend quality time with you guys have game nights (board, card... More
He also will get physical with his mother when she tries to make him go to school or do anything. She is a single mom and really struggling.
“With younger children, we have plenty of opportunities to put our parenting muscles to work. We can read stories together, make up knock-knock jokes, build towers, or go to the museum. Our youngsters still like to join us for a trip to a grocery store and they usually come to us first with their questions or problems. But with teenagers, it’s not always easy to know how to connect. By their n... More
I need advice on a subject that can be controversial. My 14yr old girl developed early, by 11 she already had her period. Right now our concerns are chest related. She is currently a 38dd and complains of back ache. No wonder. However she does have genuine pain for a legitimate reason. She has shown interest in a breast reduction to relieve her pain. I’m conflicted seeing she is still in the gr... More
I started at nine and and had about the same cup size. At 14 many doctors wouldn't do it, but it would be worth bringing up at a doctors appointment. In the mean time, take her a place that actually sizes for bras and splurge on something that is actually going to give the support she needs. That will help tremendously. Victoria secret does, but they aren't always the best, I suggest la... More
So anyone noticed a complete change in family dynamics when one child goes to a friends house for a day? (Teenage child)
George: don’t feel guilty. Having anybody in your life with special needs is difficult. There is nothing wrong with enjoying a quiet moment or thinking about the things you could do when you are not required to be helping them. Parenting is both a wonderful and incredibly difficult job. And like any other job, we all deserve a little vacation (or just a sick day) from time to time.
I’ve dealt with cutting myself since I was 13. I’m 24 now. I have family members going through similar issues. All I can really tell you. Is to please try to assure her that you’re always there. And dont get upset when she does come to you ( my mom always got mad when I’d come to her. Which made no sense) maybe counseling I was in therapy for years. On and off. I stopped medication it just neve... More
Let her know you love her and are proud of her that there is nothing you would change about her. explain to her that you want to help her through this. And like everyone is saying get her some professional help and dont stop taking her until everything is better maybe even a little after that.
Teen daughter came out and told me she was a lesbian. I took it okay but her dad not so much and now she feels like her dad doesn't love her. Him and I have gotten into a really bad argument about this and haven't spoken to each other in days. What should I do to make them come together and talk about this issue?
When my sister came out,she called and said she needed to talk to me. She came over and since a roommate was home, she wanted privacy we took a walk. This was soon after Mom had died of cancer and our other sister had been murdered, so I was really worried. But when she said she was gay, all I could think was what was the big news? She laughed and said that everyone else pretty much had the sam... More
Hi I have a question and would appreciate as many suggestions as possible. I live in a household with 3 adults total and 2 children. We are trying to help co-parent with a 9yr and a 13 yr old. We are constantly being undermined, and our consistency isn’t being matched by the other adult in the household. I am desperate to find a happy medium.
Anyone with an autistic teenage boy? Does your child have very low ambition? My boy is also on a lot meds so his energy level is low. It breaks my heart but it’s either a heavy med regime or an institutional life due to his violent tantrums.
Try geocaching. Builds confidence in solving “puzzles” to find things. After a while he’ll want to hide his own. Teach him about resisting being available every time a friend wants to hang out. “Thanks, but I have plans.”
Thank you for all the advice and suggestions you all are wonderful