Kids fight with me about cleaning
How do I get them to help and clean better?
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Savanna
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
What are your thoughts on a teen babysitter?
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
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Diane
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
I have a teenage son with a mood disorder.
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?
Technology limit?
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
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Britt
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
What do you do with a teenage boy who refuses to follow rules and fakes sick to miss school?
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.
On parenting teens and the value of simply being there
“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
So anyone noticed a complete change in family dynamics when one child goes to a friends house for a day? (Teenage child)
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David
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.
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Jadess
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
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Lexx
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?
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Anonymous
Sophia this is a great site thank you so much for this information.
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Lisa
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.
Long story but I’m going to shorten it as much as possible. I have one pre teen stepchild and a teen stepchild. The pre teen lives under our roof full time. Our teen step child brought drugs into our home, admitted to having it, using it, and also using with his bio mom. He has also been giving drugs to our pre teen and they mainly use in bio moms home. Pre teen did test positive on an at ho... More
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Anonymous
I don’t want her mom cut out completely. I just want her to step up and be an actual mom. Which I’m not holding my breath. Technically we could keep her from her mom, but to get supervised visits we would have to go down the court route for sure. I think that would be best at this point. Bio mom admitted to Dad today she is letting them use drugs under her roof. Her words “at least it’s under ... More
Did your kids participate in National Walkout Day? How did you talk to them about it? https://www.cnn.com/2018/03/14/us/national-school-walkout-gun-violence-protests/index.html
We're planning on taking a road trip in June. Our daughter will be almost 14mo and then my two siblings will be 12 and 13. Our plan is to go from Oklahoma to Galveston, then to New Orleans, and then possibly to Flordia around the Destin or Pensacola area. Are there any local shops, restaurants, or sights that are a must see along the way? Preferably kid friendly. Or Any tips about travel... More
My teenage boy is struggling with self esteem issues due to being taken out of his school and enlisted in online high school. Worried about his mindset any tips
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Athena Phaedok
Look up amtgard. See if it's something he would like to do, then find a local one. It's larping, and it's so much fun. Lots of interaction. When I was in highschool my boyfriend got into it, and had me go too. It's mostly guys who do it, and ages are all over the place.
My teenage son has told me he feels depressed. He says he's never happy, hates college and hasn't made any friends since he started in September. He's 16 and he actually sat on my knee and cried about how sad and lonely he is. I don't know what to do... Is he really depressed or could it be just teenage hormones? Does he think he has to be happy 100% of the time and anything ... More
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Brenna
I wish I could have been medicated earlier than 19. My depression started with anxiety and a feeling of being overwhelmed and hopeless. I wish my parents had seen what I couldn’t articulate and gotten me into therapy, too. I could have used some help developing healthy ways to deal with big emotions that I’m just now learning to deal with at the age of 36. In short, seeking help can’t hurt ... More
My two oldest are a teen or almost teen.... I make then earn video game or computer time by cleaning. My middle is an aspy child so I have to give him one task at a time... or he'll get distracted.... the youngest is 2.... I usually help him. But he is getting it