One of the toughest aspects of parenthood is dealing with the anger, rage and withdrawal that teenage boys direct toward their mothers. These turbulent emotions are unsettling, often leaving mothers confused and helpless. Understanding the challenges that boys face during these years can help mothers maintain their own stability while supporting their sons’ development. Boys need time alone … [Read more...]
Coming home: the LGBTQ teen
Some of the biggest challenges parents face are with LGBTQ teens. Despite significant progress made in society regarding sexual preferences and alternative genders, there continue to exist stigmas and judgments. Most are based on fear, ignorance and outright discrimination. If your teen grows to become part of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, you need to be … [Read more...]
Boys and girls: A different way of thinking
Science tells us that boys and girls have marked distinctions and differences. Neither better nor worse. Neither good nor bad. Nonetheless these distinctions have significant impacts on how they walk in the world. For example, it often seems girls are more adept than boys at thoughtful communication. There are good reasons for this: Scientists and psychologists long have known that girls’ … [Read more...]
Children at risk: signs, signals, support
None of us wants our child to suffer from depression. No one wants their child to experience suicidal ideation, but unfortunately, some do. Since 2011, the number of children, teens and young adults committing suicide has doubled. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the third leading cause of death in young people between the ages of 10 and 24, resulting in … [Read more...]
Ganging up on bullies
Bullying comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes and guises. There is no universal experience for its targets. At its core, bullying produces in victims some of the most debilitating and isolating of feelings. Those who suffer persistent bullying know profound feelings of low self-worth and self-doubt -- and often terror. In school, this abuse often leads students to withdraw and underachieve. … [Read more...]