Reaching out to parents of teensReply to this Comment
Hi.
My name is Marsha Finkelstein, I'm a parent educator and life coach, focusing on parents of teens and pre-teens. I am looking for ways to connect with parents as I reach out in my local and in the virtual community. Any thoughts on how to connect/reach out to parents is most helpful.
Thanks
Marsha Finkelstein
Parent Educator & Life Coach
Moving Beyond Coaching & Consulting
www.movingbeyondcoaching.com
New Internet Resource for Parents of Teens.Reply to this Comment
My wife and I have had custody of our nephew for the past 9 years. We have had some recent issues with some difficult behaviors and Will (my nephew) just recently returned home. To offer some structured mental processing for Will and me, and to offer information to people in similar situations, we are recording a podcast of conversations of our recent days at home. The recordings of these conversations are available at http://atroubledteen.wordpress.com and http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/14792. I would love if these could be distributed to others who are either experiencing relative placement or work with these families.
Help for parentsReply to this Comment
In response to the couple who is caring for their nephew...first of all, I admire your sacrifice. My little sister really struggled throughout her teenage years. I think when a teenager...or an adult struggles, it is because they really don't know themselves. My parents, out of pure love, sent my sister to Anasazi. This program is amazing. If you have ever heard of wilderness therapy programs, forget what you have heard. This place is about love. My sister said she has never been surrounded by so much love in her life. The purpose of the program is to provide an environment for youth to be away from all that distracts them from the truth...which is their greatness. In a fresh and new environment, these youth really do began to see themselves as they really are. They build confidence and a real sense of worth and love for themselves. My sister returned from the program so happy...and alive...realizing how amazing she was. While children are out there, parents attend an intense workship during which they learn about and explore their own interpersonal relationships. During the last two days of their child's time at the program, parents join their child in the wilderness, in the place of peace that that child has created. You might want to check it out at www.anasazi.org.
new hereReply to this Comment
Hi, great site. I'm going to post your url to my website-
www.votestrike.com
Prom Night - Transportation Worries Be Gone!Reply to this Comment
Hi everyone, my name is Terry Firsch and I wanted to share these tips with other parents who may be going crazy over prom night...
1. Ask the transportation company for the Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on Prom night. Many limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on Prom with their teens.
2. Give the transportation company a curfew. That’s right; the chauffer will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way ensure your kids make it home on time, no excuses.
3. Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. If you are still stuck, consult www.nlaride.com. The National Limousine Association’s website lists licensed, properly insured limousine professionals by community. Consumers can compare services, pricing, vehicle availability and receive non-binding online price quotes.
4. Set some ground rules. As the parent, you have the right to tell the transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffer keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride, so that he/she has a full grasp of what your kids are up to. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffer can turn the car around and bring your kids home.
5. Remember to sit back and relax. A reputable company hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Theses chauffeurs are used to carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.
Pointers for Limos on Prom NightReply to this Comment
1. Ask the transportation company for the Prom Promise. This is a document that teens sign in agreement of not drinking or taking drugs on Prom night. Many limousine and chauffeured transportation companies offer this contract as a way to give parents an outlet to discuss the importance of safety on Prom with their teens.
2. Give the transportation company a curfew. That’s right; the chauffer will abide by any rules you set forth, and will make sure to pick up and drop off your kids at a designated hour. This is a great way ensure your kids make it home on time, no excuses.
3. Check with industry associations to make sure the company you choose is reputable. Companies who belong to industry associations usually must abide by special insurance regulations and service rules. Reputable associations such as the National Limousine Association (NLA) and the local livery association are good indications that your service provider does their due diligence. If you are still stuck, consult www.nlaride.com. The National Limousine Association’s website lists licensed, properly insured limousine professionals by community. Consumers can compare services, pricing, vehicle availability and receive non-binding online price quotes.
4. Set some ground rules. As the parent, you have the right to tell the transportation company what will and will not be tolerated in the vehicle. For example, you can ask that the chauffer keep the privacy screen down for the entire ride, so that he/she has a full grasp of what your kids are up to. If any of your rules are broken, the chauffer can turn the car around and bring your kids home.
5. Remember to sit back and relax. A reputable company hires drivers with proper training and licensing. Theses chauffeurs are used to carting around excited passengers all day long, so they know how to keep things under control.
impathy vs. apathyReply to this Comment
I'm having the hardest time teaching my daughter to be impathetic. She's sixteen, and according to development scientist all of the wiring isn't in place for her to formulate those feelings of concern and compassion. But then I was watching myself and realised I was a poor example. I wasn't saying please and thank-you. I was more concerned about the feelings of my dog rusty than those of my neighbor. Who just divorced his wife. I guess this is more of a comment than a question. Impathy, I think isn't about physical developement it about moral and spiritual a developement. And it's about watching what your child cares about. And remembering what's important. Impathy isn't a bad word, is it. Can I relearn how to be impathetic in mt dad to day. And teach my daughter as well. And help her through her angst and apathy. leading by example.
J. T. Thomas wrote:
"I'm having the hardest time teaching my daughter to be impathetic. She's sixteen, and according to development scientist all of the wiring isn't in place for her to formulate those feelings of concern and compassion. But then I was watching myself and realised I was a poor example. I wasn't saying please and thank-you. I was more concerned about the feelings of my dog rusty than those of my neighbor. Who just divorced his wife. I guess this is more of a comment than a question. Impathy, I think isn't about physical developement it about moral and spiritual a developement. And it's about watching what your child cares about. And remembering what's important. Impathy isn't a bad word, is it. Can I relearn how to be impathetic in mt dad to day. And teach my daughter as well. And help her through her angst and apathy. leading by example."
I just watched a screening of American Teen, with my duaghter and we enjoyed it together. Subtly answering so many of my questions. I guess we should never forget as parents what it was like to be a teen. And to hold the care and concern we wanted as teens and give that to our teens now. We also joined eachother in the facebook application. www.facebook.com/americanteen. It was a refreshing documentary to say the least. Watch American Teen. And then watch the Breakfast Club. Then compare and Contrast your thoughts and feelings.
Protecting Your Teen OnlineReply to this Comment
Hi. I wanted to help all of the parents out there who are looking to protect their children from the dangers of online pornography. The solution is SeeNoEvil. The exposure of pornography to your children can be life altering. This software has worked in our house. I'm confident it will in yours too.
Reader Comments 
By: movingbeyond Posted: Feb 23 2008