Body image is the way we perceive ourselves when we look in the mirror. This is usually different than the way others see us because humans are naturally self-critical. Teenagers can be particularly judgmental about their bodies because of peer pressure, images in the...
When most people think about dating violence, they picture a set of adults in a heated argument that got out of hand. Unfortunately, violence is not limited to people over the age of 18. Many teens experience abuse and trauma when they date, which changes the shape of...
Dating violence can start at an early age. If you have a teen who has started to date, you need to be mindful of the signs of teen dating violence, should they present themselves. While you may not be able to prevent the violence altogether, there are steps you can...
Cutting, burning, and other forms of self-injury are commonplace among American teenagers. There is no way to truly predict how many teens self-harm because most kids work hard to conceal their injuries. If your child is deliberately hurting himself or herself, you...
Teen self-harm has become a commonplace among young Americans as they struggle to deal with peer pressure, anxiety, depression, and other emotional changes in their lives. While children can begin these acts at a fairly early age, most start in during or after...
When a teen we know is troubled and/or out of control, it’s easy to become reactive. The teen is an unpleasant person to be around. As a parent, teacher, or family friend, it is tempting to avoid interacting with them or to become combative (and assert our authority)...
Peer pressure and societal influences can cause many teens to feel insecure about their bodies. Even the fittest of teenagers may feel ugly or not good enough for the modern world. This emotional turmoil often leads to the development of eating disorders, like...
Recently I was asked to write an encouragement article for a local paper challenging students to excel in their studies. The thought about what to write caused me to reflect: It was my senior year and the visit to the counselor’s office was scheduled to discuss my...
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson Looking beyond the predetermined concept of destiny is essential to succeed in life. It is crucial that an individual stops searching and expecting the world and the...
Teenagers go through years of growth spurts, hormone shifts, and body adjustments. This can create a major fluctuation in weight, and for some teens, that’s a big blow to their self-esteem. As a parent, there are some things you can do to help your child during this...
