In the first part of this blog, we looked at how chronic stress is beginning to impact teens in high school. Earlier this month, The Atlantic Magazine addressed this issue in their article “High Stress High School”. Teens are under increasing pressure/stress related to academic performance, intense focus on college applications/decisions, standardized test score performance and balancing their daily activities. In our previous post, we identified signs of chronic stress in teens and here are a few ways teens can cope with stress in a healthy manner. Developing healthy coping skills can be a lifelong goal, but parents can encourage and model good coping skills for their teens, right when they need it most!
One hour to becoming a better spouse and parent.
We all know the importance of good habits. As we head back in to the school year, it’s not uncommon for parents to begin helping their children by establishing schedules that include things like regular homework time or a routine bedtime. However, the start of the school year can be a great time for parents to re-examine their own schedules and routines as well. One area that can be particularly helpful for many couples is to establish some routines or habits around spending time together.
Letter to an Injured Student Athlete
You are not alone. Did you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, high school students account for an estimated 2 million injuries each year? Although this statistic is a fact, I know you may “feel” alone. Other feelings that may be surfacing for you are fear, sadness, anger, guilt and disappointment. These feelings can be frowned upon often by coaches, classmates and even parents. I want you to know that these feelings are absolutely normal and you wouldn’t be human if you didn’t feel them at times.
Supporting your child through their first year of college.
A young adult’s first semester of college, especially if they’re living outside the home, can be fraught with complications, excitement and challenges. Most teens and families are under equipped to deal with all the areas of transition that come with a teen starting college. There are a lot of moving pieces that come with starting college, and this blog seeks to provide a few tips to keep in mind as a teen starts college for the first time.
Family Time: Quality vs. Quantity
For many families, schedules start to get busier this time of year. Not only is school starting back up, but so are all of the extracurricular activities that come along with it. Between football practice, piano lessons, AP exams and parents’ increased work schedules, the coming of the school year often means less quality time spent together for many families.
Starting Senior Year Off Right
Your teen’s senior year of high school is full of many experiences and emotions–it can be easy to allow the events, activities and pressures of your teen’s 12th grade year dominate your family’s lives. This blog suggests a few tips for families and siblings to keep stress at bay during their 12th grader’s senior year!
Back to Cool: Helping Your Teen Transition From Summer To School
Growing up, the marketing slogan that I used to hate was called ‘back to cool,’ as a way to get teens on board with leaving their summer activities to return to school. It’s a tough sell, getting kids and teens back to school from a summer of fun, but there are a few things families can do to help ease the transition.
Making A College Decision With Low Stress
Preparing for and getting into college is a lot of work! Teens have to write admission essays, personal statements, gather recommendations, take long standardized tests and so much more. Once seniors start getting into colleges, they then have to make the hard decision of where they will attend higher education.
Helping Your 12th Grader Finish High School Strong
12th grade is the culmination of a teen’s academic career, but it can increase stress levels and pressure for teens. Find a few parenting tips for how to encourage and support your teen in their final year of high school.
Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week
This week (February 9-15) is Random Acts of Kindness Week. This is a week to celebrate all of the good and positive things going on across the world. Sometimes it can get easy to focus on the negative stories and experience. However if you focus on the negative, you may miss out on some truly wonderful good news!