Why Bright Teens Make Irrational Choices

Few things are more difficult for parents than watching their capable teen appear apathetic and disinterested in things that they should care about. I know it can be a helpless feeling but I’ve got a few suggestions that might help. Why Intelligent Teens Make Irrational Choices Thanks to recent advances in neuroscience, we now know…

10 Tips to Help Your Easily Distracted Teen

Do you remember the Budweiser Clydesdale commercials? They’re surprisingly touching and sweet. One of them portrays a young horse entering a barn where it spots an unattended carriage. In an attempt to seize the moment, it steps into the oversized harness. This naive yet determined young horse tries to push the carriage forward with all…

What to do When You Lose Your Cool

Does this sound familiar? Parent: “You’re grounded and I’m taking away your phone.” Teen: “That’s ridiculous.” Parent: “Maybe you’ll think next time before doing something so stupid!” Teen: “Maybe you’ll learn how to stop being a controlling psycho.” Parent: “You really are a spoiled brat!” Teen: “You’re a terrible parent, that’s why my friends don’t…

5 Tips to Help Your Teen “Grow Up”

You may not be surprised to hear me tell you that a lot of teens today are taking longer to “grow up”. This despite the fact that today’s teens are highly intelligent, conscientious, capable and even eager to take on more responsibility. Yes, even yours.  But when a 15 year-old can’t do her own laundry,…

Finding the Opportunities in Adolescence

What does adolescence really mean, anyways? Do you know? To be honest, I didn’t always have a clear idea. I would often think of it synonymously with “the teen years.” When you think of this period, what comes to mind? How many negative adjectives are popping up right now? Most people seem to describe this…