Why Do Teens Question Religion?

In my practice, teenagers routinely talk about their religion. They frequently question it, bash it or experiment with new ones. Sometimes, when they express their thoughts and feelings about religion, parents and other adults can be taken aback. But during therapy, religion is simply another topic of investigation. What I usually find is that questioning religion is part of their identity formation process and a normal emotional distancing from their parents. While parents may freak out, I see it as a normal part of testing limits during adolescence.

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5 Ways Parents Can Help Teens Get Through Summer

Summertime can be a challenging time for parents. Work schedules don’t change for many parents yet your teen’s schedule is up in the air, which can cause distress as families adjust. Depending on the age of your children, summer can be more difficult than other times of year. Younger children and tweens are more likely to follow the summer plan you have outlined for them, whether that means more time with the grandparents, a trip to a summer camp, or some summer schooling. On the other hand, older teens are more independent, especially if they drive or have their own car. So as a parent what can you do this summer to keep your teenager off the couch and out of trouble while preserving your sanity?

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5 Ways Parents Can Help Their Teen Overcome Peer Pressure

As a parent, you see it all the time. Overnight, your teen has a new profound interest in the latest gadget or fashion style you’ve never heard of. That iPhone 4s you gave them last year is an “embarrassment” to have in public and now they want purple highlights in their hair. It all becomes so clear when their BFF (best friend forever) comes over to visit and proudly displays their new hair style and an iPhone 5 with a customized case. Close friends can exert a tremendous amount of influence even if they’re not trying to do so. We are social creatures and those we choose to spend our time with will, to a certain degree, shape our opinions, actions, and interests.

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Parenting Tips for Teens & Mental Health Report by the CDC

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has released its first comprehensive report on the state of mental health in children aged 3 to 17. The report titled, Mental Health Surveillance Among Children – United States, 2005 – 20011, compiles research and statistics from a number of federal agencies such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the National Institute of Mental Health. This report is an important step in identifying the prevalence of mental health disorders in children and teenagers and is of great use to parents, educators, and health professionals.

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5 Ways to Improve Your Teenager’s Self-Esteem

Self-esteem is a person’s perception of their self-worth and is an important part of succeeding in life and being happy. How we view ourselves affects how we act with others and influences what we believe we can achieve. Teenagers commonly struggle with poor self-esteem because they are still developing a sense of who they are and what they are capable of. Fortunately, as a parent you can help your teenager develop a positive self-image and high self-esteem.

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