What Lies Ahead
Preparing for my future teens. My first step is to remember what it was like when I was a teen — I was happy, and maybe Archie and Betty were the reasons why. (It was probably the Monkeys.) Aside from the new hairdos, clothes and cell phones, Archie Andrews and friends haven’t changed since 1941. In May, Archie Comic Publications, Inc. will test a new look to attract an older female audience, which is currently 14. (Archie Comic Books)
I have a few more years before it’s time to worry, but this research at LiveScience caused a stir in my worry centers. Scientists can now correctly blame normal “brain development” when teenagers act dazed and confused. They call it “cognitive limitations,” meaning that their brains can’t do two things at once. The reports were in the May/June issue of the journal Child Psychiatry and Human Development
Donice, my own, personal Mentor Mother, teaches and hosts a blog on early childhood. The major message she wants to give parents is to set limits, Setting Limits: How to Raise Responsible, Independent Children by Providing Clear Boundaries (Revised and Expanded Second Edition)
“A teen might have a weekend curfew of 11:00. You might even check in before she goes out, wondering what the plans are for getting home and offering to pick her up if need be. If she comes in at 11:00, you are glad that she honored the curfew. If she is late, then you can say that the next weekend her curfew will be 10:00, and if she can honor that curfew she can try 11:00 again the next weekend. This keeps all of the responsibility on her, where it needs to be for her to learn. If she makes it in by 10:00 the next weekend, you are glad she did it and happy to go back to 11:00 the next time. Maybe you help her brainstorm how she can get home by curfew if her friends aren’t dependable rides, or if she’s finding it hard to leave a situation. Maybe the time needs to be changed for certain activities that can be agreed on ahead of time.”
I just love her. The only manual I will need.
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Hi Susie!
I found your site from your profile at problogger and watned to comment on your article here and
ask a question.
First, I believe your kids will be fine because you sound as if you will make a wonderful mom : )
Second, I noticed that you have AMAZON ads on your site: I have tried using them on one of my
sites and am curious if you’ve had any luck with them ???
p.s. It may be settings but when I tried to leave a comment here it was almost impossible for me to view because the text was so small. It may be no fault of your site, I just wanted to share that with you in case it’s something you can change.
Please have a HAPPY NEW YEAR and a great 2007 !
Take Care : )
Michael-From-The-Future!
QUESTION of the DAY!