When your teen starts to drive it is a good idea to be well aware of the teen driving statistics that are out there.  A lot of the teen driving statistics may prove to be rather shocking. As a parent, if you search for any information about Teen Driving Statistics you will find statistics similar to those below. I have reviewed various websites to summarize the information from these sources, however, please feel free to search the web for “teen driving statistics” for more websites and information on this subject. 

The Driving Bookk - Covering virtually every scenario a new driver may face–from changing a tire to negotiating privileges with parents to handling a car in bad weather.

Roadside Emergency Kit  With the 29 Piece Roadside Emergency Kit you will be prepared for almost any emergency you may encounter in your automobile.
 

My teens love to read and reading for fun is really important.

Even with all of the books, papers and homework that our teens get from school, it is important that they are also reading things that help to mold them as individuals.

Here is a list of some great books for your teens. They would make great gifts for an occassion or just a nice suprise for your teen when the mood strikes. All of the books excellent and they are at very low cost making this a win-win purchase for you and your teen:

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens — This Personal Workbook by Author Sean Covey applies the timeless principles of the 7 Habits to teens and the tough issues and life-changing decisions they face.

Teen’s Guide to Managing the Stress and Pressures of Life — Explains how to develop coping skills, build problem-solving skills, think positively, maintain healthy habits, and form relationships in order to survive stressful situations.

Teens Can Make It Happen — Advises teenagers on how to achieve personal success and fulfillment, discussing the importance of self-esteem and explaining how to set goals, establish priorities, and chart a course through the challenges of life.

Clueless in the Kitchen: A Cookbook for Teens & Other Beginners — For kids living on their own for the very first time, or kids on their own just for dinner.

Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens The 366 reflections in this book will help you develop a habit of daily prayer. Each ten-minute reflection begins with a Bible passage, is followed by a commentary that connects the passage to your life, and concludes with a short prayer. The handy size makes this book perfect for your pocket, backpack, purse, or bedside table. Enjoy!

Warmly -

Aurelia Williams
Parenting My Teen
Have you Hugged your Teen Today?

Angry Teenagers: What Does It Mean?

Anger is a dangerous emotion and can cause teenagers to act out physically and verbally in a very damaging way. The one good thing about a child who expresses his anger is that it is an indication of a deeper problem and you can get to a solution more quickly. Teenagers who are extremely angry could be victims of abuse, suffering from depression, abusing alcohol or drugs, dealing with grief or other problems.

If your child is expressing bouts of anger, take a look at this behavior and try to determine what situations bring out the anger. Don’t fuel the anger by elevating your own emotions. Of course, if your child is causing physical harm to someone in your home, you need to take action. Even then – keep it calm - just do what you need to stop the abuse from occurring.

Talk to your teenager when emotions aren’t so high. Try to understand where they are coming from and really listen. Ensure they understand that mentally and physically abusive behavior isn’t acceptable. If they feel angry, give them the opportunity to express it or if they feel like they just need a bit of time alone, allow them to get that. Harassing an emotionally-charged youngster isn’t going to solve anything.

3. 4 Depression: If you think your child is depressed, it may not be as easy to sit down and talk to your child about it. In cases where children are abusing drugs or alcohol (which can also be a sign of depression), they are aware that they are participating in forbidden behavior (doing drugs or alcohol). When someone is depressed, they may not be completely aware or may have a harder time talking about it.

As we have stressed all along, keep the lines of communication open with your teenager. If they’re feeling down, help them talk about it. In most cases, these feelings are temporary and kids can snap out of it with a bit of compassion and understanding. In other cases, it may be an indication of actual depression that may need professional help.

Signs of Depression: Teenagers get moody, but if these symptoms become persistent it might become problematic.

* Sadness &/or crying.
* Feelings of hopelessness
* Loss of interest in regular activities
* Lack of energy
* Change in sleep patterns
* Change in eating habits
* Not interacting with friends
* Low self-esteem
* Sensitivity to rejection
* Missing a lot of school
* Inability to concentrate

If your child has any of these symptoms on an ongoing basis, talk to you doctor or other trusted professional. They can refer you to a counselor or other professional to get your child the help she needs. When you decide to get your child help, talk to her about it. Give her some say in what steps are taken or she may be resistant to help.
Recommended Resources:

Visit Out of Control Teen to learn more about how you can help a teen that shows signs of trouble.

Find more detailed advice, solutions, and hands on examples on these or other topics in Christina Botto’s no nonsense, “how-to” Parenting guide “Help Me With My Teenager!” A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents that Works.

I hope you are having a great weekend!

Have you had a moment to tune into the new show yet?  If not, you can listen to the new show by visiting Parenting My Teen and clicking on the ‘Listen Now’ Button.

It’s coffee or tea with Aurelia time!  Tune in and join me as I discuss ways to get your teen to open up and I also talk about ways that you can connect with your teenager!

As always, I love hearing your comments.  After you listen to the show please  post your comments to this entry and let me know what you thought of the show. 

If you would like a chance to hear your own comments on our next show, you can call our Listener’s Line at 214-615-6505 ext. 4245 and record your comments and thoughts.

Take care & hug those teens,
Aurelia Williams

Wikipedia defined Anorexia nervosa as, “an eating disorder characterized by voluntary starvation and exercise stress. Anorexia nervosa is a complex disease, involving psychological, sociological and physiological components. A person who is suffering from anorexia is referred to as ‘anorexic’ or (less commonly) ‘anorectic’. The term is frequently but incorrectly shortened to anorexia, which simply refers to the medical symptom of lost appetite”. In simple words, anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder characterized by delusions that you are too fat despite being emaciated. Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an individual’s normal weight. ?

Other essential features of this disorder include an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to occur).