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Archive for the ‘Teen Substance Abuse’

A Review: My Out of Control Teen

May 02, 2008 By: Aurelia Category: Parenting A Teen, Teen Emotional Health, Teen Substance Abuse 7 Comments →

My Out of Control Teen
Rating:  8
Where to Buy:  http://www.parentingmyteen.com/Out-of-Control.HTML

I wanted to share this review with you.

Description: This is an online parent support group that is based around an in person program on how to deal with a teenager who is out of control and needs guidance to get back on the right track.

Review:  Sometimes teenagers can be a hand full.  Mine were and I’m still dealing with some of that today even though they are grown and out on their own.  I wish this had been around then it might have saved some yelling, screaming and a lot of hard feelings that have taken time to get past. 

This program has a lot to offer anyone who is having problems with their teenager or preteen.  With this program you will receive an audio that contains the entire parent program as it was given in Madison Superior Court Div 2.  This part alone is amazing.  It will teach techniques that probably have never entered you mind.  Plus it makes you feel as if you can do this instead of that helpless feeling we all have in situations like this.

It also includes videos not only from the program but on other subjects too.  Things like ADHD and even the boot camp type of programs we hear so much about these days.  Along with the videos, you also have access to a website that is updated every single day with information that is very useful.  The free eBooks that are offered to OPS members are wonderful too.  They cover so many different areas that it’s hard to not find one that covers your current situation. 

I also like the parent forum.  It gives you the encouragement you need plus it helps you to realize that you’re not the only parents going through this kind of stuff.  Enforcement in numbers is always a plus and with the forum that’s how it feels. Everyone working together for a positive solution.  There is also a bi-weekly newsletter that contains a lot of information. 

A bigger plus is that members can also have access to the man who is responsible for all this help.  He has no problem with answering any question you may have about your teen or the program. 

The program comes with a 100% guarantee.  So if it doesn’t work for you then you aren’t out anything.  You are just armed with some facts that you may not have had before and a few that may still slip in now and then.  Being the parent of an out of control teenager doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Everybody needs a little help now and then; these kids sure don’t come with a manual.  Well I guess in a way with this program maybe now they do. 

What to do if You Suspect You Teen is Taking Drugs

April 27, 2008 By: Tricia Category: Teen Substance Abuse 2 Comments →

All parents want to keep their kids safe, but with all the dangers in today’s world that’s getting harder to do.  A big concern for many parents is drugs.  While it’s best to stop your child from doing drugs before they start, there are things you can do if you suspect a problem.

If you suspect your teen is doing drugs, talk to them.  And I mean, just talk; no yelling, screaming, or accusations.  Prepare what you’re going to say ahead of time so you don’t say something you didn’t intend to.  Tell them you suspect they’re taking drugs and cite your reasoning.  Give specific, documented examples of behavioral changes.  Explain that you’re just trying to help them, but if they don’t tell you what’s going on with them, you’re going to have to take further steps.  But be careful, what you perceive as drug use could just be caused by problems at school, problems with friends, or even depression.

If your teen doesn’t want to tell you what’s going on, you need to stick to your word and take further steps to find out if they’re using drugs.  Check your teen’s room and car.  If you have a good relationship with their friends, ask them what’s going on.  Make your child justify where their money is going.  Also, make sure you know where your child is at all times (including checking school attendance records). 

Once you have confirmation of your teens drug use, seek outside help.  There are literally hundreds of people and organizations ready and willing to help you and your teen.  If you don’t know where to start, talk to your child’s doctor, counselor, or minister.  They may be willing to speak to your teen directly and recommend organizations and treatment programs to you.  You must remember that you are not alone!

If you can’t find any evidence that your child is doing drugs, take them to a pastor or counselor.  Let them talk in individual sessions.  Your child may not be opening up to you, but at least they will be getting help somewhere.  

Drugs can be a terrifying prospect for any parent.  Just remember to stay calm and get help.  It may be a long road to recovery, but if you stand by your child and source the problem early on you will have a better chance of helping them.

How to Talk to Your Kids about Sex, Drugs, and Alcohol

April 15, 2008 By: Tricia Category: Teen Dating & Sex, Teen General Health, Teen Substance Abuse 1 Comment →

These are subjects you’ll want to talk about with your children before there is a problem. As a family, you can establish boundaries and consequences and come to a common understanding of what is acceptable.

Sex: According to Advocates for Youth, statistics indicate that children who talk to their parents about sex are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior, such as having sex without condoms. 70.6% of teens who reported they didn’t feel comfortable talking to their parents had sex by age 17-19. That compares to 57.9% of teens who reported a close relationship.

It’s true. Not talking to your children about sex isn’t that likely to keep them from doing it. But the opposite is also true. Talking to them about it, isn’t more likely to have them engaging in sexual activity. If it means having sexually active children behaving maturely, talking things out can only help keep our kids safer.

If you think your child is already having sex, chat with them about it. Don’t get angry, but approach it in a calm and reasonable manner. Talk to them about your experiences and be honest. If your child has a boyfriend/girlfriend and things seem to be getting serious, start the conversation if you haven’t already. Above all, make sure they are being safe.

Drugs & Alcohol: Many professionals agree that when parents talk to their kids about drugs and alcohol, those discussions are very likely to shape the child’s attitude about those subjects.

Before you talk to your kids – educate yourself. Check with your local school, library or even look online for the straight facts about drugs and alcohol. Simply telling your kids, “Drugs and alcohol are dangerous,” isn’t going to be as efficient as truly illustrating the very real dangers of substance abuse. Try not to lecture, listen to what your kids have to say and really talk about the issues.

As always, keep it casual. If you spend time with your teenagers and keep the lines of communication open, bringing up the subject is much easier.

Signs of Drug & Alcohol Use: Look out for these tell-tale signs that your child might be using drugs or alcohol:

• Loss of interest in family and other usual activities.
• Not living up to responsibilities.
• Verbally or physical abusiveness.
• Coming home late.
• Increased dishonesty.
• Declining grades.
• Severe mood swings.
• Big change in sleeping patterns..

Understand that a lot of the above signs, especially near the top of the list, could mean a multitude things. Teenagers who are depressed can act in similar ways. When approaching your child, don’t be accusatory. Try to connect with them and see what’s really happening in their lives.

Additional Resources:

Teen Addiction -  This anthology presents an examination of the causes of teen addiction and various proposals to reduce or solve the problem, as well as the personal narratives of teens struggling to overcome their addictions.

Could You Use a Parenting Coach?

August 17, 2007 By: Aurelia Category: Parenting A Teen, Teen Dating & Sex, Teen Education, Teen Emotional Health, Teen General Health, Teen Substance Abuse No Comments →

Who Can Benefit From a Parenting Coach?

All parents can benefit from a parenting coach. Parent coaching is for parents and caregivers of children of all ages who seek to enrich the bond between themselves and their child(ren). In short, with the right coaching bond, you can improve the relationship that you have with your child and work on any concerns that you have in order to develop a healthy parent/child relationship.

How Do The Sessions Work?

Every coaching session is focused directly on you, your needs and your goals. You set the agenda based on what is most important to you and we work together on your plans and goals to achieve your desired result.

My Parenting Coach services are provided by telephone, with supplemental email communications as well. I will call you at our designated coaching time so there are no long distance charges for you to worry about.

As your professional, certified coach, I promise to support you through your parenting journey as we identify your “next best steps” along your path towards happier and productive parenting. While working together, you will learn many techniques to help you along this journey.

Your Parenting Coach Packages

I work with clients who are experiencing all types of challenges raising children who range in age from infants through teens. As your parenting coach, I will help you to develop ways to deal with juggling your family schedule, anger management, disciplining your child, sibling rivelry and much more. I will teach you how to develop a connected and powerful communication relationship with your pre-teen/teen that is less stressful than the techniques that you are currently trying. With this package, you’ll find new ways of looking at and responding to the unique challenges that you face.

Free Consultation

There really is nothing like working with a Parenting Coach. The best way to learn about it is to experience it for yourself! I would love to introduce you to the world of parent coaching in an absolutely free, “no strings attached” consultation. If you are interested, simply e-mail me to set up an appointment.

Visit the Parenting Coach Page for more information on our packages

Out of control Teens!! Do we Kick Them Out?

August 16, 2007 By: Aurelia Category: Parenting A Teen, Teen Dating & Sex, Teen Education, Teen Emotional Health, Teen General Health, Teen Substance Abuse 1 Comment →

There are many parents that are dealing with out of control teens.

When I coach parents on the topic of out of control teens, the first thing I suggest to them is to be sure that they become aware of all of their options and I encourage them to get outside help for the teen if the teen is struggling with anger and/or addiction problems.

Many family that are struggling with a teen that is out of control report to me that it is tearing apart the family and the marriage, and basically take over your life. It’s no fun for your teen either!

Here is an eye-opening article all about out of control teen: http://www.parentingmyteen.com/parenting-teens-articles/out_of_control_teens.htm feel free to pass this article on to your friends!
 
Take Care,
Aurelia Williams

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