Talk-to-Your-Kids-About-Drug-and-Alcohol-Risks

10 Resolutions That Show Your Kids You Care

1. • Teach your children to trust you by seeing you as a role model.

2. Be patient, not just tolerant. Apologize when you make a mistake or do something you regret.
3. Ask teens what they need from you - and do whatever you can to meet those needs.
4. Listen to your teens, a lot. Avoid interrupting.
5. Teach your children about ethics, values and principles they can apply in choices and decision making.
6. Help them discover the feeling of gratitude, not just to say thank you.
7. Keep the promises you make. If you do not keep your word, acknowledge that. Help your teen understand the circumstances or choices that precipitated the change in your plans.
8. Answer your teen's questions and be consistent. When you notice behavioral changes in them, make yourself available and encourage them to talk about what is going on in their life.
9. Be understanding when they have a difficult time and let them know you will love them no matter what.
10. Be diligent. Have ongoing conversations with your kids about the risks of drugs and alcohol.

Dying teenager takes a chance on love

Two teens, Sabrina Parker and Matthew Scozzari, decide to take a chance on love, while there is still time. Sabrina, 16, is suffering from ALS, what is supposed to be an 'old person's disease.' It…

Teens-Are-Using-Nutmeg

News agencies report that teens are snorting, smoking, drinking and eating large amounts of nutmeg, a spice traditionally used for holiday baking, in an effort to get high.

Here are the facts:

Myristicin is a compound occurring naturally in nutmeg that has mind-altering effects such as hallucinations or a sense of euphoria.

To achieve these effects, large amounts have to be ingested.

The effects take awhile to kick in so teens often think they haven’t taken enough and continue to ingest the spice.

According to the Poison Control Centers the side effects to the drug in nutmeg are substantial. They include convulsions, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, dehydration, dizziness, drowsiness and depression.

The physiological effects of ingesting nutmeg are not well studied but are likely include increased blood pressure and heart rate, blurred vision or respiratory problems.

Teen Son Wants to Move(Opinions)

Mom on the forum is seeking advice: "My son will be 16 in Feb and has lived with me his whole life, his father lives 2000 miles away from us and has had your typical visitation over the years (summers holidays). My son is in his sophomore yr of High School now and has gone to school here for all but 1.5 yrs of elementary school. A few days ago he asked me if he could go live with his father for his Jr and Sr. year of High School...I feel like my heart got ripped out but understand his reasons for wanting to move there. However, I really feel that moving at this point in high school is a huge mistake, he will have to not only figure out where he fits in with school but also in the family. He has other siblings there, I never had anymore children so it is just my son, me and my husband. What should I do?"

Denise's thoughts: I think you should talk more about it with him, respecting his thoughts on the matter. If his reasoning is sound and the only reason you don't want him to move is that you will miss him - which is valid! - maybe you can try it for a year and see how it goes?

Either way, both of you making a pros and cons list of what the move would mean and then take time to talk before you make a decision is probably your best course of action.

Please Give Your Comments Below

How to Hospitalize a Teen in Crisis

A teen experiencing a psychiatric emergency or exhibiting out of control behavior requires immediate intervention to ensure their safety, and sometimes the safety of others.

When is Hospitalization Needed?

The criteria for psychiatric hospitalization is generally defined as ‘danger to self or others' such as a teen threatening suicide or going after someone else with a weapon. Bizarre behavior that comes on suddenly such as hallucinations, manic episodes or uncontrollable rage may also require hospitalization to stabilize the teen and determine the cause of the crisis.

In most states if a teen meets the criteria they can be held in a psychiatric hospital, against their will if necessary, usually for a maximum of 72 hours.

Psychiatric Hospitalization for Troubled Teens

Psychiatric hospitals provide the highest level of treatment available to teens and are intended for the short-term stabilization of serious mental health issues. A hospital setting can help a teen in crisis by providing a locked environment with constant clinical supervision to ensure their safety.

When is a Psychiatric Hospital Needed?

Similar to a hospital for physical problems, a psychiatric hospital is set up to deal with mood or behavioral changes that come on suddenly and require intense structure and intervention to keep the teen safe.

Situations in which a teen might require hospitalization include a suicide attempt, threatening someone with a weapon, hallucinations, uncontrollable physical rage or manic episodes. Teens will receive the best care in a hospital that specializes in treating this age group- ask if the hospital has an adolescent unit.

Psychiatric Hospitals Explained

The two most important things to know about psychiatric hospitals are:

1. The treatment is fast-paced and intense.

2. The length of stay will be very short, usually several days.

Hospitals for mental health issues are intended to thoroughly evaluate the crisis, act quickly to stabilize the teen and develop a plan for continued care.

A comprehensive evaluation begins at the time of admission and is completed by interviewing the teen, family members and mental health or school professionals who have worked with the teen and can provide relevant information. This assessment considers the prior history of problems in mood or behavior, use of drugs or alcohol, previous treatment, physical illness or symptoms, family history of mental illness etc.

Help for Mom of 11-Year-Old Daughter

A mom on the forum is seeking advice: "My daughter is 11 yrs. old. Her behavior has escalated into something that is beyond control. She has increased her lying, she is stealing from whoever she can. She is a great manipulator, she can put on the act. I have tried numerous strategies to try and get the situations under control. She has ran away, try to blamed another child. Police and everyone was involved in the search. The last stunt was her brother's wallet containing $60.00 and gift cards, she has taken it. She took it. Lied about it... I am at a loss! I don't know what else to do.

Denise's thoughts: She is acting out and needs help, as I am sure you realize. If the counseling she is receiving is not helping, you will want to look at other programs that are available.

I would also take some time to adjust your expectations of her. She is currently not capable of acting in the way you are expecting. If you don't expect that she will tell the truth, you will not get as emotional when she lies and you will be more capable of handling the situation she has put you in. Being capable is what you want to be when using discipline.

Dress Your Body Type: Tall

Why? Because the air is fine up here, and thanks for asking.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.

Although added inches generally confer advantages in the wardrobe department, men with tall body types nevertheless face certain challenges in dressing their best. Here we review how clothes should fit and which colors and patterns tall men should include in their wardrobes to really make the most of their appearance. And so that you know exactly what to buy on your next shopping trip, we’re also supplying you with a checklist of wardrobe must-haves for tall guys.
A tall body type defined
In the West, men whose height is 6'3" or taller are considered to be tall, whereas in other parts of the world, anything beyond 5'11" is perceived as tall. This body type might also be large (as in "big and tall") or it might be very lean.
Pros and cons of dressing a tall body
For men who have a lean build or an average amount of muscle mass, being tall is a huge pro as clothing hangs better on taller individuals, which means you can wear just about anything and look great. Additionally, most societies tend to view extra inches as an advantage for males and women often find tall men extremely attractive, so if you know how to dress yourself stylishly, your professional and interpersonal success will skyrocket. In fact, the only real downside to being tall is that if you’re on the extreme end of the spectrum, it can be difficult to find clothes that are long enough for your body.
DRESS YOUR BODY TYPE: THE GUIDE
Fit
Two general rules apply to fit when dressing a tall body. First, avoid clothing that is oversize as it will hang off your body strangely. Also, skip anything that is extremely fitted as it will make you appear awkward if you have a large build or like a beanpole if you’re slender.

When specifically considering the top half of the body, there are a few supplementary guidelines men with tall bodies can follow to enhance their appearance. Dress shirts must absolutely be long enough to tuck into your pants, even if you’re not in the habit of wearing your shirts that way. It can be tricky to find longer shirts, but failure to do so will mean you risk looking like a big kid.

Cropped jackets will have a similar effect on you as they will make your body appear disproportionate by emphasizing the length of your legs. Instead, opt for jackets and blazers that end just below the hip as this length adds neither height nor width to your frame. You should also know that blazers with two buttons are a better choice for you as three-button blazers will further elongate your body. For tall dudes with an average-to-lean build, double-breasted jackets are extremely flattering. As well, coats that fall just below the knee, particularly belted models, will really command respect on a tall frame.

Straight-leg trousers and jeans rather than tapered or boot-cut bottoms look best on tall bodies, though when you’re tall bottoms should always be tried on prior to purchasing in order to ensure that their inseam is long enough to cover the top part of your shoe (try labels like Rock and Republic to find 36” inseams). Go with mid-rise jeans if you’re heavier and low-rise jeans if you’re slim, but steer clear of high-waisted jeans (tall hipsters, take note).

A final point with regard to fit concerns tailoring: When you’re tall, having your formal wear adjusted to suit your height is nonnegotiable.

Why Women Don't Like Mama's Boys

Why? Because she'll handle the throw pillows, thank-you-very-much.

Women always like hearing a potential mate speak about his mother in a caring and respectful manner. In fact, men who have a good relationship with their mothers tend to be more understanding and respectful toward women, and that's great. But a man who talks a little too much about his mother will raise a "mama's boy" flag in any woman's mind.

Did these parents over-punish their teen?

A mom on our forum is seeking advice: I really need some perspective here. We have a 13-year-old son who is generally a really good kid--star forward on his soccer team, 3.6 gpa. He and my husband have been in a bit of a power struggle ever since he (my son) hit puberty. I am definitely the "softy" parent. Last month my son told a lie about using his computer during the day when he'd been told not to. He has lied in the past but always little things, such as finding cash around the house and pocketing it instead of leaving it alone. My husband's punishment for the lie was no computer for 2 months and no texting for 4 months. We live in a very isolated area, and my son's texting has been his lifeline to his friends when he's not at school. I went along with the punishment because I felt I was being forced to choose between my husband and my son, and I wanted to put up a united parenting front--but now I am wracked with guilt that the punishment was way too extreme. Please help me know whether I did the right thing, and what a more appropriate response could have been.

Denise's thoughts: I think what your husband chose to take away from him was good, but the timing is long. The thing about punishment when it's too long, it loses it's effectiveness as a deterrent from bad behavior and becomes a catalyst of bad feelings within the family instead. The feelings of guilt you're having, for instance.

I have some resources for discipline, but I want to point out that power struggles never lead to good things. Maybe when your teen is out you and your husband can talk about how to handle disciplining your teen before there is a problem and it becomes emotional and escalates. As for what you do now with your teen, I think you should fall back and regroup.

1 in 5 Teens Are Hyper-texters

A study conducted by APHA found that 1 in 5 teens are hyper-texters, which means they text more than 120 times a day. Think about it, if each text takes 1 to 2 minutes of time, that is two to four full hours of time out of their day just texting. I think we can all agree that there are better things our teens can be doing with their time.

The study was conducted in 20 public high schools in the Cleveland area last year, and is based on confidential paper surveys of more than 4,200 students. And what is being reported around the net about this study that is considered shocking?!? It's that these hyper-texting teens are more apt to have had sex or used alcohol and drugs. Really? I don't find it shocking that teens who text for 2 to 4 hours a day may not have enough parental supervision to keep them off drugs and making smarter choices about sex. (If you are worried, learn how to talk to your teen about tough issues here.) Even the study's lead author, Dr Scott Frank associate professor of epidemiology and biostatistics at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, said, "If parents are monitoring their kids' texting and social networking, they're probably monitoring other activities as well." That's it in a nutshell, isn't it?

How to Raise a Self-Confident in Teens

Confidence is one's belief in their own ability's. Confident people rationally believe they are capable of doing things well and therefore aren't afraid to do those things or even try new things. Teens who are confident grow up to have a good sense of self and become happy adults. Parents can help teen build their confidence throughout their adolescence by following these tips:

Be trustworthy. Be there when your teen needs you. Provide a safe home environment and firm but fair discipline. This is a foundation that your teen's confidence can stand on.

Give your teen choices. One of the things that confidence helps teens do is making a decision. You can help teens make decision by offering them choices as often as possible. Learn more about decision-making and teens.

Encourage your teen to try new things. Be available to take them where they need to go and do so without complaining.

Become your teen's biggest fan, whether it is in sports, your teen's other interests or in school.

Do not use criticism when talking to your teen - even if it is just sarcasm. It hurts more than helps and can place wedge between you and your teen, depleting their confidence.

Allow your teen to fail, do not fix their problems for them. If they need you to help talk the problem through, ask open ended questions so that they come to their own conclusions. Role play different scenarios if it helps your teen find their answer - but allow them to find the answer that is right for them.

Model a positive attitude by handling everyday decisions with confidence.

Praise your teen when praise is due. We know that too much praise is not good either, but due praise is necessary for your teen's self-confidence.

Spend time with your teen enjoying something they like to do. This is always a good time to sit back and marvel at what a wonderful person they are becoming.

Tips to Handle Teen Back Talk

Talk and Suggestions:

Back Talk My Parents! Not Me!!

WOW! Not in my younger days. That was not heard of in the Black Community. That was Taboo, you just didn't do it. Doing my younger years we were taught Manners and Respect at home, school and Church. Some of the White Children dare not do it neither. This generation today is out of control. Corporal punishment is frown apond. Some of these children need an "Old Fashion Butt Whipping". I would never tell my parents to Kiss My A-- and leave me the Fu-- alone. This I have heard in stores and the parent did just what the child said to do. Spent over $300.00 in clothing for this particular child. If I had said that to my mom or dad, I would have been hit in the mouth so fast I would never see it coming. Parent need to take back their role as the PARENT as act like a parent and not the "FRIEND"! If they start correcting the bad behavior, while the child is young and stay on top of it. Then there is a possibility Parent can correct this. I am 65 yrs old.

Sounds Great

I love Nicole and Chancellor's suggestions! These should be the first options, and privilege removal (like games) is a good option for when they refuse to talk to you. At the same time, it's important to respect their property ownership. Like, if an X box is given to them as a gift, you aren't allowed to take it. But you do pay the electric bill so you could shut off the power to his room.

Discern

I too, struggle with the back talking my teens will engage in rather harshly. Most of the time, I repeat what they are trying to say in a calm polite way, completely disregarding their "tone". Usually, I ask them if they agree with me that what I said (in a courteous manner) is exactly what they meant. I then say, I'm just making sure with a smile on my face. It is important to them that we, as parents, can help them communicate, respectfully without judging them in any negative way.

Money Saving Tips: Get Raise for Next Year

The mark down on Halloween decorations is amazing in many stores because each year companies that manufacture Halloween items change them up. So stores don't want to be caught with last year's ghouls and spooks, so to speak. Although, you have to time it right and not care-so-much about what you'll be picking up. In other words, if there is a decoration that you can't live without, buy it right away - don't wait. But if you just want to inexpensively add to your stash, the last few days, including October 30th, 31st and November 1st, are the days to shop.

Teen Sexting: What Should the Laws Be?

Read what 29 other parents have said and add your opinion!

With many communities talking about teen sexting and discussing the changes in the sex offender laws to reflect the true intent of sexting by teens and differentiate it from the intent of a child molester, I feel parents need to have their voices heard. Here is where we can do that. So I am asking, if your teenager sent a nude or semi-nude picture to a boyfriend/girlfriend and it was distributed throughout their school, what do you feel the appropriate punishment should be from the school officials and law enforcement?

Counter-Productive to Sex Offender Laws

I do feel that kids need to be held accountable for their actions, especially malicious actions involving exchange of explicit material. However, accusing them of being sexual predators and having a legacy of being a registered sex offender seems a punishment that is at least a little off-target. In the long run, it may even be counter-productive concerning the real sex offenders, causing people to discount the "registered sex offender" tag.

—Guest clgolden

laws too strict..

I am dealing with a situation where our step daughter was "in love" so she was naive and sent nude pics to her boyfriend. They broke up now he says she will go to jail for this and is harassing her. I don`t think the rest of her life should be ruined for one mistake! We all made mistakes and she is no different then any other teen!

—Guest ava

The effects are serious

I currently am going through this with my almost 16yr old. After realizing what has happened by her, she has tried to commit suicide due to the nature of the charges that could be hanging over her head. She is an honor student in school, actually high honors. Yes I do pay attention to what she does, all it takes it a digital camera whether on a phone or even web cam or separate and only a few seconds will do the damage. It is worse when then they are loaded out on the porno sites by them because they have been dared by peers. Jail time for this age is not what is needed. Nor ruining their lives because they gave into peer pressure. I have taken away the cell phone, and monitor the sites even closer. But they can still do it at a friends house where there may not be monitoring. It has become a living hell since this has happened. Education at home, school and even law enforcement to teens today could help, but in the end the individual makes their own choice.

—dottie62

Consent Laws must be reviewed revised

These consent laws were to protect our communities not make our teenagers register as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. What will their communities that don't know them think of them when they are older? That they raped a under aged child. Come on! These laws are unjust and Must be changed.

—Guest Steph

There must be accountability

I think home is the first place to start. Parent must be more aware of what their children are doing on their cell phones. I have removed picture messing from my sons cell phone in an effort to avoid this problem. No one can send him a picture and he cannot send anyone else a picture so he will not get caught up in that because kids will be kids. However, parents have to think outside of the box and be smarter. I don't see picture messaging as a necessity. He needs a phone at 14 for only one reason in my eye and that's to contact me or other family in the event of an emergency. If you have a more responsible child and OK this service to their phone I think as a parent you should be held accountable for any misuse by your child because at that point you should monitor his or her activity more closely.

—Guest Guest T

Need Counseling

If a minor(under the age of 18) is sending such disrespectful material either about themselves or of others, there's a problem and immediate counseling should be the norm along with revoking of cell phone and internet privileges. I have a problem with the "kids will be kids" mentality. If people are to be respectful of others when they are adults, then why aren't we teaching children the same. Where's the sense of decency most Americans have when I grew up with? Believe me, being ashamed of something for which you'd done as a child will always be with you for your lifetime. As a parent, one should always be vigilant on keeping their child safe from all dangers. Especially with cell phones and laptops connected to the internet.

—Guest Virtue

Against Loopholes for Pedophiles

If your 14 yr old daughter had been raped by another teen you would be quite surprised to learn how difficult it is to get justice. These criminals will say ANYTHING to get away with their crimes. Creating laws to give them yet another easy way out will not only put more people at risk, but it will make the healing process for your daughter nearly impossible as she continues to face him daily at school and other places. PLEASE, PLEASE think of your child's safety and the importance of having as much power as possible to stop these criminals from continuing to do what they love so much. You cannot imagine how many children loose their innocence this way and how many lives it destroys. You cannot protect your children from everything, so don't think this cannot occur if you are a good parent. We need STRONGER LAWS for sexual predators, NOT LIGHTER!! Teens can refrain from this behavior and they should. QUIT HELPING CRIMINALS!!!

—Guest been there

School Reaction to the Times

I think the schools should make a point to separating the boys and the girls to discuss the implications of sexting in a small group format. Just like we did back in 5th grade when we separated to discuss the changes of puberty when we change from boys to young men and girls to young women. Also discuss the outcomes of what can happen when they do this, both legally, academically and from their parents.

—Guest Travis

The laws are not justly.

I think that children should not be getting misdemeanors and felonies for this. No way, no how. That is just unbelievable! This is not a good enough of a reason to mess up a child's entire future because of a stupid little picture that they wanted to send. Of course, if there is the chance they didn't want it sent and someone else did it then yeah maybe give them like a hundred dollar fine or community service. Not prison time and a record so that student cant get a good job or something in the future.

—Guest T

Gravity of a teens decision

Fifteen year old's don't understand the gravity of their actions and won't for another three years because they are still under the security of their homes and their parents. There are better punishments for such an offense.

—Guest mb

Mature enough...

Some teens know exactly what they are doing and both parties should be held 100% accountable.

—Guest ginn

Kids will be kids...

In the 50s, it was going to 'make out lane' and holding hands. Nowadays, teens will expose their bodies and send pictures to their lover. Now, I do think this is inappropriate but that should be left up to the parent to decide. Now, if pictures are obtained through a cell phone and sent around schools a school administrator should talk to the parents of the one who took the picture and who received and forwarded the picture. They should contact parents and thats as far as this should get. Teaching abstinence will just make kids touch each other more, and outlawing sexting will make kids take more inappropriate pictures and perhaps prostitute themselves by selling these forbidden images. Now, sending pictures to people over the Internet that the teen has no relation to is another story. This should be handled less gently and the one receiving the photos should be punished severely as well.

—Guest Ella parent

No punishment.

First of all, a chip would be near impossible or extremely expensive to make that would detect nude photos on a phone. Televisions with chips only work because the shows are tagged by the producers as indecent for children. Also, those with the photos shouldn't be punished just because someone else decided they were going to get naked and take some pictures. Nobody forced your kids to do that.

—Guest Nick

The Person Sending Pictures

I think the person sending the text picture should be the one who should be punished.

—Guest Sybil

Children Do Make Mistakes

We are the world leader at manufacturing criminals and giving people police records. Definitely nothing for the "land-of-the-free" to be proud of. Let’s not get carried away and over react by documenting the mistakes of young people.

—Guest Heather