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A Goodbye From Denise Witmer, Your Guide to Parenting Teens at About.com

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 20:27:54 +0000

It has been an absolute privilege to work for you, my parenting of teens visitors, for the last sixteen years. But, unfortunately, my time at About.com has come to an end. I will continue to write for parents at various locations. You can find out what I am currently doing by following my personal twitter page or my Facebook page. Thank you for the honor of serving your parenting teens needs - I'll see you around ;)

Quiz: Is your teenager stressed out?

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 12:35:30 +0000

Teens have a lot of daily stress, very much like adults do. They are expected to perform well in school and achieve at their extra curricular activities. Here is a quiz that will help you figure out if your teen is too stressed and along with some resources that will help you help him.

Placemat Tote for Teens

Sun, 24 Mar 2013 04:36:02 +0000

This placemat tote is a useful and simple sewing project for teens to complete. It's great for carrying books and is budget friendly. Get the directions to make this teen tote bag.

More: Make Teen Totes Bags and Purses | All Teen Crafts

Prom Tips for Parents of Teens

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 19:45:29 +0000

From Mia: Know Who Is Driving

Know who your teen is driving with at least a week before the prom. If she doesn't know, then be firm about being the one taking her. This will keep your teen from trying to pull the wool over your eyes at the last minute and drive with someone you don't trust. My daughter pulled this stunt and ended up in a small car with 8 other teens who were drinking.

Read what others have said and offer your advice and experiences: Prom Tips for Parents of Teens.

Behavior and Daily Routines Your 13-Year-Old Teen

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:44:53 +0000

Thirteen-year-old teens are finishing up one phase of life - leaving childhood behind - and entering into another phase - becoming a teen. This is the basis for their daily behaviors and issues. When parents keep this in mind... read more Behavior and Daily Routines Your 13-Year-Old Teen.

Parenting Teens @About.com RCA 2013: Vote Now!

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:15:30 +0000

The About.com Readers' Choice Award is an annual event where About.com readers can nominate and vote on the best of the best in hundreds of different categories. Readers' Choice includes multiple channels ranging from technology to hobbies to parenting. On the Parenting Teens site, parents can now vote for their favorite finalist in the following categories:

There's no prize-just the bragging rights that come with getting recognized by the readers of one of the most popular websites. Plus, the five finalists and the winner will be promoted on one of the most visited parenting teens site on the internet throughout the year. Find out more at awards.about.com.

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Spring Activities for Teens: Week 3

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 09:04:26 +0000

These spring activities for teens can be done individually, with friends or with the whole family. Each week has four different types of teen activities for spring: Make This (Recipe), Craft This, Learn How and Get Out and Go! Each activity idea is fun for your teen. Check out the activities here: Spring Activities for Teens: Week Three

Mom at Her Wit's End with MR Teen Daughter

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 14:00:56 +0000

A mother seeks advice: My daughter is 16-years-old and MR. She tells my other half and me to go F- ourselves and argues about everything. She asks for help with homework, when you try to help her, she gets so mouthy. I can't believe what I'm hearing! When told to quit or shut up then she says we are pissing her off and she is going to hurt us. She punches the furniture, cupboards and walls. She has hit and kicked me and threatened to hurt herself. She just goes nuts when you try to correct her. The other half took her CD player and phone once for punishment and she called 911 on us. If she doesn't want to do her chores she tells us to go F- off. Then, if you keep after her to do them, she really gets nutty. I never been so disrespected in all my life and I would never thought of treating my parents or anyone like she treats us. We need help or some suggestions on where to get help to get her under control, she is destroying our family.

Denise's thoughts: I am so sorry you are facing these issues with your teen daughter. From what you have said, it does seem like there is something wrong - uncontrolled anger and rage - that you will need some professional help to handle. I recommend that you talk to her doctor, specifically asking for a mental health professional recommendation and places that work with MHMR kids and teens.

I have worked with MR teens and I know that many become fearful and angry because of all of the changes they are going through at this age. Add in hormones and mood swings and really the teen years can be a nightmare for them and their families. Know that you will need all of the patience you can muster and the ability to be flexible when your teen starts to see a professional.

You may also want to look into parenting classes with your community MHMR organization. They can help you develop routines that will make day-to-day living easier. They can also let you know about the resources they have for MHMR citizens in your area, for when she is older.

Asking our community of parents of teens: Have you experienced uncontrolled anger with your teen? Do you have a teen that uses MHMR resources in your community? Please share your thoughts, experiences and advice in the comments area.

Helpful Resources:

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Which Professional is the Best Choice to Help Your Troubled Teen?

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:00:07 +0000

The process of finding the right professional to help your teen can be confusing. There are numerous initials to decipher and differences in training and approach that are important to understand. Here's a road map to help you navigate this journey to finding the best mental health professional to work with your troubled teen.

More: How Parents Know Professional Help for Troubled Teens Is Needed | Parenting Troubled Teens Articles

Teach Your Teen About Their Income Taxes

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:13:06 +0000

Teens who begin working tend to be shocked when they see their pay checks have had money taken out of them. Them get even more shocked when they realize that may never see that money again! Find out what your teen needs to know about taxes with this article: Five Significant Things Your Teen Needs to Know About Income Taxes.