Helping Your Teenager Through Tough Times

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on helping your teenager.  As a parent, we never want to see our children going through tough times. While challenges in life can be beneficial for their long-term development, that doesn’t make it any easier to watch them go through it.  It’s in our nature to want to help them, and make their lives a little easier.  Especially, when they are still young.

 

tips for helping your teenager

 

 

 

Tips on helping your teenager through tough times:

 

Start a Dialogue

Perhaps the best thing you can do is try to start a dialogue with your teenager. Sit down and have a chat with them. Learn what’s going on and how they are feeling about it. Some teenagers are more than happy to have someone to vent to.  Others will want to keep things to themselves and not answer your questions. In this scenario, do your best to be understanding and don’t pry. Just let them know you are around if they want to talk and occasionally offer again.

Starting a dialogue is the best way to learn about your child’s life and how you can help.  Avoid reading a diary or just guessing about what’s happening in their life. If you can get it straight from your child, this will be better for everyone involved.

 

Offer to Help

Once you have a better idea about what’s going on, you can look for ways to help. You may not be able to fix their problem entirely, but you may be able to lend a helping hand. For example, if they are struggling with schoolwork, you can offer to help or get a tutor.  Or, maybe you can let them off the hook on their chores for the week so that they have a little more time to get their work done or relax.

Another way you can help is by providing them with some tools to help themselves. For example, if they are regularly stressed out, you can offer books on stress management or meditation. Being a parent is about teaching your kids to handle problems.  This will ensure they are equipped to handle problems when they are out of the nest.  So, think about the ways you have solved similar problems.  Do some research online, then make some educated suggestions.

 

Provide Distractions

Sometimes your kids just need a distraction from whatever problem they are facing. If you want to help them, look for something that will distract them for a while. For example, if your teen has been spending the entire weekend studying for final exams take them out for ice cream.  Or, make a trip to the mall.

Maybe your teenager is currently in a fight with their boyfriend or girlfriend. Rather than having them spend all day inside upset about it, offer to take them to a movie. Sometimes getting your mind off things for just a few hours can help to put things in perspective and change your mood. It’s important that you teach your kids not only how to solve their problems, but how to have fun.

 

 

helping your teenager

 

Give Them Space

Sometimes, there’s just nothing you can do at the moment for your teenager. They don’t want to talk, they don’t want your help, and all your attempts at a distraction are ignored. At times like this, it may just be better to give them some space. We all need our own time and space to work things out and teenagers are no different. Let them shut themselves away in their room for a day, then try to help them out again the following day.

 

Seek Additional Treatment

Finally, sometimes your teenager will be facing an issue that requires more than a day at the movies. Teenagers can face some very difficult times, and when this happens, they may need professional help to get through it.  If you find that your child is really having a hard time, look for a therapist they can talk to or consider teen residential treatment. Being a good parent often means getting your teenager the help they need, even if it doesn’t come from you.

We hope you use a few of the tips the next time you’re helping your teenager through a tough time. There’s no simple solution to helping your kid – all you can do is be there for them and try different things until your teen is feeling better.

Tips on Building Your Son’s Character

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on building your son’s character.   Are you striving to raise good, decent human beings? Community service and leadership helps build a child’s character.  Both have the ability to help shape your child’s development and outlook on life.  As parents, building values, integrity, honesty, faith and more is a huge responsibility.   Fortunately, you don’t have to do it alone.

 

 

building your child's character

 

 

My grandson plays in the Virginia Beach Pop Warner football program.  Nothing Is Given Everything is Earned is their motto.  What a lesson to teach our sons and daughters.   It prepares them to be productive human beings and work for what they want in life.

Furthermore, they involve their players in Promise Keepers.  The purpose of Promise Keepers is to help men learn respect, purpose, and influence in their homes and communities. Many lack role models on how to achieve these goals.  So, Promise Keepers helps rise up men with integrity and to identify with Christ.  This includes young men who never attend church.  Furthermore, they teach men to be humble, honor women and children, and follow God at all costs.

Bill McCartney founded Promise Keepers in 1990.  The program has touched the life of 7 million boys and men.  They believe in building a strong foundation that will keep young boys on the right path no matter where their future takes them.

 

 7 Promises in Building Your Son’s  Character: 

 

Honor  – A Promise Keeper is committed to honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer and obedience to God’s Word.  Teach your son to give glory and all honor to God in everything he does.  It will be a blessing to watch him pray, attend church and obey his parents, grandparents and other leaders.  My grandson was leading us in prayer and blessing the food when he was five.

 

Brotherhood – A Promise Keeper is committed to pursuing relationships with other men.  They must strive to understand that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.  So, being a team player is important.  It’s imperative that you teach your son that it’s okay to reach out to others. Teach your son that he doesn’t have to go through life alone or deal with his problems alone.  Being a part of a group helps young men feel like they belong and it helps build a strong foundation for them to stand on.

 

 

building your son's character

 

 

Virtue – A Promise Keeper is committed to practicing spiritual, moral, ethical, and sexual purity.  It’s so important that teens/children have someone to turn to.  Especially, when they reach puberty.  Peer pressure can be difficult for kids.  Socializing with other who have the same values can help during difficult times.  Especially, when difficult decisions have to be made.  Furthermore, teens need to understand that not having sex and not following the crowd is cool. 

 

Commitment – A Promise Keeper is committed to building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.  Many young men come from single parent homes.  As a result, parents come together and open their homes to other team members.  Young boys get an opportunity to see homes that are different from theirs or the same.  It’s important for young men to learn to love who they are and where they come from.

 

Change Making – A Promise Keeper understands that Jesus calls him to be His hands and feet, serving others with integrity. He purposely lifts up the leadership of the church and his nation in prayer.  Teaching your son to give Jesus the glory in that he does will build confidence.  He will learn to rely on someone greater than him, and he will carry it into all aspects of his life.

 

 

 

building your son's character

 

 

 

Unity – A Promise Keeper is committed to reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.  Expose your child to other children who don’t look like them or who don’t worship like them is imperative.  So, it’s important that children understand diversity.  Involving them in programs and being around other who are different from them helps them understand diversity better.

 

Obedience – A Promise Keeper is committed to influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.  Teaching children to be obedient to their parents, teachers, and elders is important.  With this comes manners and respect.

 

Finally, your child doesn’t have to play organized sports or go to church every Sunday to implement these teachings into his life.  You can use these stepping stones in building your child’s character on a solid foundation.  Good character builds a good personality, and it is the basis for personal growth.  It is the core of a person’s characteristics, and character building should start at an early age.

Parenting Tips On Teaching Your Children Life Skills

Preparing our children to go out into the world is an essential part of raising them.  So many children are not prepared to survive in the big world that awaits them.  We depend on our school systems to educate our children; however, their education most also come from their home life.  Teaching children to be responsible and a functional human being is a part of parenting.   So, get them off the electronics and start preparing them for life.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on teaching children life skills.

 

 

 

life skills

 

We have 25 tips on what children should have learned  when they enter adulthood.  Teaching them early and at home will eliminate the stress and strain of not knowing or having sufficient skills to survive.  Lets start on some ideas for teaching children life skills.

 

  • Money Management –  Learning how to balance a check book and management money is a necessary life skill.
  • Organizational Skills – Getting organized and being tidy is a good habit to have.  Especially, if you have roommates during college or after college.  Nobody wants to live with a slob.
  • How to Cook – Teaching both our sons and daughters is a great way to put them on the road to healthy eating.  Preparing healthy meals eliminates the need to order pizza and fast food.  It’s a great skill to have when married with children.
  • Assertive Skills – Being able to express and defend yourself with yelling and violence is a necessary skill.  At some point, it will be needed.
  • How to Clean –  Being clean is another life skill everyone needs.  Being unclean affects your emotional and physical health.
  • How to Mow Grass – Mowing should be a skill taught at home.  Teens should be given this chore as a part of home maintenance.  It will come in handy once they purchase their own.
  • How to Find Employment – Teach your child the importance of making their own money, but also how to apply for a job.
  • How to Change a Tire – The number of teens who don’t know how to change a tire is astounding.  These skills aren’t taught in high school, so teach them at home.  Make it part of the safe driving training.  Most importantly, don’t limit the training to your sons, our daughters should know too.
  • The Importance of Being Punctual – Teach your children the importance of being on time.  Showing up late for a job is unprofessional and showing up late for a date with the girls or friends is rude.
  • Be a Team Player – Being able to work individually is a good trait, but so is being able to work as a team member.  Playing organized sports is a great way to learn this skill.
  • CPR –  Everyone should learn CPR.  It’s a live saving skill.

 

life skills

 

 

  • How to Swim –  If your children are going to attend pool parties or join friends on the beach or other vacation destinations, it’s imperative that they learn how to swim.
  • Good Manners – Also, good manners  is a life skill that will used and needed in everyday conversation as well as on the job.
  • How to Do Laundry – Learning how to wash and iron clothing is a necessary skill.  Looking unkempt on the job or in your everyday life is not a good trait.  Besides, when you look good you feel good.
  • The Importance of Being Positive – A positive attitude is more attractive than a negative one.
  • To Have Faith – We all need to have faith and trust in someone greater than ourselves.
  • How to Drive – Never be dependent on anyone to get you from point A to B.  Being independent is a good thing.  Having a driver’s license will provide a means to getting to school, your job and social activities.
  • Accepting Failure – Unfortunately, life is filled with success and failures.  Accepting failures is as important as accepting the victories in life.
  • Have Integrity – Being honest, trustworthy, fair, and ethical are all traits that we should teach our children.

 

 

life skills

 

 

  • To Pray – Also, praying is our way of thanking God and asking for acceptance, forgiveness and guidance.
  • Be a Good Neighbor – Reach out to your neighbors, and your children will follow your example.
  • Volunteer – Teach your children the importance of volunteering in the community.
  • Stay Active – Staying active is essential to your health.  Take a walk as a family, ride a bike, obtain a gym membership are few examples.
  • Get a Hobby – Having a hobby is important.  Doing things that you love brings joy, reduces stress and relaxes you.
  •  Have a Sense of Humor – We must learn to laugh at ourselves and at the world.  It will make living life much easier.

 

Last, I hope that you are teaching your children these life skills.  We can no longer depend on our school system to raise our children.  Most importantly, we must step up and ensure they are ready to enter the world as an adult.

 

Tips on Teaching Teens About Rules

So, today I’m sharing parenting tips on teaching teens about rules.  Obeying the law can’t start soon enough for teens.  Parenting teens takes skill and forethought.  Teenagers are complex individuals.  Especially, if you take into account that they are finding their place in the world.  This can lead to all sorts of experiments.  You remember when you were a teen, right?  As a result, you have an idea of the influences your teenagers may be exposed to.  

 

 

teaching teens about rules

 

 

 

Parenting teens requires parents to teach them to understand rules and the law.  Understanding the rules and laws help them understand the freedom and privileges they enjoy.  Teaching teens that they are responsible for their actions can help them be better adults.  However, this can be tricky.  It’s a big responsibility as a mom, but it’s not impossible to achieve. These tips on teaching teens about rules and obeying the law can be just the helping hand you need.

 

Teaching Teens About Rules:

 

Rules and the Law

In an editorial in the Huffington Post, Joel Cohen of Talks On Law emphasized a couple of reasons why educators should start teaching law to children at a young age.  Education is starting to shift to a more digitally inclined environment.  As a result, curriculums are now open to a lot of suggestions and modifications.  Parents should at least make children are aware of how rules and the law work.

 

The Importance of Rules

It’s helpful to remember that teenagers are at a time in their lives where they are experiencing many changes.  Things have piqued their curiosity.  Breaking the law, for some, can be tempting.  It gives them a perspective of how it feels to be “above” what they normally have to follow. So, it’s important to make sure teens understand why there are rules.

  • This is why when teaching teens about laws and rules, you should try not to be imposing.  If possible, make it a dialogue so your teens are free to ask questions.  Additionally, do your best to explain things to them as much as possible.

Try to help your teen to understand that rules are important.  Rules allow everyone to enjoy freedom. If someone abuses the rules, someone else loses a privilege.  Likewise, if someone abuses the rules, your teens can lose the freedom to do something they appreciate too.

 

 

teaching your teens about rules

 

 

 

 

What About Consequences

Perhaps another incentive of teaching rules to teens is to help them understand that breaking them has consequences.  There are punishments because those who are expected to follow the law  should have an equal opportunity to benefit from the perks these laws provide.

  • Explaining how certain rules have certain punishments because there are people that were inconvenienced because others didn’t follow the rules.
  • Use examples to demonstrate how certain rules that are broken at home have punishments such as being grounded.  Be sure that your teen understands that rules like this are in place to benefit them.

 

Teaching By Example

Perhaps another helpful concept when teaching teens about rules and obeying the law is to lead by example. You should be the kind of example that allows your teen to see that you are constantly learning about how to be a better citizen by following rules everyday.

  • This extends not just to following road signs, or being a good motorist, but also at home.  When rules are established, you should follow them as well. You should be able to explain why a certain rule is important.  Let them know that rules aren’t there to punish them.
  • If they have doubts about why they should follow rules, perhaps it can be helpful to openly communicate with law enforcement officials who are in the area. Have your teen talk with law enforcement officials so they can freely ask questions.  Make arrangements with a local police officer so your teen can have a conversation with them.

 

A Basic Understanding of Rules and Consequences

When it comes to rules and laws, it’s more or less hit or miss when teaching teens about rules and obeying the law. After all, the complexities of laws can make it quite difficult for them to understand.  These tips on teaching teens about rules and obeying the law could hopefully give you a better perspective on how to approach the issue.  If you’re looking into the legal implications of the subject, please click here.

 

teaching teens about rules and obeying lawsAbout the author: Thalia Mott

Thalia Mott has had a decade of experience as a law writer, which she hopes to share through her works. She is an avid sports fan and loves watching games if she has free time.

How To Get Kids Off Their Phones

These days mobile phones are common place for children as young as 3 years old. The world is a completely different place from when we were younger.   Because of this, it can be hard to know where to draw the line with technology and our children.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on how to get kids off phones.  

 

 

how to get kids off their phones

 

 

There’s nothing wrong with letting your child watch peppa pig or play Final Fantasy 15 for an hour in the evenings.  However, when the hour turns into a large chunk of the day it should become a concern.  If you are struggling with how to get kids off their phones we have a few tips:

Go somewhere with no reception

How to get kids off their phones is a question many parents are pondering.  Another suggestion is to have them pay attention to the wider world.  For example, simply take them somewhere where there is no cell reception.  Of course, in towns and cities you will never find an area which is completely void of cell phone reception.  However, if you venture out to the countryside you should be successful.  Involve your children in nature for awhile.  You can benefit in several way by spending the day hiking in the countryside.  You will bond as a family and a hike contribute to your health.   Most importantly, you will be encouraging them to stop and look at the world around them.  Invite them to take photos of what will remind them of a family outing.  They will gain tangible connections to the world around them and gain an appreciation for nature.

Start a project

How to get kids off their phone you ask?  Offer additional things for the kids to do.  By doing a fun activity or starting a project as a family you will allow your child to focus on something other than their phone.  Furthermore, they will learn new skills along the way.  If you have smaller children build a tree or playhouse. Kids love to climb and play, and they also love to have their own space to do things.  By giving them the task of helping to build a treehouse, they will be much happier and learn new skills which they can use later on in life. They will learn about measurements, colors, and building materials.

 

how to get kids off their phones

Limit Apps

With the number of mobile games that exist, it can feel as if your kids will never get off their devices.  However, as a parent you have the power to control what they do.  Limit how much and what your children download per month.  Set a limit on what games they play and how long they play them. They may get bored and stop playing it all together.  It’s the perfect way to control their gaming habits.

Use Digital Currency

Before you panic we aren’t talking about letting the kids loose with bitcoins.  However, the idea of paying for what you get is actually a brilliant way on how to get kids ooto limit the time they spend playing on their phones. For example, if you were to allow your child a budget of $30 for a month, they would have to spend this money every time they wanted to watch a film on Netflix or play a game online. You can then control how much time they spend on their phone because an hour of use will cost them $1 each time. They will therefore only realistically be able to use their phone for 1 hour each day.

Phone Stack It

If you have never heard of phone stack?  It’s a way to stop people from getting distracted when they are eating dinner or out with family and friends.  The idea is to place everyone’s phone in the center of the table in a pile.  The first person to pick up their phone is the one who has to pay for lunch or do a forfeit. At home you can do this when you sit down for your evening meal. Whoever picks up their phone first will have to clear the table and wash dishes.  This will be a great way to stop your kids playing on their phones.  The last thing they want to do is chores!

Rewards for work

Another way to get your kids off their phones is to set up a reward system.  For example, when your kids complete their chores or homework, they will earn an hour to play on their phones or watch a show on Netflix.  Additionally, this can also apply to not picking up their phones during family dinners and movie nights.  By motivating your child to receive an award, they may be more receptive to cooperating.

Give them a fun outing

Finally, another idea of how to get kids off their phones is a trip.  It can a trip to a theme park, the zoo or even a day at the beach. You will reward your child for not spending more than an hour a day on their phone.  It will teach your child a valuable lesson about earning rewards.  Most importantly, it will teach your child to value the world and all that is has to offer.  Besides, it can be just as fun as playing on their phone.

 

Job Tips for Teens: How to Expose Them to Jobs

Ever heard a child state, “I could never do that” when discussing jobs. Helping your teenage children see beyond the first impressions of an occupation can help them change their perspective.  Today, we have parenting tips on exposing teens to jobs.  They don’t understand the intricacies of various occupations, they form an opinion without really understanding what it entails.

First, helping your child create an appreciation of the work options available is not complicated.  The solution is to expose your children to occupations.  Here are some job tips for teens that will help them appreciate the wide-range of occupations and work options in the world.

job tips for teens

 

 


Expose your children to different occupations 

Next, whenever a person with an unusual profession is mentioned have you children look the profession up.  They can learn about social workers to baristas to medical procedures that involve endovascular training.

Additionally, the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics has a great section on job industries. Each category or job type includes a description of the type of work that is performed in that career, the education needed for the occupation, and the average salary per year.  Additionally, they have a great game section for kids too.

Furthermore, check out books at the library on careers that catch your eye.  A Google search can reveal age-appropriate books with the career you wish to highlight.  Similarly, TV shows that feature a certain profession can be a great way to catch a glimpse of the inner workings of those in that career.  For example, Food Channel for chefs, Home and Garden for landscaping or  flipping homes, and Fashion Runway for fashion design.

Learning the details of a job and the people doing the job will help your child better under the roles.

Play a what-if game with your children

What would happen if sanitation workers stopped collecting garbage?  It is likely many parents would prefer their children chose a different profession. However, discussing what could happen if collection stopped can lead to appreciating these workers.

So, take a career that you or your children might have preconceived ideas about and play the game. Discuss what would happen if nobody chose a certain career.  For example, what if teachers stopped teaching?  Or lawyers stopped practicing law?

This can lead to a great conversation around the dinner table.  Listening to your child and their perceptions on a topic is important.  The benefits of bonding with your child over dinner are numerous.  The conversation can be beneficial for younger children too.  Young children learn words from dinner conversation.


Take your children onsite to see a career firsthand

Other job tips for teens is reading and talking about various careers.  Some children learn best through hands-on experience.   As a result, consider taking them onsite to your workplace.

Next, many companies have a Take Your Child to Work Day.  Parents are allowed to bring their children to work for the day.   Furthermore, many companies have job shadowing as well.  Employees, high school or universities partner with a business and allow students or employees to sit with a person already in the position.  It’s short-term, but a great way to see what is expected.  Most importantly, it allows employees or students to assess their current skills and improve them if needed.

Our job tips for teens include asking family or friends if they will allow your child to visit them on the job.  Some ideas of people to approach include…

 

  • farmers of a livestock farm
  • dog trainers
  • horse breeders
  • veterinarians
  • pilots
  • firemen
  • policy maker
  • wedding planner
  • financial planner
  • cake decorator
  • florist
  • baker

 

Furthermore, one of the best job tips for teens is to have them prepare questions in advance regarding their job.  For example, what is the best part and the least favorite part of your job?  How did you decide on your career, and what is something most people do not know about your line of work or career?

Last, your child will likely walk away from the experience with a deeper appreciation of the profession.  Most importantly, this deeper appreciation can lead to more respect and fewer judgments of various job and those who occupy.

5 Suitable Jobs for Teens

As your kid gets older, they are going to want more independence.  Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on finding suitable jobs for teens.  First their homework, then learning to drive, and before long a job.  Just because they are becoming more independent doesn’t mean you can’t help them out. Especially in recommending a job.  Offering a little guidance can make their job search easier.  Furthermore, it can help prepare them for a future career. If you’re unsure of suitable jobs for teens, here are some suggestions.

 

 

 suitable jobs for teens

 

 


Office Assistant

Kids these days have grown up around technology.  As a result, they are quite good with technology. Offices of all sizes are often looking for people who know their way around a computer and the internet.  Office assistants provide help on various tasks around the office, and your child will get a taste of what it’s like to work in that particular industry.  Additionally, if there is something specific your child has an interest in such as law, graphic design or politics try helping them find a job in  this area.


Food Delivery

Food delivery falls into the suitable jobs for teens.  Restaurants all over the country are always looking delivery personnel.  These jobs are usually part-time, or at late hours, making them perfect for teenagers.  Especially, on the weekends or in their free time. Usually all you need is a driver’s license and a reliable car.  Fortunately, your child will not need much experience or expertise to land the job.  Some restaurants post their open driver positions online.  However, your teenager could simply stop by the a restaurant they like and ask for an application.

 

Truck Driver

Maybe your teenager wants to drive, but is looking for something with more career prospects than food deliveries. If so, they might like becoming a truck driver. Truck drivers are an essential part of the US economy.  As a result, they are often compensated well with benefits packages.  Being a truck driver is not easy, but it is a great job if you have the right temperament. Your teenager will likely need some special driving certifications in order to land the job.  However, if they are willing to put in the time, they could have a rewarding career. So go ahead and suggest a trucking job for your teen, and let them thank you later.

 

Lifeguard or Camp Counselor

For many teens, they do not have time to work during the school year.  Instead they opt for a summer  job.  Other  suitable jobs for teens is to become a lifeguard or to work at a summer camp.  Lifeguards are responsible for making sure everyone remains safe at the ocean, local lakes, or community pools.  So, there is a decent amount of training involved, but it’s a great summer job that many young adults love.

The other option is to be a counselor at a kid’s camp. Counselors watch over the kids, plan out activities, and generally assure the kids have a safe and fun environment.  Depending on where you live, there might be some certifications needed in order to become a camp counselor. In addition, your teen should be comfortable being on their feet for long periods of time.  Especially in hot weather.  But, if your kid loves camps or or just loves kids, this is a great option.

 

Tutor

Finally, what better way for your child to put the information they learn at school to use than to pass it down to someone else.  If your teenager is particularly good at a certain subject, tutors are always in demand.  Tutors have some flexibility over their hours.  Most importantly, they can even set their own rates. Your teen can work with students in their local area or sign up for a site like Tutor.com.  Ensure they meet any requirements.  In addition, if your teenager has aspirations of becoming a teacher, being a tutor first looks great on a college application or resume.

 

While your teenager won’t be able to land just any job while they are young and inexperienced, there are still plenty of jobs available to them.  We hope that you have found our tips on suitable jobs for teens helpful. Have them think about the type of work they want to do, the hours they have available, and how much work they are willing to put in in order to get the job. This will help them narrow down their options.  Hopefully, between the two of you, they will be able to find something that is a great fit for them.

 

 

 

15 Signs of Bullying By Kids

Today, I’m sharing parenting advice on signs of bullying.  Do you have a child in school? If so, this post is for you regardless of their age.  Bullying can start in kindergarten.  Is your child scared to go to school or scared of someone in their class?
School bullies are a national problem in America’s school systems.  Bullies can be found in preschool, elementary, junior, and high schools.  A bully is defined as a person with internal anger, resentment, and aggression.  And, they normally lack interpersonal skills and choose to displace their aggression onto another person.
signs of bullying

 

 

Furthermore, it’s anti-social behavior.  For example, school bullies usually come from families who lack warmth and affection or abusive homes. They are usually poor students and aggressive.  However, this is not always the rule.  A new bred of bullies have emerged.  They are referred to as “brat bullies or cyber bullies“.  These bullies are usually seen as spoiled, and they believe the world revolves around them.

Most importantly, bullying isn’t gender specific.  Believe it or not, girls are just as capable as bullying as boys. They just use different tactics.  Additionally, boys usually resort to physical violence.  Where as girls inflict psychological pain.  For example they may resort to calling their victim names, starting rumors, gossiping, or excluding the victim from groups or parties.  Psychological abuse can be just as devastating as physical abuse.  Some of the effects of psychological abuse are eating disorders, ulcers, depression, and suicide.

Just as importantly,  nasty emails and text messages are a part of the brat bully’s psychological warfare.  So, bullies are not limited to children who come from poverty, low income, or broken homes.  As a matter of fact most suffer from low self-esteem.  They wear the latest fashions, and engage in the latest technological trends, but deep down they feel inadequate.  So know that middle class and well to do homes have bullies too.  They call their victims fat, ugly, poor, make fun of the victim’s family or their cloths. They send emails or post pictures of the victim on-line and start rumors about them.

So, pay attention. Most importantly, if your child’s behavior changes, grades go down or they have mood swings, they may be having problems with a bully.  Likewise, don’t ignore the signs or think that the problem will go away.  You must get to the bottom of the problem and deal with it head on.

 

signs of bullying

 

 

 

Signs of bullying:

  1. Afraid to walk or ride the bus to school
  2. Feeling ill in the morning, and not wanting to go to school
  3. Asking for extra money or starts to steal
  4. Starts bullying siblings
  5. Stops eating or starts eating excessively
  6. Poor grades
  7. Cloths torn or dirty
  8. Starts stammering
  9. Crying themselves to sleep at night
  10. Crying before going to school
  11. Attempts or mentions suicide
  12. States that they hate themselves
  13. Withdraws from activities that they previously enjoyed
  14. Nightmares
  15. Have conversations with your child on what’s happening in school, with friends etc.  You may be able to detect problems during the conversation

 

It’s imperative that you let your know that abuse from other people is unacceptable.  Be sure to notify school officials of your concerns.  Safeguard your child by taking proper action. Bullying affects a person’s self-esteem and leaves life long scars.

Additionally, if your child is a bully you must address the pain that your child is inflicting.  So, don’t think that it’s not a big deal or kids are being kids.  For this reason, it’s imperative that you understand that children are killing themselves as a result of the pain they are enduring.   Most importantly, ask if you’re setting a good example for your child?  Are you contributing to your child’s mistreatment of another person?  Bullying is a serious issue within our society.  I hope my insight on signs of bullying will help you to help your child.  We would love to hear from you about your child’s bully experiences.  Please leave us a comment.

You may also like:   How to Help Victims of Bullies

Tips for Raising Teen Girls

Should single dads take their daughters to get bras or should they seek the assistance of a woman in the family? As mothers, we just take on the responsibility when the times arrives.  But, what about dads?  There are many situations today where moms and dads co-parent.  There are also situations where dads have primary custody of their daughters. When I was growing up, this was basically unheard of.  However, times have changed.  Today there are gay couples raising daughters, single dads raising daughters, widows raising daughters, grandfathers raising granddaughters, uncles raising nieces and the list goes on.  Today, I’m sharing parenting tips on raising teen girls.

 

raising teen girls

 

At some point our little girls, regardless of who’s raising them, will start growing into young ladies.  They will need a bra.  When I look back on my childhood, I can’t imagine my father taking me to the store and purchasing one for me.  I was raised in a traditional home, bras and feminine products were my mother’s responsibility.  Had my father been widowed, I think he would have reached out to one of my aunts or another family member.  Raising teen girls was one thing, but going shopping for a bra was another.

Decades later, I am proud to say that I have nephews who have primary custody of their children and who co-parent.  I think my dad would have been proud and very supportive of them taking on this responsibility.  He would have seen this as a demonstration of character and a demonstration of the morals and values that have been instilled in them.  He probably would wish they would have made wiser choices with the young ladies, but none the less he would have been proud.  I’ll save how this all came to fruition in another post.

 

teen girls

Here’s a few tips for raising teen girls:

  • The endeavor has been made easier for parents these days.  Young girls are now wearing bralettes.  Yes it seems that our young ladies no longer refer to their first bras as training bras, but bralettes.  Dads can purchase bralettes, which resemble undershirts, from Walmart, Target or Macy’s. They are the rage with young ladies now.  Also, they come in a variety of colors and stretch as they develop.
  • Their are several benefits to bralettes:  1)  Dads and daughters don’t have to endure the embarrassment of going to the store and asking for assistance or measurements.  Bralettes can purchased in sizes 4 – 6x and 7-14.

 

For all the single dads raising teen daughters, take a deep breath.  Purchasing a bra for your teen daughter is easier than you think.