Tag Archives: alcoholism

Whatever Happened to Balance and Common Sense?

Whatever happened to balance and common sense? Last week I watched a Dr. Phil show that talked about over the top ways of disciplining. In some situations the discipline actually led to death. There was one segment about a 12-year-old girl in a junior high school who was arrested because she had doodled on her desk. Of course, damaging school property is something that needs to be addressed. However keep in mind that this young girl had first of all, used an erasable marker that would have taken a few seconds to wipe off and second of all, she didn’t … Continue reading →

Letting Children Grow Up Too Fast

“Can I have a cell phone for my birthday?” “How old do I have to be before I can date?” “Can I hang out at the park with my friend?” “Can I get a Facebook page?” These are all questions that a child of mine has asked in the past week. The scary thing is he will be turning 11 years old this upcoming weekend. He is barely a tween. I am sure it is hard being the youngest. To have to sit back and watch your older brother and sister get more privileges can’t be easy. I am trying … Continue reading →

Advantages to Having Your Teen’s Friends Over

When I was younger, especially as a teen, my parents rarely allowed friends to come over. I think it mostly had to do with the fact that they didn’t want to be bothered or deal with the noise. In all honesty I can relate. My kids are on spring break this week and of course they have all these plans for their friends to come over. Since I work from home, it seems almost logical that all the friends would come here. A part of me wants to say no. I still have work to do and frankly, I don’t … Continue reading →

Musings of a Mom

Today is a special day in our family. My oldest son turned 16. Was it really 16 years ago that I went through 32 hours of labor and two hours of pushing to deliver this remarkable young man? I clearly remember the way he looked those first few days whenever he was hungry. His tongue would move in and out. My husband and I jokingly referred to him as a lizard. Now his tongue is sometimes too quick to whip out a zinger or something smart. I remember looking into those deep, dark brown eyes and feeling almost like I … Continue reading →

I Wish I Had Parental Controls On My Children

I wish tweens and teens came with parental controls. I was thinking about that the other day when I was setting time limits on our computer. Recently our family did some renovating and moving around of bedrooms. What used to be the bedroom for my husband and I became my youngest son’s bedroom. We had to temporarily leave the computer in that room until we are able to purchase a new computer desk and move it into the living room. Well one night I woke up at 2 a.m. to use the bathroom and discovered my tween son was on … Continue reading →

When Parents Succeed

When death is knocking at your door, and you’re forced to review your life, what will you consider your single most important success? I know that I will be able to embrace dying much more, provided my daughter has grown up to be a loving, caring, selfless individual. Society is quick to point its collective finger at parents whose children turn into murderers, rapists and thieves, and in some cases, lack of parental supervision is to blame for children who grow up to be criminals. But what about all the kids, who from a very young age, show signs of … Continue reading →

Don’t Take Teen Attitudes Personally

As much as we may not like it, teen attitude is normal behavior. Almost all teenagers go through a period where we love them but let’s face it; we have a harder time liking them. Rather, I should say that we have a harder time liking their behavior. It’s important that we don’t make things personal when our teenagers are going through those more difficult stages. Expressing to a teen, “I don’t like the way you’re acting” is much better than “I don’t like you.” Even if we don’t come right out and say those words we may be demonstrating … Continue reading →

Learn Your Teen’s Love Language

One of my favorite books that I have read more than once is “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. This book talks about the different love languages that we have. They are: words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service and physical touch. Most of us enjoy all of these love languages but we tend to especially appreciate one or two more than the others. By reading this book not only do you discover what your primary love language is but you also realize that it’s usually the love language you show toward other people. The problem … Continue reading →

Technology: If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Join ‘Em

When it comes to technology and teenagers I have decided that if you can’t beat ‘em, then join ‘em. I know that some parents feel very strongly about the advances in technology and that they are messing some kids up. Not only are there the bigger issues with the dangers that can be found in technology (pedophiles accessing our children, sexting, and so on) but there are other smaller concerns that are just as important. Some critics of technology feel that our children are lacking in social skills because there is less face-to-face interacting and more technological interacting. Some teachers … Continue reading →

Talk to Your Teen About Drinking

Although my almost 16 year old son has no interest in attending dances or the upcoming prom, I have other friends whose teenagers are getting ready for these celebrations. They are busy picking out dresses, talking about who they are going with and what they will do. If I were to guess I would bet that most of my friends will be sending their teens off without taking time to talk about drinking. I don’t say that because they don’t care but I think too often there is an assumption that teens should know better. There may be the false … Continue reading →