Are you often misunderstood? Or do you argue a lot with your friends and family? Maybe you have a hard time conveying your feelings and opinions. And when you try to, no one seems to listen. Communication is a key life skill for teenagers. But through my many years of coaching teens, I’ve realized that this is an area many struggle with. This could be due to the changes that occur in the brain during the teenage years. These changes can contribute to unpredictable emotions, which affect your interactions with others. Of course, taking responsibility for your words and actions is always import ..read more

Do you often feel frustrated because of the conflicts you have with your teens? No parent wants to fight with their teenagers. So what can you do when your teens argue with you? It helps to first understand that having some conflict is normal. As teens undergo a period of rapid change, they start craving more independence. They want more control over their life and decisions. But not all conflicts are inherently negative. In fact, conflicts can even be beneficial if handled correctly. According to research, healthy conflicts are opportunities for growth and learning. Arguing with parents can h ..read more

Do you feel a little nervous thinking about the day you’ll graduate from high school? The amount of freedom you’ll have to carve out your own path in life is exciting. But you might feel overwhelmed by it, too – especially if you have no idea what you plan to do. Many high school graduates go straight to college or university. While this is a common route, you might be exploring other options. After all, going to college after you graduate isn’t the only path to a successful life. As you think about what career to pursue, there are plenty of meaningful ways to use your time. In this article ..read more

Are you worried that you and your teenager are drifting apart? Maybe your teen is busy with school, other activities, or spending time with friends. And when your teen isn’t, the door to his or her room is closed. You can barely have a decent conversation with your teenager – much less hang out as a family. And when you share meals, everyone is on their phones. It’s perfectly normal for your relationship with your teens to change over time, as they’ll have a growing need for independence. But building a strong bond with them is still important. Researchers have found that a good parent-teen re ..read more

Do you expect too much from your teenagers? That might be a hard question to answer. As parents, we want to see our teenagers succeed in life. Whether that’s doing well on their exams or winning a competition, it’s natural to feel proud of their accomplishments. There’s nothing wrong with wanting your teenagers to succeed. You might think that expecting impeccable behavior and excellent performance will motivate your teens to do their best. But in fact, it can do the opposite – causing burnout, anxiety, and a strained relationship with your teens. In this article, I’ll discuss some common sig ..read more

Do you feel like your teens make too many demands without expressing much appreciation? Realizing that you have an entitled teenager is a tough pill to swallow. If left unchecked, your teenagers may carry this sense of entitlement into adulthood. This is why it’s crucial to address and correct these behaviors as early on as possible. Fortunately, your teens are still in a teachable stage of life where they can learn values like compassion and gratitude. Your guidance will play a big role in helping them to do just that. In this article, I’ll discuss the causes of teenage entitlement and the s ..read more

Life is filled with both big and small decisions. Some, like choosing what to eat for dinner, are pretty straightforward. Others, for example, the college you will go to, can have a more significant impact on your life. Research shows that many teens can effectively solve their own problems. Even during this stage of their lives, teens are capable of devising solutions, weighing benefits and risks, and making reasonable choices. So there’s no need to shy away from making decisions in your life. Sometimes, there might not even be a right or wrong decision. No matter the situation, each choice ..read more

Does the thought of your teen dating make you nervous or uneasy? If you said “yes,” you’re not alone. As a parent, it’s natural to worry when your teens start dating. We want them to be happy, healthy, and focused on pursuing meaningful goals. It isn’t enough to tell your teens that “there will be no dating until you turn 18.” Teenage romance is normal, after all. It’s important to strike a balance between setting rules, offering guidance, and letting teens explore dating on their own. In this article, I’ll help you understand what you should know about teen dating. I’ll also share some rules ..read more

How much social media is too much for your teen? How can you spot an addiction in your teen? When almost everyone uses social media apps, you can’t blame your teenagers for doing the same. But you might be concerned that your teens spend too much time on social media. Maybe they’re prioritizing it over in-person relationships or schoolwork. As parents, you want to give your teens the freedom to connect online. But you also hope to encourage them to focus on the most important things in life. So the question is this: Where do you draw the line between normal and excessive?  In this article ..read more

Do you feel like you have too much on your plate? Between your exams, homework, extracurricular activities, chores, and a part-time job… your schedule is packed. You feel like you don’t have enough time to sleep and relax. And you also feel like you don’t have enough time for your friends and family. School-life balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without it, you won’t be a successful or happy student. By striking a balance, you’ll have more time to pursue your hobbies, improve your health, and connect with the people you love. You’ll also get better grades while preventing mental and em ..read more