When is it time to ask for help?

A Parent's Guide to Teenage Behavior

It can be hard for a kid to admit when things aren’t okay. If your teen is displaying negative patterns of behavior, they may be trying to communicate through their actions, instead. Research shows that upsetting experiences and stress are often the culprits behind behavioral issues in teens, and just because you can’t always see an underlying cause, doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong. This guide offers some helpful ways to identify problematic behaviors, understand the effects of highly stressful situations, and help your child cope and move past their experiences in a healthy and proactive way. This assessment is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

While there’s some debate about the reality of technology addictions, unhealthy use of technology has been linked to physical, social, and psychological problems. These include: an increased risk of childhood obesity, depression, cyberbullying, lack of sleep, and poor performance in school.

Most parents find talking about sex and sexuality with their children intimidating, embarrassing, and even somewhat terrifying. This is a normal way to feel in today’s climate where kids are exposed sexual themes earlier than ever but sex is still a “taboo” subject in everyday conversation.

Raising kids in a sex-positive, open environment can improve your relationship with your child and keep the lines of communication open. Here are a few tips to get the conversation started.

In this digital age we now find ourselves in, it is easier than ever for kids and teens to bully their peers. In this digital world, bullies can say something harmful without having to see the physical reactions of their victim or visually experience the effects of their words. To understand the injustice more fully, we first have to admit it exists, educate ourselves, and then take actions to prevent and protect the children in our care.

 No one likes a micromanager--and that includes kids! Adults can understand how frustrating and damaging a micromanager can be, yet most parents micromanage their children heavily and fail to see why kids grow up to be resentful in the aftermath. 

"My parents don't understand what it's like to be my age."

“They just don’t get it!”

Sound familiar? At the Idaho Youth Ranch, we hear these phrases often. And the truth is, they’re true! 

Setting your kids up for success is one of the best ways to building their self-esteem and save yourself a few headaches along the way.

 One of the most common mistakes parents make is attempting to maintain an aura of parental perfection, fearing that either kids will use mistakes against them later, or won’t respect their authority. It can be scary to be vulnerable and “human” in front of your kids by apologizing and admitting fault. But it’s also one of the most important ways you can form a healthy relationship based on mutual respect.

The benefits of having a routine are widely accepted where small children are concerned, but have you thought about your older child's schedule?