tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14772135748130865312024-02-20T21:28:01.896-08:00Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff)Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)
Parenting Articles, thoughts and tipsSue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comBlogger110125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-77613310436912490012009-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:002009-07-16T06:22:46.413-07:00Sue Scheff: Teens and Gambling Addiction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnhL6FNd90nlHHlhl32IXJTElmrCv-mFbwQFr-uS8YL-RWy_anmF8GVp-vNxkyAH2-blwx4SXnMX6hMf0tDqnzRWRuHoU6halKrjBDmsiNLhaqFKs78t0Ag_ZiyJnEnMbQdzZ844F2Rg/s1600-h/teengambling.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 110px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 83px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359047515952549234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnhL6FNd90nlHHlhl32IXJTElmrCv-mFbwQFr-uS8YL-RWy_anmF8GVp-vNxkyAH2-blwx4SXnMX6hMf0tDqnzRWRuHoU6halKrjBDmsiNLhaqFKs78t0Ag_ZiyJnEnMbQdzZ844F2Rg/s400/teengambling.jpg" /></a><br /><div>“I think if someone had asked me if I had wanted to go out with a beautiful girl or sit at home and play poker, I probably would have said I'd play poker.”<br /><br />– Daniel Gushue, 22 years old<br /><br />Recent studies show that a growing number of young people are compulsive gamblers, particularly obsessed with gambling on the Internet. And now, Canadian researchers say that you may be able to discover who will become an addict one day by studying the behavior of kindergartners. How can you prevent your teen from getting hooked?<br /><br />Daniel was a compulsive gambler.<br /><br />Over the course of two years he racked up 18 thousand dollars of credit card debt.<br /><br />“So on a typical night, my gambling at its worst, say here Oct. 25th,” Daniel says looking at his bank statement, “I deposited $50, I deposited another 50, another 50, a 100, another 100, 50, and then 200. So all-in-all that’s 6- $600.”<br /><br />But was he an impulsive child years ago?<br /><br />Researchers at the University of Montreal say there is a direct correlation: the more impulsive kids are, the more likely they will become gambling addicts.<br /><br />And, experts say, because of the Internet, addiction is a greater problem today than ever.<br /><br />“So whereas 15-20 years ago you have to get into a car, drive to a casino, might take you an hour or two hours or three hours to get there, now you can just pick up your cell phone and be gambling while you are waiting in the doctor’s office, or while you’re waiting at the bus stop,” explains Dr. Timothy Fong, Addiction Psychiatrist.<br /><br />That’s why, experts say, parents need to be proactive.<br /><br />According to psychologist Dr. Larry Rosen that means, “Familiarize yourself with what potential problems your kids might come up against, and sit them down and talk to them.”<br /><br />Daniel doesn’t play online poker anymore, but he does gamble on sports.<br /><br />That makes his girlfriend, Carlee Schaper, nervous. “When it comes to watching him online, sports betting and things like that, I don’t like to see him doing that, because I feel like it’s a slippery slope, and, um, it’s possible for him to go back to his old ways.”<br /><br />“Should I be gambling?” says Daniel, “Probably not. But for the time being I’m in a good place.”<br /><br />Tips for Parents<br />Three-quarters of a million teens have a serious gambling problem, according to research from the University of Buffalo. That includes stealing money to gamble, gambling more money then initially planned, or selling possessions to gamble more. Another 11 percent of teens admit to gambling at least twice a week. Evidence shows that individuals who begin gambling at an early age run a much higher lifetime risk of developing a gambling problem.<br /><br />Some individuals and organizations support teaching poker to adolescents as a real-life means of instructing on critical reasoning, mathematics and probability. They say teaching the probability of winning is the most important aspect of the game and that the mathematics behind the reasoning that will show kids they won’t win in the long run.<br /><br />The legal gambling age in the United States is 21. Poker sites enable minors to play by clicking a box to verify that they are the legal age and entering a credit card number. Age is verified further only if suspicions are raised.<br /><br />Some researchers call gambling the fastest-growing teenage addiction. Teens are especially vulnerable to gambling because of the excitement, the risk and their belief that skill is involved. The Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling and the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling lists the following warning signs that a teen may be struggling with a gambling problem:<br /><br />■Unexplained need for money: Valuables missing from the home and frequently borrowing money<br />■Withdrawal from the family: Changes in personality, impatience, criticism, sarcasm, increased hostility, irritability, making late-night calls, fewer outside activities, a drop in grades and unaccountable time away from home<br />■Interest in sports teams with no prior allegiance: Watching televised sports excessively, exhibiting an unusual interest in sports reports, viewing multiple games at one time, running up charges to 900 sports phone numbers and showing hostility over the outcome of a game<br />■Gambling paraphernalia: Betting slips, IOUs, lottery tickets, frequent card and dice games at home and the overuse of gambling language, such as “bet,” in conversation<br />■Coming to parents to pay gambling debts<br />■Using lunch or bus money to gamble<br />Ask yourself the following questions if you suspect your child has a gambling addiction:<br /><br />■Is your child out of the house or confined to a room with a computer for long, unexplained periods of time?<br />■Does your child miss work, school or extra-curricular activities?<br />■Can your child be trusted with money?<br />■Does your child borrow money to gamble with or to pay gambling debts?<br />■Does your child hide his or her money?<br />■Have you noticed a personality change in your child?<br />■Does your child consistently lie to cover up or deny his or her gambling activities? </div><br /><div><br />Compulsive gambling is an illness, progressive in nature. There is no cure, but with help the addiction can be suppressed. Many who gamble live in a dream world to satisfy emotional needs. The gambler dreams of a life filled with friends, new cars, furs, penthouses, yachts, etc. However, a gambler usually will return to win more, so no amount of winning is sufficient to reach these dreams.<br /><br />The compulsion to gamble can easily lead to self-destructive behavior, especially for teens. If you are concerned that a young person you care about has a gambling problem, encourage him or her to contact a gambling help line in your area or to seek professional help at a gambling treatment facility.<br /><br /><strong>References</strong><br />■American Family Association<br />■Arizona Council on Compulsive Gambling<br />■Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling<br />■National Gambling Impact Study Commission<br />■Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education<br />■University of Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-22831965887883279312009-06-18T10:34:00.000-07:002009-06-18T10:36:20.802-07:00Sue Scheff: Teenage Love - Something to take serious?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NkMSwJQrHS2SSsWKC6Ro_RXAL7KWatihTXrB9-GtD5-R-Kg3f4-BXJ5S-vmHzqo8DHrX3zOzJHqSbHNEnZg_VDVJEa2ZgLDLmgHhLlS73UMgayBcqMGFKZHu3FsZ-1t1YEWznbu2wOI/s1600-h/teenlove2.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 301px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348722645914629170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NkMSwJQrHS2SSsWKC6Ro_RXAL7KWatihTXrB9-GtD5-R-Kg3f4-BXJ5S-vmHzqo8DHrX3zOzJHqSbHNEnZg_VDVJEa2ZgLDLmgHhLlS73UMgayBcqMGFKZHu3FsZ-1t1YEWznbu2wOI/s320/teenlove2.jpg" /></a><br /><p>By <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-12479-SF-Parenting-Teens-Examiner">Richard Hills</a><br /><a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-12479-SF-Parenting-Teens-Examiner~y2009m6d17-Teenage-love-Something-to-take-seriously">Examiner.com</a></p><br /><p><br />I was 17 when I had my first “real” girlfriend (yes, yes, I was a late bloomer). But in fairness that is not to say that I hadn’t fallen in love before that; what many would have called ‘crushes’. Now, as a father, I get to watch this all unfolding in front of me again with my three daughters.<br />To prepare writing this article I was looking for some background data on teenage love, or relationships, and while there is a ton of information out there, it was not the sort of thing I want to address here.</p><br /><p><br />The scenario: I’m in the car to pick up my teenage daughter from middle school. When she gets into the car, she’s simply beaming. “How did your day go?” I ask, “Ohhhh daddy, I met this boy today and …” 30 minutes later as we arrive at home she’s still talking about him. Teenage love; do we take it seriously?</p><br /><p><br />According to all the information out there on the internet, we’d better take it seriously; STD’s, teen abuse, teen sex, teen pregnancy – a plethora of information to make any father lock up his daughter in the top room of the tower and throw away the key!</p><br /><p><br />But these are not the issues I wanted to talk about today. Not that they are not worthy of discussion, they are. I’ve talk about some of them already in past articles and I’ll discuss others later. But today I just wanted to talk about the feelings of love. When your son or daughter comes to you with that silly doe-eyed expression talking about love, what is our first reaction as parents? I’m sure the issues listed above come into mind, but often I think the thought of “puppy-love” comes into mind. “Oh darling, you’re too young to know what real love is”. If you are thinking that let me recommend to you that those words NEVER leave your mouth in front of your child.</p><br /><p><br />Childhood love is an expression of Self. It is a display of much needed independence and moral growth at this age of development. We as parents should not minimize this in the eyes of our youth, in fact I believe it should be encouraged. David Richo, noted psychologist and author often writes about the 5 A’s (attention, affection, appreciation, acceptance, and allowing). These are attributes that we need fulfilled from a very early age. These later, in healthy relationships become the attributes that we desire to give. But we’ll never be able to give them if we never got them from our parents. So, when your teen comes to you in love, don’t dismiss those feelings as ‘puppylove’, or “you’re too young to understand” – trust me, to your teen, YOU don’t know what you are talking about.</p><br /><p><br />In my research I did find an interesting article / study about <a href="http://www.asanet.org/cs/root/topnav/press/teenage_relationships" target="_blank">teenage relationships</a>. This study found our teenage boys have much more feelings then they are normally given credit for. I shouldn’t be surprised (having been one of those boys) – but I am a father of daughters now and the perspective is very different. If we take away our children’s love when they are young, what exactly will they have when they are older adults? It is real love, and should be treated as such. In our experience we know, just as she came bouncing to the car expressing her love, one day she will come running to the car in sorrow and pain over a lost love. Let us, as parents be there both times; first to celebrate… then to commiserate with our child’s healthy growth.<br />For more info: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Be-Adult-Relationships-Mindful/dp/1570628122/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b" target="_blank">David Richo</a></p><br /><p></p>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-31112356802763336002009-06-01T08:11:00.000-07:002009-06-01T08:13:34.373-07:00Sue Scheff: Encouraging Your Child to Success<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZuETUuCCmg9wTgUTVWWLBHWLjZu8YHcmUZSkbx9yoFaViAdLBv6NPLNmWp1-gGRcMKg-3TPv4CXTAwjt1WRiFv84amIOmdfTjAgyTe7ypXv0MqlhMHBraxV69WhHxQ7wT5eK5WjbOTA/s1600-h/book13yrolds.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342377280896108850" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 116px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZuETUuCCmg9wTgUTVWWLBHWLjZu8YHcmUZSkbx9yoFaViAdLBv6NPLNmWp1-gGRcMKg-3TPv4CXTAwjt1WRiFv84amIOmdfTjAgyTe7ypXv0MqlhMHBraxV69WhHxQ7wT5eK5WjbOTA/s320/book13yrolds.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>In today’s economy, this is an encouraging website for teens, tweens and parents. Encouraging your kids to reach for their goals and dreams. This website has great employment tips for all age of teens up to college kids. I am so amazed at the wealth of ideas for kids and being successful!<br /><br /><strong>Want to Raise Successful, Self-Made, Sharing Millionaire Kids?<br /></strong><br />Visit: <a href="http://www.millionaire-kids.com/index.html">http://www.millionaire-kids.com/index.html</a><br /><br />Do your kids think money grows on trees?<br /><br />Do you worry your kids may end up in debt when they grow up?<br /><br />And do you want them to become a doctor or lawyer so they’ll make a high salary and live comfortably?<br /><br />If so, you’re not alone.<br /><br />Sadly, most kids don’t have a clue how to handle money…and will most likely make costly mistakes…no matter how high their salary is…that will cause them years of struggle and stress.<br /><br />Sadly, most kids don’t have a clue how to handle money…and will most likely make costly mistakes…no matter how high their salary is…that will cause them years of struggle and stress.<br /><br />That’s why it’s SO important for you to teach your kids how to develop smart money habits.<br />So they don’t end up stuck working at a dead end job because they need the money…or working for a boss they hate.<br /><br />My name is Sonja Mishek and I have a BA in Commercial Economics and have been a tax preparer, a credit analyst, a small business owner, and real estate investor for over 20 some years now.<br /><br />But more importantly, I’m a proud parent just like you.<br /><br />And I want the very best for my four kids…Rachel (17), Tony (15), Matthew (13), and Maria (11).<br /><br />I want my kids to be…<br /><br />Happy…<br /><br />Successful…<br /><br />Well-Educated…<br /><br />and of course, Financially Secure…<br /><br />And that’s what this website is all about…tips and techniques on how to teach your kids smart money habits so they can become self-made, self-sufficient, successful millionaires.<br /><br />Read more on the above link to the website. </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-6240239726570185532009-05-26T09:31:00.000-07:002009-05-26T09:33:45.248-07:00Sue Scheff: ADHD and Aniexty<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBW69x8Eok5sWUs0ZjCjOAh4aKFsbFIiukYJiSA4HODGHd6zudLIq0_j9OQVVRxWWhNoGMBcGG9jCVjK3UVemyxVVMG1MZUdyekN_1RAxXDJW0izni5gdp8zXwGnV3TlfUp8T4zfNRB4/s1600-h/freedwnloadadhd.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340171385782959010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 281px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFBW69x8Eok5sWUs0ZjCjOAh4aKFsbFIiukYJiSA4HODGHd6zudLIq0_j9OQVVRxWWhNoGMBcGG9jCVjK3UVemyxVVMG1MZUdyekN_1RAxXDJW0izni5gdp8zXwGnV3TlfUp8T4zfNRB4/s400/freedwnloadadhd.bmp" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Is ADHD causing your child’s anxiety? Or could an anxiety disorder be to blame? Symptom and treatment information</strong>.</div><br /><div><br />Free ADHD handout from <a href="http://additudemag.com/">ADDitude Magazine </a></div><br /><div><br />Moderate anxiety - when taking a test or performing in a school play - is normal and healthy. But if your child’s anxiety is more severe and commonplace, you may fear that an anxiety disorder is to blame. ADDitude has made it easier to understand anxiety with this quick comparison sheet that will help you understand the symptoms and treatment of anxiety disorder vs. ADHD. Contents include…<br /><br />Common symptoms of anxiety disorder in childrenAn explanation of primary vs. secondary anxiety in children with ADHDEffective treatment options for children with primary or secondary anxiety</div><br /><div><br />Get your Free Download Here: <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/5435.html">http://www.additudemag.com/RCLP/sub/5435.html</a></div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-22164784065163012152009-05-20T14:43:00.000-07:002009-05-20T14:46:03.298-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXt7xd1Pn1Ev6KXntilMwxz0qSMTFAdIiHtct5NbcDoDj8ro30FLamkXSR0mLm1IGG2NLyC4WuIIWiqaiVgkYRTPTyL4kVbsjrt5HSN2L8BK506dWkGXZtON4SufU1WqKgsjOWRQ8EaA/s1600-h/stopmedabuse.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338025275561729522" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 101px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXt7xd1Pn1Ev6KXntilMwxz0qSMTFAdIiHtct5NbcDoDj8ro30FLamkXSR0mLm1IGG2NLyC4WuIIWiqaiVgkYRTPTyL4kVbsjrt5HSN2L8BK506dWkGXZtON4SufU1WqKgsjOWRQ8EaA/s400/stopmedabuse.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I was asked by caring parents and individuals to give people encouraging news. <a href="http://stopmedicineabuse.org/">StopMedicineAbuse</a> is making a difference in creating awareness in parents and helping open up the lines of communication with their teens and tweens today.</div><br /><div><br />Although almost two-thirds parents have talked to their teens about cough medicine abuse, a large number still have not had this critical conversation. To help alert these parents, many OTC cough medicines will now feature the Stop Medicine Abuse educational icon on the packaging. The icon, which also can be viewed online (see above), is a key reminder for parents that teen medicine abuse is an issue that they need to be aware of. </div><br /><p><strong>How can you help?</strong></p><p><br /><a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/2009/05/11/more-parents-talking-with-their-teens-about-cough-medicine-abuse/">More Parents Talking with Their Teens about Cough Medicine Abuse</a><br />Posted by Five Mom, <a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/?page_id=29">Christy Crandell , on Monday, May 11, 2009</a></p><p><br />Our efforts to educate parents about medicine abuse have reached thousands of families in the United States. With your help, more parents than ever are learning about this risky teen substance abuse behavior and are talking with their teens. According to <a href="http://www.drugfree.org/Portal/DrugIssue/Research/2008_Parents_Attitude_Tracking_Study/Risk_of_teen_prescription_drug_abuse">the Partnership Attitude Tracking Study</a>, released by the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 65 percent of parents have talked to their teens about the dangers of abusing OTC cold and cough medicine to get high-an 18 percent increase in the number of parents who talked to their teens in 2007.<br />My fellow Five Moms and I are excited to share this promising news with you, but there is still much work ahead. Although nearly two-thirds of parents have talked with their teens, 35 percent of parents said that they have not had this important conversation.</p><p><br />We know that when parents talk to their teens about the risks of substance abuse, their teens are up to fifty percent less likely to abuse substances. If you have not already talked with your teens about the dangers of cough medicine abuse, visit our <a href="http://fivemoms.stopmedicineabuse.org/page/talk">talk page</a> for some helpful ideas on how to have this discussion.</p><p><br />It is also critical that we share this information with our friends and communities as well. Too many parents are still unaware that some teens are abusing OTC cough medicine to get high, and it is important that we talk with them about this behavior. By talking with other parents, we can make sure that every family has the knowledge and tools to help keep teens safe and healthy.</p><p><br />Sharing information about cough medicine abuse is easy. It only takes a moment to start a conversation, and thanks to Stop Medicine Abuse, you can <a href="http://ga6.org/five_moms/tellafriend_step1.html">Tell-A-Friend through e-mail</a> or <a href="http://www.stopmedicineabuse.org/take-action/widget/">post the Stop Medicine Abuse widget</a> to your blog or web site. The more parents are aware of cough medicine abuse, the better we can prevent this behavior from happening in our communities.</p><p><br />Have you talked with other parents about cough medicine abuse? Share your advice about having this conversation at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stop-Medicine-Abuse/45153057729">Stop Medicine Abuse Fan page</a></p><p> </p>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-4632206459506807202009-05-15T05:12:00.000-07:002009-05-15T05:15:20.507-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7zV0eh0SyC1WVOKJ3vo1sTittGL21Y6w3GPJE1RyGNPBwFgaij43dQJrmpnsK2Kie967-9f2KlAyyzqwkgk9LkQXTNXzS3ZwlUqVNbZrZoZDViuQPf-NoVcviy7mAzBk7f4EraBf2Uk/s1600-h/schoolcounseler.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336022794769494482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 71px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7zV0eh0SyC1WVOKJ3vo1sTittGL21Y6w3GPJE1RyGNPBwFgaij43dQJrmpnsK2Kie967-9f2KlAyyzqwkgk9LkQXTNXzS3ZwlUqVNbZrZoZDViuQPf-NoVcviy7mAzBk7f4EraBf2Uk/s200/schoolcounseler.gif" border="0" /></a> As a <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Parent Advocate</a>, I always find the some of the best parenting tips and articles on Education.com.<br /><br /> <a href="http://education.com/">Education.com</a> continues to bring many parents, educators and others working with today children up-to-date and timely articles to help us better understand help us raise our kids in today’s society. Summer is around the corner and here are some great parenting tips that can help motivate your kids in a positive direction.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Positive Parenting Tips for Summer<br /></strong>by Trish Hatch, Ph.D Source: <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/partner/articles/schoolcounselor/">American School Counselor Association</a><br />Topics: <a title="Communicating With Children of All Ages" href="http://suescheffblog.com/topic/communicate-children/">Communicating With Children of All Ages</a>, <a class="expandme cursor-pointer" id="more-categories">more…</a><br /><a title="Summer Safety" href="http://suescheffblog.com/topic/child-summer-safety/">Summer Safety</a><br /><br /><br /><br />For 180 days a year, school counselors work with students on how to express their feelings in appropriate ways, how to deal with their anger and how to cope with stressful situations. But what happens when school is not in session, especially during the extended summer break? As a parent, you are the most influential person in your children’s lives, and how you work through family issues can have a positive influence on behavior throughout the family as well as the school. Following are some parenting tips to work on throughout the summer months.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sibling conflicts: Stay on the sidelines of sibling arguments (unless there is bloodshed) and help your children learn to appropriately express their negative feelings. At my school, students learn to use the “magic sentence.” The sentence includes phrases such as “I feel…because,”"I want you to…” and “I am willing to…” Example: “I feel angry because you called me a name and I want you to stop. I am willing to stop calling you names.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Using the magic sentence requires practice and parental guidance. It may feel contrived at first, but if your children and you get into the habit of thinking and stating your feelings rather than acting out, you’ll find it opens up the lines of communication and decreases outbursts.<br /><br /><br /><br />Encourage your children to listen to other people’s magic sentences and then repeat back to them what they understand they heard. If they think they heard, “You said you don’t want me calling you a frog face - even though you really are one. And you want me to stop, but I won’t until you do,” then they may have to listen (or repeat it again) until they get it right.<br /><br /><br /><br />Discipline: Children develop security, increased self-esteem and have fewer behavioral problems when in an environment that provides consistency, rules, consequences, praise and positive acclamations. Consistency means your behavior as a parent is absolutely predictable; this is key. To a child this means, “Every time I throw a fit in the store, Mom or Dad will leave the store” If you give in once, it’s like a slot machine that pays off. Winning once is addicting. If the slot never paid, no one would ever put money in.<br /><br /><br /><br />Having rules in print is important. When the child breaks a rule, the parent can point to a printed sheet and ask, “What is the rule?” This takes the heat off the parent as the bad guy and places it on the “rule.” Rules must be clearly stated and reasonable for the child’s age, developmental level and emotional stability. In some situations, the rules can be created with the child, which creates buy-in. For example: The rule might read: “Marie’s bed time is 8 p.m.” When Marie tries to negotiate for a later time, the parent asks the child, “What is the rule?”and the answer is clear.<br /><br /><br /><br />Also choose consequences that fit when rules are broken. Coming home late from a friend’s house should result in your child not being able to see the friend for a few days. Missing a trip to the amusement park as punishment does not fit this offense. Praise is also important. Look for the good in your child and praise it. Sometimes parents must look hard to find something to praise, but you still should look for it. Also work to build your child’s self-esteem through positive acclamations, such as “You know Billy, I love you because you’re my son, but I really like you because you’re you.” Messages like these really help in building self-esteem, especially when they are unearned and spontaneous. Your child always will appreciate them.<br /><br /><br /><br />Parental conflicts: Two wonderful words can be used when your child wants to engage in an unending argument with you or chooses to defy your authority. They are “nevertheless” and “regardless.” For example:<br /><br /><br /><br />Parent: John, please pick up your room and then feed the dog.Child: But Mom, Sarah never has to do any chores.Parent: Nevertheless, I want you to pick up your room and feed the dog.<br />By using these simple argument deflectors you can avoid the confrontation and negotiation and keep the child’s focus on the issue. These deflectors can be used to avoid arguments in almost any situation. In resolving conflicts at home, especially those regarding how thoroughly your children have accomplished their chores, it helps to specify the task while being direct and to the point. In this way, there is no confusion. You will have the greatest success if you keep the statements short and direct, and you child will feel more successful upon completion. As always, don’t forget to praise a job well done.<br /><br /><br /><br />Family meetings: At least one night a week should be set aside for family meetings. These should be open forum in that everyone should have an opportunity to tell how they feel. A family meeting isn’t the time to punish or discipline but rather to listen to your children’s feelings and concerns and to ask them to listen to yours. Only through open, honest communication can a family increase its positive relationships and grow together.<br /><br /><br /><br />Parenting is hard work. There is no instruction manual for children when they are born. Therefore, we must try new things, hone our skills, learn from and support each other and give ourselves a break when we have rough days. It helps to have a positive attitude.<br /><br /><br /><br />Remember these two phrases from Janet Lane and Henry Chester. Lane says, “Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important.”Chester says, “Enthusiasm is the greatest asset in the world. It beats money, power and influence.”<br /><br /><br /><br />Trish Hatch, Ph.D., is assistant principal, Moreno Valley High School in Moreno Valley, Calif. She can be reached at <a href="mailto:thatch@mvusd.k21.ca">thatch@mvusd.k21.ca</a>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-83521965271144293882009-05-04T09:17:00.001-07:002009-05-04T09:20:25.147-07:00Sue Scheff: Middle School Sex<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNEMBpPFAG3reBykK8fD-7QxOO1rW3PduJNZZWNQCWepgN-KXSopt-c7zxusjSltc2PPVmd5KdZsnoo08OC6TqAyGInLwPQTx34LRB9d5HIS3bJYnZEIahs5e_hvRtJOZG8_xm89aieI/s1600-h/teensex.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332003919724872754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCNEMBpPFAG3reBykK8fD-7QxOO1rW3PduJNZZWNQCWepgN-KXSopt-c7zxusjSltc2PPVmd5KdZsnoo08OC6TqAyGInLwPQTx34LRB9d5HIS3bJYnZEIahs5e_hvRtJOZG8_xm89aieI/s320/teensex.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>Source: <strong><a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></strong></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>“I wanted to be in the 'in' crowd and my friends. And I wanted to be able to say 'yes, I've had sex before,'”<br /><br />– Katelyn, Age 13<br /><br />Katelyn is now 16, but when she was only 13, “I started skipping school,” she says. “Having sex.”<br /><br />“I wanted to be in the ‘in’ crowd and my friends,” Katelyn explains, “and I wanted to be able to say ‘yes, I’ve had sex before’.”<br /><br />According to a new study by the University of Texas, 12 percent of 7th graders have had sex. Nearly 8 percent have had oral sex. What’s more, nearly a third aren’t using protection.<br /><br />Experts say one problem is instead of getting information about sex from their parents and other adults, kids are getting it from other kids.<br /><br />“And a lot of the information that they are getting from each other is poor information, its misinformation, and it’s not good,” says sex educator, Sheena Pope-Holland.<br /><br />And in a time when sexual messages are everywhere, parents need to have lots of conversations about sex and they need to begin when the kids are young.<br /><br />“What they can expect to face in terms of pressures from their friends,” explains teen counselor Marie Mitchell, “In terms of what these new feelings will mean in their lives, what the consequences of acting on those feelings might be.”<br /><br />She says parents also need to be pro-active: Get to know your child's friends. Know what they’re doing and where they're going and when they’re supposed to return.<br /><br />And make sure your rules are age appropriate.<br /><br />“You don't allow a 13-year-older to go out on a date by herself, because she's not mature enough to handle those situations,” says Mitchell.<br /><br />Katelyn has been abstinent for over a year. What convinced her were conversations with teenage mothers.<br /><br />“That was I think the biggest slap in the face to me…for somebody outside of my family to tell me ‘you’re dumb, you’re stupid, look where I am, I have nothing, I have absolutely nothing…do you want to be like this when you’re my age?’”<br /><br />Tips for Parents<br />The American Academy of Pediatrics has suggested that portrayals of sex on entertainment television may contribute to precocious adolescent sex. Approximately two-thirds of television programs contain sexual content, and adolescents who viewed more sexual content were more likely to initiate intercourse and progress to more advanced non-coital sexual activities. Youths in the top 10th percentile of television sex viewing were twice as likely to have sex as those youths who were in the bottom 10th percentile of viewing.<br /><br />Adolescence is a key period of sexual exploration and development. This is the time when teens begin to consider which sexual behaviors are enjoyable, moral and appropriate for their age group. Many teens become sexually active during this period; currently, 46 percent of high school students in the United States admit to having had sexual intercourse. Consider the following:<br /><br />By ninth grade, 34 percent of teens have had sexual intercourse. By 12th grade, this figure increases to 60 percent.<br />On average, teens watch three hours of television every day.<br />Watching a program that talked about sex was associated with the same risks as exposure to a program that depicted sexual behavior.<br />Approximately one in seven television programs includes a portrayal of sexual intercourse.<br />Television programs with sexual content have an average of 4.4 scenes per hour containing sexually related material.<br />Youths who watched more depictions of sexual risks or safety were less likely to initiate intercourse.<br />Watching sex on television predicts and may hasten adolescent sexual initiation. Reducing the amount of sexual content in entertainment programming, reducing adolescent exposure to this content, or increasing references to and depictions of the possible negative consequences of sexual activity could delay when teens embark on sexual activities. A quarter of all sexually active teens will contract a sexually transmitted disease each year. According to 57 percent of adults and 72 percent of teens, the media has given "more attention" to teen pregnancy prevention in recent years.<br /><br />Remember that as a parent you may be able to reduce the effects of sexual content in the media by watching television with your teenagers and discussing your own beliefs about sex and the behaviors being portrayed. Most parents say they have discussed sex with their teenagers, but far fewer teenagers say they had such talks with their parents. Sixty-nine percent of teens report that it would be "much easier" to postpone sexual activity if they could have "more open, honest conversations" about sex with their parents. In addition:<br /><br />About 60 percent of teens have a television in their bedroom. The only way to keep parental control of television viewing is to not let your teen have a television in the bedroom.<br />Unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases are more common among those who begin sexual activity earlier.<br />Two-thirds of sexually experienced teens wish they had waited longer to have intercourse.<br />Seventy-nine percent of teenage virgins are not embarrassed to tell others they have not had sex.<br />Youngsters who receive little parental supervision may have more time and freedom to watch sexually based programming and more opportunities to engage in sexual activity.<br />References<br />The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation<br />Medical News Today<br />Pediatrics<br />Rand Corporation<br />Talk With Your Kids<br />USA Today </div></div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-13999380181739537222009-04-24T06:26:00.001-07:002009-04-24T06:28:58.225-07:00Sue Scheff: Texting, Sexting and Teens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy64_ecjKjitUbPTmTYzhMP3J-6fYQK51auGI682YTByMmrA5XiQq_O-Dsmo5m1oDMaNjDM98rrVFhPrrR46cKH_pUmkdEMInZcGI65NnYiO7fxC83t_7weDk6tMGDL2IUeh3_VNKR1k/s1600-h/loc_logo.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328248909037433282" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijy64_ecjKjitUbPTmTYzhMP3J-6fYQK51auGI682YTByMmrA5XiQq_O-Dsmo5m1oDMaNjDM98rrVFhPrrR46cKH_pUmkdEMInZcGI65NnYiO7fxC83t_7weDk6tMGDL2IUeh3_VNKR1k/s200/loc_logo.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Love Our Children USA is an organization that educates you on protecting our children. I was privileged to be introduced to their Cyberbullying Spokesperson while on <a href="http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/show/segments/view/preventing-cyber-slander/">The Rachael Ray Show</a>. This non-profit organization continually helps many families by not only reaching out to them, but keeping parents up to date on how to keep your children safe and keeping you informed of today’s adolescents and these new activities such as texting and sexting. Well, semi-new activities - to many of us, texting is still foreign, however these kids have their fingers going a mile a minute.</div><br /><div><br />THE ISSUE:Every year over 3 million children are victims of violence and almost 1.8million are abducted. Nearly 600,000 children live in foster care. Every day1 out of 7 kids and teens are approached online by predators, 1 out of 4kids are bullied and 42% of kids are cyberbullied.</div><br /><div><br />THE SOLUTION: PREVENTION! Getting to the root of the cause through education and changing behaviorsand attitudes. Loving and nurturing children. Stopping Violence BEFORE itstarts — creating happy and healthy children … Keeping Children Safe</div><br /><div><br /><strong>CELL PHONE AND TEXT MESSAGING SAFTEY</strong> </div><div><br />Source: <a href="http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org/kidsteens_cell_textsafety.php">LoveOurChildrenUSA</a> </div><div><br /><strong>Are You a Potential Victim of Cell Phone Danger?</strong></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div>Who is text messaging you? If your friends, family and parents are the only ones sending you text messages — than that’s cool! They should be the only people who are texting you!<br />To be safe, you should not give anyone but your close friends and family your cell number. Do not give out personal identifiable information, such as real full name, addresses, phone numbers, photos, descriptive information from which this information could easily be found (like a picture of you in front of a recognizable place, or a photo referring to your sports team by name or by wearing something with identifying information in a photo.)</div><div><br />If you text message people other than your family and close friends, you could be texting people who can cause you harm.</div><div><br />And, it’s not uncommon for bullies to use cell phones to harass other kids and, tragically, it’s not unheard of for kids to be contacted on their cell phone by adult predators.<br />You wouldn’t text a stranger and give them all of your information and let them know what school you go to — would you?</div><div><br />By using common sense and maintaining your privacy when using your cell phone and text messaging you stay safe from online predators and cyber bullies.</div><div><br />What To Do If Strangers Or Bullies Text You?</div><div><br /><strong>REPORT IT immediately!</strong> To your parents, a trusted teacher and the police!<br />No one has the right to bully you! And no stranger has the right to text you!<br />For more information click to read:</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/bullying.php">Bullying</a></div><div><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_stopbullying.php"></a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/bullying_schools.php">Bullying At School </a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/bully_througheyes.php">Bullying …</a></div><div>Through The Eyes Of A Victim <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_bullying_higgs.php">Bullying: What Have I Ever Done To You </a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_bullying_higgs.php">Stop Bullying </a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_cyberbullying.php">Cyberbullying</a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_onlinesafety.php">Online Safety For Kids and Teens</a><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/kidsteens_cell_textsafety.php">Cell Phone and Text Messaging Safety </a></div><div><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/news_missteennj_07.php">Miss Teen New Jersey International 2007 Stand Against Bullies</a> </div><div> </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-16008204580246393972009-04-14T07:56:00.000-07:002009-04-14T07:58:00.675-07:00Sue Scheff: Tattoo's and Teens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jzKAp8S_YKjwkGhQ3U4Fb82z0bXBFy4uPfVZtvhdEQYVnwO6tJ1chm0SBpF3YqrbVmW2LDjC-xfpFLCkauzkECp0QyhD2AsjZF3om0u52WdPrYfMo14elHcgXCGXTcareNElMyx5NN0/s1600-h/teentattoos.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324561306635175570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jzKAp8S_YKjwkGhQ3U4Fb82z0bXBFy4uPfVZtvhdEQYVnwO6tJ1chm0SBpF3YqrbVmW2LDjC-xfpFLCkauzkECp0QyhD2AsjZF3om0u52WdPrYfMo14elHcgXCGXTcareNElMyx5NN0/s200/teentattoos.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://teenshealth.org/">TeensHealth</a></div><br /><div><br />It seems like everyone has a tattoo these days. What used to be the property of sailors, outlaws, and biker gangs is now a popular body decoration for many people. And it's not just anchors, skulls, and battleships anymore — from school emblems to Celtic designs to personalized symbols, people have found many ways to express themselves with their tattoos. Maybe you've thought about getting one. But before you head down to the nearest tattoo shop and roll up your sleeve, there are a few things you need to know. </div><div><br /><strong>WHAT IS A TATTOO?</strong> </div><div><br />A tattoo is a puncture wound, made deep in your skin, that's filled with ink. It's made by penetrating your skin with a needle and injecting ink into the area, usually creating some sort of design. What makes tattoos so long-lasting is they're so deep — the ink isn't injected into the epidermis (the top layer of skin that you continue to produce and shed throughout your lifetime). Instead, the ink is injected into the dermis, which is the second, deeper layer of skin. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically permanent.</div><br /><div><br />Tattoos used to be done manually — that is, the tattoo artist would puncture the skin with a needle and inject the ink by hand. Though this process is still used in some parts of the world, most tattoo shops use a tattoo machine these days. A tattoo machine is a handheld electric instrument that uses a tube and needle system. On one end is a sterilized needle, which is attached to tubes that contain ink. A foot switch is used to turn on the machine, which moves the needle in and out while driving the ink about 1/8 inch (about 3 millimeters) into your skin.Most tattoo artists know how deep to drive the needle into your skin, but not going deep enough will produce a ragged tattoo, and going too deep can cause bleeding and intense pain. Getting a tattoo can take several hours, depending on the size and design chosen.</div><br /><div><br />Read entire article: <a href="http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_art/safe_tattooing.html">http://teenshealth.org/teen/your_body/body_art/safe_tattooing.html</a></div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-25533565173155788762009-04-07T05:29:00.001-07:002009-04-07T05:30:39.861-07:00Sue Scheff: Teens and Drug Use<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fElaeVJ-mR0hrhz8XkRzUkbjRC0II04_HfVaL6Wt4_xYsGKpCGz684-NECGSRVqt4NgbiAxMLv3kZw8-Cp7TybMn04O2Ei_KpmA3iO6cB6nuNHCDMVt2LdhEobO2LELFp1cZx8vwpTc/s1600-h/samsha2.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5321925720168081682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 44px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-fElaeVJ-mR0hrhz8XkRzUkbjRC0II04_HfVaL6Wt4_xYsGKpCGz684-NECGSRVqt4NgbiAxMLv3kZw8-Cp7TybMn04O2Ei_KpmA3iO6cB6nuNHCDMVt2LdhEobO2LELFp1cZx8vwpTc/s200/samsha2.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://www.bblocks.samhsa.gov/">Building Blocks for a Healthy Future </a>Building Blocks for a Healthy Future is an early childhood substance abuse prevention program developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) that educates parents and caregivers about the basics of prevention in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. Designed for parents and caregivers of children ages 3 to 6, Building Blocks will help you open up the lines of communication with young children—and make it easier to keep those lines of communication open as they grow older. </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-42531987320221128472009-04-01T09:02:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:03:55.643-07:00Sue Scheff: Teen Depression<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50uYhpD5YxrsUlcubruAtjr-ZZ9oe9TkUx5hAr1ntxy0Xsy82xCiBn4LVhIk7JE_gaCoZvw8RxdYM9O4Ct0uP7UWECzK4_RRVUUgs7nLfMzBoTRyAlhpJtyyHHogE7w0C-5tnQp3tUi8/s1600-h/usatoday.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319754254874452466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 81px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50uYhpD5YxrsUlcubruAtjr-ZZ9oe9TkUx5hAr1ntxy0Xsy82xCiBn4LVhIk7JE_gaCoZvw8RxdYM9O4Ct0uP7UWECzK4_RRVUUgs7nLfMzBoTRyAlhpJtyyHHogE7w0C-5tnQp3tUi8/s200/usatoday.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I saw on the news last night, experts are saying that parents with children between the ages of 12-18 should have them screened for <a href="http://suescheff.org/">depression</a>. It is not about promoting medication, it is about helping to understand if there are areas in their lives that can be causing stress and anxiety that can leave to making negative choices such has experimenting with substance abuse, hanging with a less than desirable peer group, feelings of low self worth, etc. Like adults, children can be prone to depression and stress and not mature enough to understand these feelings. With this, acting out in a negative way can follow. <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Take time to learn more</a>.</div><br /><div><br />Source: <a href="http://blogs.usatoday.com/betterlife/2009/03/experts-doctors.html">USA Today</a></div><br /><div><br />Experts: Doctors should screen teens for depression.</div><br /><div><br />If you have teens or tweens, government-appointed experts have a message: U.S. adolescents should be routinely screened for major <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?li=USA&articlekey=42217">depression</a> by their primary care doctors. The benefits of screening kids 12 to 18 years old outweigh any risks if doctors can assure an accurate diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, says the independent <a href="http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/USpstfix.htm">U.S. Preventive Services Task Force</a>.It’s a change from the group’s 2002 report concluding there wasn’t enough evidence to support or oppose screening for teens. The task force, though, says there’s still insufficient proof about the benefits and harms of screening children 7 to 11 years old.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://suescheff.org/">Depression</a> strikes about 1 out of 20 teens, and it’s been linked to lower grades, more physical illness and <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2009/02/sue-scheff-20th-annual-teen-study-shows-25-drop-in-meth-use-over-3-years-marijuana-down-30-over-10-years/">drug use</a>, as well as early pregnancy. </div><br /><div><br />Questionnaires can accurately identify teens prone to depression, plus there’s new evidence that therapy and/or some antidepressants can benefit them, the expert panel says in a report in today’s <a href="http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/current.shtml">Pediatrics</a> . But careful monitoring is vital since there’s “convincing evidence” that antidepressants can increase suicidal behavior in teens, the report says.</div><br /><div><br />Accompanying the task force advisory in Pediatrics is a research review saying there have been few studies on the accuracy of depression screening tests, but the tests “have performed fairly well” among adolescents. Treatment can knock down symptoms of depression, say the reviewers from Kaiser Permanente and the Oregon Evidence-Based Practice Center in Portland, Ore. </div><br /><div><br />In a “show me the money” volley back, pediatricians also weigh in on the topic in today’s issue of their journal. Insurance plans and managed care companies that stiff or under-pay pediatricians for mental health services throw up barriers to mental health care in doctors’ offices, says the <a href="http://www.aap.org/healthtopics/depression.cfm">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>. Kids’ doctors should be compensated for screenings, as well as consults with mental health specialists and parents, AAP recommends.</div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-39085056742757414502009-03-15T06:44:00.000-07:002009-03-15T06:45:52.460-07:00Sue Scheff: Stop Bullying Today!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOqCIc7dbs3bTibkLIzO-9zP7GJ1jbyeUPhhCv2-y1E1TMtPy5iZ4M9pQ_stp7J804CVargi264f5ZYgl7vErjgC-7_uPYp3uERwjFWID3fm4zxRzEMgswMu0ECyQncUEhYu02eHqDrM/s1600-h/stopbully.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313410186637446594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOqCIc7dbs3bTibkLIzO-9zP7GJ1jbyeUPhhCv2-y1E1TMtPy5iZ4M9pQ_stp7J804CVargi264f5ZYgl7vErjgC-7_uPYp3uERwjFWID3fm4zxRzEMgswMu0ECyQncUEhYu02eHqDrM/s200/stopbully.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Kids today, both teens and pre-teens, can be extremely mean and cause emotional issues to their target. What can parents do? Read more about how you can help stop bullying.<br />Source: <a href="http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main">Stop Bullying Now</a>!</div><br /><div><br /><strong>What Can Adults Do?</strong></div><br /><div><br />Welcome to the Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now! adult pages. As an adult, one of best ways you can help stop or prevent bullying is to be educated about, and sensitive to, the issue. Bullying is NOT a rite of passage - an undesirable, but sometimes unavoidable, reality of growing up. Rather, bullying is a serious public health issue that affects countless young people everyday. Further, research shows that the effects of bullying can last well into adulthood. Whether you are a concerned parent, an educator or school employee, a health and safety professional, or someone else who works with children, <a href="http://www.suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/indexAdult.asp?Area=howyoucanhelp">there are many things you can do to help</a>.</div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-68590993850866343232009-03-07T04:40:00.001-08:002009-03-07T04:41:17.083-08:00Sue Scheff: Which Battles Should You Pick with your Kids?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIzu7hYJxocIJhbY8wu-xota6yw5PBvJ_RfJwuSsa8ur0Krg4-CylTiekQm403XJlpSq9TicqcripiAbakeQw2Z27I9EJIHGfBD0hrCz1WZJNPNIQuK92zvpxpDh5cWFvtW0n3wThnOQ/s1600-h/battletopick.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310424811803204482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijIzu7hYJxocIJhbY8wu-xota6yw5PBvJ_RfJwuSsa8ur0Krg4-CylTiekQm403XJlpSq9TicqcripiAbakeQw2Z27I9EJIHGfBD0hrCz1WZJNPNIQuK92zvpxpDh5cWFvtW0n3wThnOQ/s200/battletopick.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Doesn’t this sound familiar? I always remember when my kids were teens my friend would say to me, you have to pick and choose your battles - some issues are just not worth the battle. Years later, Connect with Kids offers some great parenting tips on doing exactly that!<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids </a><br /><br />“I love shocking [people], because I’m something somebody will remember.”<br /><br />– Sara Jackson, 16 years old<br /><br />Teenagers are freedom seekers, risk-takers and rule breakers. Pushing limits is just what teenagers do. “I love the rush. I love the freedom,” says 17-year-old Alan Oliver.<br /><br />Sixteen-year-old Sara Jackson agrees that breaking rules and taking chances is a rush. “It’s something I take great pride in. I love shocking [people], because I’m something somebody will remember.”<br /><br />When kids become teens, they start breaking away, trying new things and taking chances. For Sara, that means wearing funky clothes and crazy hairdos. People, especially adults, notice Sara’s wild style.<br /><br />“They come up to me and say you’re looking kind of crazy today. What’s going on with the whole style thing?” she says.<br /><br />But some kids find other, more dangerous ways to show their independence. They take risks. Dan O’brien got involved in drugs and alcohol. “I mean, every time I drank, I drank to get drunk,” he says.<br /><br />Ed Drury, age 17, gets his rush from speeding. Standing around with friends at his favorite Friday night hangout, Ed admits why he likes to come here. “There’s always a lot of racing, a lot of speeding.”<br /><br />Experts confirm what most of us already know. Teenagers oftentimes don’t think about the consequences of their actions. Says Dr. Nancy Macgarrah: “It’s this whole sense of invulnerability tied with the lack of maturity. “<br /><br />Since we know teenagers are going to take chances, experts say it’s wise to be strict on the issues that reallymatter.<br /><br />“You know, it’s not so much … is your hair orange or purple or do you have two earrings or three earrings. I mean, those aren’t life-ending decisions, but whether you wear seatbelts or not, whether you drink and drive or not, you know whether you drive 20 miles over the speed limit. And those all can be life-ending decisions,” Dr. Macgarrah says.<br /><br />For kids like Sara, dressing funky, doing wild things with their hair and just being a little different all satisfy the need for independence.<br /><br />“When I spike my hair, it makes me feel good about myself. I like it. It’s something different. It lets people know what kind of person I am,” Sara says.<br /><br /><br />Tips for Parents<br />The most difficult challenges many parents face, according to the American Psychological Association, come during their children’s teenage years. Teenagers, dealing with a complex world and hormonal changes, may feel that no one can understand their feelings, least of all their parents. Teens and parents alike may be left feeling angry, frustrated and confused. The APA says methods of discipline that worked well in earlier years no longer seem to be effective. As a result, the teen years are “ripe” for producing conflict in the family. Typical areas of conflict may include:<br /><br />Disputes over curfew<br />Choice of friends<br />Spending time with family instead of friends<br />School and work performance<br />Cars and driving privileges<br />Dating and sexuality<br />Clothing, hair styles and makeup<br />Self-destructive behaviors, such as smoking, drinking and using drugs<br />The teen years are tough, but most families seem to be successful at helping their children accomplish their developmental goals: reducing dependence on parents while becoming increasingly responsible and independent. However, the APA does list some warning signs that things are not going well and that the family may want to seek outside help:<br /><br />Aggressive behavior or violence by the teen<br />Drug or alcohol abuse<br />Promiscuity<br />School truancy<br />Brushes with the law or runaway behavior<br />Parents resorting to hitting or other violence in an attempt to maintain discipline<br />There are different styles and approaches to parenting. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, research shows that effective parents raise well-adjusted children who are more self-reliant, self-controlled and positively curious than children raised by parents who are punitive, overly strict (authoritarian) or permissive. Effective parents demonstrate the following behaviors:<br /><br />Believe that both the child and the parents have certain rights and that the needs of both are important<br />Rule out the use physical force to discipline the child<br />Set clear rules and explain why these rules are important<br />Reason with the child and consider the child’s point of view even though they may not agree with it<br />Tips for effective discipline:<br /><br />Trust your child to do the right thing within the limits of your child’s age and stage of development.<br />Make sure what you ask for is reasonable.<br />Speak to your child as you would want to be spoken to if someone were reprimanding you. Don’t resort to name-calling, yelling or other disrespectful behavior.<br />Be clear about what you mean. Be firm and specific.<br />Model positive behavior. “Do as I say, not as I do” seldom works.<br />Allow for negotiation and flexibility, which can help build your child’s social skills.<br />Let your child experience the consequences of his or her behavior.<br />Whenever possible, consequences should be delivered immediately, should relate to the rule broken and be short enough in duration that you can move on again to emphasize the positives.<br />Consequences should be fair and appropriate to the situation and the child’s age.<br /><br />References<br />American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry<br />American Psychological Association<br />Temple University </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-81008259643609635672009-02-20T11:53:00.001-08:002009-02-20T11:54:04.643-08:00Sue Scheff: Kidfluence<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qfmZeiQds2lojRR2ILNdJ6EJxld2ohIbJhybI_jCMAnwIB6oFZxHnjBeErW0jyrmhe_nQKTi8k-4Z5MJae4fld3IuJDYAue4dvXADHijYWxyacTGZUk56QsB2bv_zxB_zVTHVLIYa4Q/s1600-h/kidsfluence.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304970148816969026" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 78px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1qfmZeiQds2lojRR2ILNdJ6EJxld2ohIbJhybI_jCMAnwIB6oFZxHnjBeErW0jyrmhe_nQKTi8k-4Z5MJae4fld3IuJDYAue4dvXADHijYWxyacTGZUk56QsB2bv_zxB_zVTHVLIYa4Q/s200/kidsfluence.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Check out this fantastic and informational website offering webcasts, TV Show, articles and more about today’s teens and all kids. Up to date content on what your kids are doing online and how to understand it all! Yes - all confusing and all ever changing.</div><br /><div><br />Source: Kidfluence</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.kidfluence.tv/">Kidfluence</a> is a brand created to strengthen youth development and education. Through its many programs such as Kidfluence TV, <a href="http://www.kidfluence.tv/teentalkwebcasts.html">Teen Talk </a>and Teen Screen, Kidfluence aims to be a leading advocate on teen issues. </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.kidfluence.tv/">http://www.kidfluence.tv/</a></div><br /><div><br />The heart of the brand is an exciting new television show, Kidfluence TV, that discusses issues, events, and conflicts that affect our youth today.</div><br /><div><br />A diverse group of opinionated personalities ranging from parents, coaches, teachers, professionals, advocates, and of course, tweens and teenagers will contribute to very candid discussions. With so many issues affecting our youth today, everyone has a point of view on what should be done, how matters should be handled.</div><br /><div><br />Kidfluence is a television program that allows everyone to be an influential and a loyal supporter of tackling youth issues head on.</div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-69503228218538613292009-02-06T06:24:00.001-08:002009-02-06T06:25:23.322-08:00Sue Scheff: Talking to Your Teens About Inhalant AbuseSource: <a href="http://inhalant.org/">Inhalant.org<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299690121899519634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 127px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 95px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6dWSF2RAn4uwu_y93LZyXos1TRu1XMnvvtFI3BBExGnd4aA2iygESCMv9jncWF7o0oOOi1ibjZj9K3EHJL5vlyYwie2PUOCMmpaPzzneOsUEzdZ15RhhrhrqViBKrCl1cUdv_DQ2IwY/s320/inhalant3.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>• Ask your pre-teen or teenager if he or she knows about Inhalant Abuse or<br />is aware of other kids abusing products.<br /><br />• Reinforce peer resistance skills. Tell him or her that sniffing products to get<br />high is not the way to fit in. Inhalants are harmful: the “high” comes with<br />high cost.<br /><br />• Encourage your child to come to you if he or she has any questions about<br />Inhalants.<br /><br />• Tell your child that the consequences of Inhalant Abuse are as dangerous as<br />those from abusing alcohol or using illegal drugs. Be absolutely clear<br />— emphasize that unsafe actions and risky behavior have serious consequences.<br /><br />• Monitor your teen’s activities — set boundaries, ask questions. Be firm,<br />know his or her friends and his or her friends’ parents, know where they<br />meet to “hang out.”<br /><br />• Educate your child about the dangers, but don’t mention specific<br />substances unless your child brings them up. While many youngsters know<br />kids are sniffing some substances, they may not know the full range of<br />products that can be abused; and you don’t want to give them suggestions.<br /><br />• Tell your children that you love them and that their safety is your number<br />one priority. Tell them again…and again…and again.</div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-91820391501489439272009-01-29T07:11:00.000-08:002009-01-29T07:13:08.332-08:00Sue Scheff: ADHD and Drug AbuseSource: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a><br /><br />“In a way that athletes have used steroids and other medications in the past to enhance their athletic performance, Adderall is actually being used to kind of pseudo-enhance their academic performance.”<br /><br />– Heather Hayes, M.Ed., Counselor.<br /><br />Nineteen-year-old Marisa McCorkle has been using Adderall for two years.<br /><br />“I use it for various reasons,” she says, “like tests, it helps me on tests. [And it] helps me stay awake, and [with] studying.”<br /><br />It sounds like a wonder drug. Adderall – an amphetamine commonly used to treat ADHD. But, studies show it’s being abused more and more.<br /><br />“In a way that athletes have used steroids and other medications in the past to enhance their athletic performance, Adderall is actually being used to kind of pseudo-enhance their academic performance,” states Heather Hayes, a licensed professional counselor.<br /><br />One of the biggest problems with using the drug recreationally is that most teens are unaware of its dangers.<br /><br />Twenty-year-old “Dave,” a college student, says, “I think it’s pretty safe unless you’re taking five at a time.”<br /><br />But experts say even in small doses, the dangers of taking Adderall can range from headaches, increased heart rate and insomnia to things far worse.<br /><br />“Any amphetamine has the potential to give someone an amphetamine psychosis,” warns Hayes. “So when you take a lot of amphetamines and you’re not sleeping, then you will literally hallucinate. … [You] will absolutely leave reality and become delusional and paranoid.”<br /><br />Hayes says parents need to make the dangers of taking Adderall clear to teens. Otherwise, they may continue to believe it’s a cheap and easily available drug that helps them study. Marisa and Dave are examples of students with this belief.<br /><br />“I get it for free, but I know people who will give … maybe two to five dollars [per pill],” says Marisa.<br /><br />“Actually, I’m gonna go to my doctor and, uh, try to get a prescription next semester,” says Dave, “’cause I think it’s a really effective way to get good grades. I wouldn’t think it was that hard to, uh, fake having ADD.”<br /><br />But others say Adderall fools you – that it only seems like it’s helping kids study. Amanda Mattison, 17, has seen first-hand what can happen.<br /><br />“[Students taking Adderall] can focus when they’re taking it, and they study and they cram for five or six hours and they’re good-to-go for the exam,” she says, “but by the time the exam rolls around, they’re either too worn out or … it’s lost it’s effect.”<br /><br />“Bottom line,” says Hayes, “Adderall is as dangerous of a drug when unsupervised as any other medication. It’s addictive and it is dangerous.”<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong><br /><br />Adderall, manufactured by Shire Pharmaceuticals Group of the United Kingdom, is a stimulant prescribed for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. Shire states, “Adderall isn't intended to enhance test scores and should only be used under medical supervision.”<br /><br />Adderall is a fast-acting mixture of amphetamines. Amphetamines act on the brain by mimicking the neurotransmitter dopamine, which increases alertness and concentration. Studies conducted by the National Institutes of Health in the late 1970s found that low-dose stimulants increase concentration and alertness in everyone, not just people with attention disorders. Here are some things to know about ADHD:<br /><br />ADHD is a medical condition linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Doctors believe it stems from biological, not environmental, conditions.<br />Generally, people with ADHD have trouble focusing on tasks or subjects, and they may act impulsively and often get in trouble.<br />Approximately 3 to 7 percent of school-age children and 4 percent of adults suffer from ADHD.<br />Adderall is one of a handful of stimulants prescribed for ADHD.<br />Side effects of Adderall can include loss of appetite, insomnia and weight loss.<br />During late-night study marathons, students from grade school to med school have long relied on stimulants– which include everything from caffeine to cocaine. But with Adderall, and other similar prescription drugs, some high school and college students are hoping to improve scores on standardized (and even classroom) tests. Other students are turning to alternative medicine, such as hypnosis or herbal supplements, for an extra edge.<br /><br />The concern with Adderall is not from a single use. One pill won’t kill you. But one pill is likely to lead to a second pill, then a third and a subsequent snowball effect where physical damage can occur. Also, Adderall is relatively easy to obtain. Overall, prescriptions for stimulants have risen from 1.6 million in 2000 to 2.6 million a month in 2004. Adderall XR, a once-a-day, extended-release form of the drug, is the leader in its class, capturing about a third of the market. Consider the following:<br /><br />Prescription drug use was once rare, but it has now crossed into the mainstream.<br />Prescriptive amphetamines have figured prominently in calls to emergency departments and poison control centers.<br />Kids, and even their parents, are desperate for any available academic edge and willing to go to the extreme to obtain it.<br />Some students feel extra pressure because they feel they are not just failing themselves, but also failing their parents and other family members.<br />The College Board, the nonprofit administrator of the SAT, has no rules explicitly prohibiting drug use. Spokeswoman Chiara Coletti says, "We certainly do not recommend that students take any drugs or stimulants in hopes of affecting their scores."<br />Some kids taking Adderall have valid prescriptions, but not all. Under federal law, it's illegal to knowingly possess a "schedule II" drug (like Adderall) without a prescription. But prosecutions for possession are rare.<br />Many schools would suspend or expel a student caught using marijuana or other street drugs but might not punish students taking prescription drugs to help with test taking.<br /><br />References<br />ADHD Support and Resources from Eli Lily<br />National Institutes of Health<br />Nature Magazine<br />Shire Pharmaceuticals Group<br />TeensHealth<br />The Wall Street JournalSue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-51126636324958876322009-01-11T16:51:00.000-08:002009-01-11T16:52:31.356-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Gangs<strong>Teen Gangs and Teen Cults</strong><br /><br />Gangs prey on the weak child that yearns to fit in with a false illusion they are accepted into the “cool crowd”. With most Gangs as with Teen Cults, they can convince your child that joining “their Gang or Cult” will make them a “<a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-teen-peer-pressure/">well-liked and popular</a>” teen as well as one that others may fear. This gives the teen a false sense of superiority. Remember, many of today’s teens that are acting out negatively are suffering with extremely low self confidence. This feeling of power that they believe a gang or cult has can boost their esteem; however they are blinded to the fact that is dangerous. This is how desperate some teens are to fit in.<br /><br />In reality, it is a downward spiral that can result in damage both emotionally and psychically. We have found <a href="http://suescheff.info/">Teen Gangs</a> and Teen Cults are sometimes hard to detect. They disguise themselves to impress the most intelligent of parents. We have witnessed Gang members who will present themselves as the “good kid from the good family” and you would not suspect their true colors.<br />If you suspect your child is involved in any Gang Activities or any Cults, please seek local therapy* and encourage your child to communicate. This is when the lines of communication need to be wide open. Sometimes this is so hard, and that is when an objective person is always beneficial. Teen Gangs and Teen Cults are to be taken very seriously. A child that is involved in a gang can affect the entire family and their safety. Take this very seriously if you suspect your child is participating in gang activity or cult association.<br /><br /><a href="http://suescheff.info/">Learn more click here.</a><br /><br />Need help - visit <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">www.helpyourteens.com</a>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-45691411448524748582008-12-09T13:28:00.001-08:002008-12-09T13:29:30.953-08:00Parents Universal Resource Experts - Sue Scheff - Teen Runaways<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S4OXWG6XVy6tl-TgruLj-cfEBUShu62A_ZKvAs798HRzGoDNIwcvTWiZVxEaCOOwxhRmfE5YMrvR2Naz4FbLT3NiJ3Wh51hD3kBAPDUoMZM5EmBszDez8W34csFBMYwzpUKHOG5T21g/s1600-h/teenrunaway.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5277905484007404962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 108px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 74px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6S4OXWG6XVy6tl-TgruLj-cfEBUShu62A_ZKvAs798HRzGoDNIwcvTWiZVxEaCOOwxhRmfE5YMrvR2Naz4FbLT3NiJ3Wh51hD3kBAPDUoMZM5EmBszDez8W34csFBMYwzpUKHOG5T21g/s200/teenrunaway.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Teen Runaways are on the increase. Many teens think that the grass is greener on the other side.</strong><br /><br />They are confused and following the crowd of peers making poor choices. Teens want to escape the “rules of a household” and we as parents, become their number one enemy. They feel that they are fearless and can prove they can survive without their parents and our rules. Rules are put in place for a reason; we love our children and want them to grow up with dignity and respect we try to instill in them. Their flight plan, in some ways, is a cry for attention. Many times runaways are back home shortly, however there are other situations that can be more serious. This is not to say any child that runs away is not serious, but when this becomes a habit and is their way of rebelling, a parent needs to intervene.<br /><br />So many times we hear how “their friend’s parents” allow a much later curfew or are more lenient, and you are the worst parents in the world. This is very common and the parent feels helpless, hopeless and alone. It is all part of the manipulation the teens put us through. With their unappreciative thoughts of us, they will turn to this destructive behavior, which, at times, results in them leaving the home.<br /><br />Some teens go to a friend’s house or relative they believe they can trust and make up stories about their home life. This is very common, a parent has to suffer the pain and humiliation that it causes to compound it with the need to get your child help that they need. If you fear your child is at risk of running, the lines of communication have to be open. We understand this can be difficult, however if possible needs to be approached in a positive manner. Teen help starts with communication.<br /><br />If you feel this has escalated to where you cannot control them, it may be time for placement and possibly having your child escorted. Please know that the escorts (transports) are all licensed and very well trained in removing children from their home into safe programs. These escorts are also trained counselors that will talk to your child all the way, and your child will end his/her trip with a new friend and a better understanding of why their parents had to resort to this measure.<br /><br />Helpful Hint if you child has runaway and you are using all your local resources – offer a cash reward to their friends privately, of course promising their anonymity and hopefully someone will know your child’s whereabouts.<br /><br />Having a teen runaway is very frightening and it can bring you to your wits end. Try to remain positive and hopeful and do all you can to help understand why your child is acting out this way. These are times when parents need to seek help for themselves. Don’t be ashamed to reach out to others. We are all about parents helping parents.<br /><br />Learn more at <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">http://www.helpyourteens.com/</a> . </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-55474457469331941782008-12-03T15:44:00.001-08:002008-12-03T15:46:14.736-08:00Sue Scheff: Teen Courts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5189Q0qa5KKzwgnrko-Lx13LPJP6DevKnojATqEQqLrcfGmc8UHYliOZW4J-PICep2jjYImyYJsjOyfd3iqKpeAJoR6mzFzwPwGnQZ7hncwGeCrTjq2wf8RD16WsZ4PiuFktmgJICGc/s1600-h/teencourt.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275713877915149250" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5189Q0qa5KKzwgnrko-Lx13LPJP6DevKnojATqEQqLrcfGmc8UHYliOZW4J-PICep2jjYImyYJsjOyfd3iqKpeAJoR6mzFzwPwGnQZ7hncwGeCrTjq2wf8RD16WsZ4PiuFktmgJICGc/s320/teencourt.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></div><div> </div><div>“[I]t feels like at times you have more … power in the school system and more of a chance to make a decision for others and help make decisions.”<br /><br />– Anthony Mayson, 14 years old<br /><br />“Can you all please stand and raise your right hand,” the bailiff says as he administers the oath to the eight jurors about to hear a case.<br /><br />Meanwhile, in another room, the “attorneys” prepare their cases for the prosecution and the defense while the judge prepares to enter the courtroom.<br /><br />There’s only one unusual thing about everyone involved in this court proceeding: All of the participants are high school students. However, the cases they handle are real.<br /><br />Eight years ago, about 80 youth court programs existed across the country. Today, that number has increased to more than a thousand.<br /><br />Fourteen-year-old Anthony Mayson says participating in the teen court gives him – and the other students involved – a real feeling of empowerment.<br /><br />“It feels good. And it feels like at times you have more … power in the school system and more of a chance to make a decision for others and help make decisions,” Anthony says. “[It gives you a chance to] not only be a younger person but be able to be at the same level as an adult.”<br /><br />Most teen courts handle minor discipline problems ranging from insubordination to first-offense truancy. Teen courts do have power. The sentences are limited to written apologies or hours of community service, but the indictment, the defense, the prosecution and the verdict are handled entirely by the students.<br /><br />John De Caro, a teen court coordinator, says the youth court helps demystify the legal process for teens and makes them feel like they’re part of the system.<br /><br />“[It helps break] down the barrier between the “us” and “them” that usually exists,” De Caro says. “And this way, it’s sort of in their own hands and they feel as though they have an actual stake in the system.”<br /><br />Experts say that parents should encourage their children to participate in a teen court in their community or in their school. If the community doesn’t have a youth court, families should help start one in order to provide their children with the opportunity to learn about responsibility and the consequences of risky behavior.<br /><br />“It’s no longer something that they just view on television or hear about on the news; it’s actually [something] that they can get a feel for themselves,” says faculty adviser Charlotte Brown.<br /><br />Tips for Parents<br />Teen courts are real elements of the judicial system that are run by and for young people. In a teen court, all or most of the major players in the courtroom are teens: the lawyers, bailiffs, defendants, jurors, prosecutor, defense attorney and even the judge. A teen court either sets the sentence for teens who have pleaded guilty or tries the case of teens who – with parental approval – have agreed to its jurisdiction.<br /><br />How many teen courts are there in the United States? What began as just a handful of programs in the 1960s has risen to over 1,000 teen courts in operation, according to the U.S. Justice Department.<br /><br />The Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) says that teen courts are generally used for younger juveniles (ages 10 to 15), those with no prior arrest records and those charged with less serious violations, including the following:<br /><br />Shoplifting<br />Vandalism<br />Illegal alcohol possession<br />Criminal or malicious mischief<br />Disorderly conduct<br />Traffic violations<br />The OJJDP says that teen courts impose the following types of sentences:<br /><br />Paying restitution (monetary or in kind)<br />Attending educational classes<br />Writing apology letters<br />Writing essays<br />Serving jury duty on subsequent cases </div><div><br />According to the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), while these courts may vary in composition, responsibilities and operation from town to town, their goal remains the same: to provide teens with an opportunity to take an active role in addressing the problem of juvenile crime within their communities.<br /><br />Teen courts take advantage of two of the most powerful forces in the life of an adolescent – the desire for peer approval and the reaction to peer pressure. Teens sometimes respond better to their peers than to adult authority figures. Youth courts can be a potentially effective alternative to traditional juvenile courts staffed with paid professionals, such as lawyers, judges and probation officers.<br /><br />The U.S. Justice Department says that teen courts offer at least four potential benefits:<br /><br />Accountability: Teen courts may help to ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their illegal behavior, even when their offenses are relatively minor and would not likely result in sanctions from the traditional juvenile justice system. </div><div><br />Timeliness: An effective teen court can move young offenders from arrest to sanctions within a matter of days instead of months that may pass with traditional juvenile courts. </div><div><br />Cost savings: Teen courts usually depend heavily on youth and adult volunteers, with relatively little cost to the community. The average annual cost for operating a teen court is $32,822, according to the National Youth Court Center. </div><div><br />Community cohesion: A well-structured and expansive teen court program can affect the entire community by increasing public appreciation of the legal system, enhancing community-court relationships, encouraging greater respect for the law among teens and promoting volunteerism among both adults and teens. </div><div><br /><strong>References</strong><br />National Crime Prevention Council<br />U.S. Department of Justice </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-8804590299672671672008-11-20T14:04:00.001-08:002008-11-20T14:04:50.546-08:00Sue Scheff - Parenting Teens - Parenting Tips<a href="http://www.suescheff.com/">Sue Scheff</a> – Founder of <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">Parents’ Universal Resource Experts</a> and Author of <a href="http://www.witsendbook.com/">Wit’s End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-Of-Control Teen</a><br /> Offers 10 Parenting Quick Tips<br /><br /><br />1. Communication: Keeping the lines of communication of your child should be a priority with all parents. It is important to let your kids know you are always there for them no matter what the subject is. If there is a subject you are not comfortable with, please be sure your child has someone they can open up to. I believe that when kids keep things bottled up, it can be when negative behaviors can start to grow.<br /><br />2. Knowing your Children’s Friends: This is critical, in my opinion. Who are your kids hanging out with? Doing their homework with? If they are spending a lot of time at a friends house, go out of your way to call the parent introduce yourself. Especially if they are spending the night at a friends house, it important to take time to call the parents or meet them. This can give you a feeling of security knowing where your child is and who they are with.<br /><br /><br />3. Know your Child’s Teachers – Keep track of their attendance at school: Take time to meet each teacher and be sure they have your contact information and you have theirs if there are any concerns regarding your child. In the same respect, take time to meet your child’s Guidance Counselor.<br /><br />4. Keep your Child Involved: Whether it is sports, music, drama, dance, and school clubs such as chess, government, school newspaper or different committees such as prom, dances and other school activities. Keeping your child busy can keep them out of trouble. If you can find your child’s passion – whether it is football, soccer, gymnastics, dance, music – that can help keep them focused and hopefully keep them on track in school.<br /><br /><br />5. Learn about Internet Social Networking: In today’s Cyber generation this has to be a priority. Parents need to help educate their kids on Cyber Safety – think before they post, help them to understand what they put up today, may haunt them tomorrow. Don’t get involved with strangers and especially don’t talk about sex with strangers. Avoid meeting in person the people you meet online without you being there. On the same note – cell phone and texting – don’t allow your child to freely give out their cell numbers and never post them online. Parents should consider <a href="http://www.reputationdefender.com/mychild">ReputationDefender/MyChild</a> to further help protect their children online.<br /><br />6. Encourage your teen to get a job or volunteer: In today’s generation I think we need to instill responsibility and accountability. This can start early by encouraging your teen to either get a job or volunteer, especially during the summer. Again, it is about keeping them busy, however at the same time teaching them responsibility. I always tell parents to try to encourage their teens to get jobs at Summer Camps, Nursing Homes, ASPCA, Humane Society or places where they are giving to others or helping animals. It can truly build self esteem to help others. <br /><br /><br />7. Make Time for your Child: This sounds very simple and almost obvious, but with today’s busy schedule of usually both parents working full time or single parent households, it is important to put time aside weekly (if not daily at dinner) for one on one time or family time. Today life is all about electronics (cell phones, Ipods, Blackberry’s, computers, etc) that the personal touch of actually being together has diminished.<br /><br />8. When Safety trumps privacy: If you suspect your teen is using drugs, or other suspicious behaviors (lying, defiance, disrespectful, etc) it is time to start asking questions – and even “snooping” – I know there are two sides to this coin, and that is why I specifically mentioned “if you suspect” things are not right – in these cases – safety for your child takes precedence over invading their privacy. Remember – we are the parent and we are accountable and responsible for our child.<br /><br /><br />9. Are you considering outside treatment for your child? Residential Therapy is a huge step, and not a step that is taken lightly. Do your homework! When your child’s behavior escalates to a level of belligerence, defiance, substance abuse or God forbid gang relations – it may be time to seek outside help. Don’t be ashamed of this – put your child’s future first and take steps to get the help he/she needs – immediately, but take your time to find the right placement. Read <a href="http://www.witsendbook.com/">Wit’s End!</a> for more information. <br /><br />10. Be a parent FIRST: There are parents that want to be their child’s friend and that is great – but remember you are a parent first. Set boundaries – believe it not kids want limits (and most importantly – need them). Never threaten consequences you don’t plan on following through with.Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-64341911768669643162008-11-15T06:14:00.001-08:002008-11-15T06:15:48.788-08:00Sue Scheff: Counseling can cut back on Youth Drinking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeINrtiX80thqHZDmvxTSr2saJ4e6y02-h-xtqICW0OBUIcVYWZfYnSXrPZOs2Y6p0qThZBQ-XqSvN4UwM6X0MVdLPATdQedBUwJIhpEJFkYsg1S6VQTyPTtZYX2d8fKYyUKS6H1RM3I/s1600-h/youthdrink.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268887508219777634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 50px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeINrtiX80thqHZDmvxTSr2saJ4e6y02-h-xtqICW0OBUIcVYWZfYnSXrPZOs2Y6p0qThZBQ-XqSvN4UwM6X0MVdLPATdQedBUwJIhpEJFkYsg1S6VQTyPTtZYX2d8fKYyUKS6H1RM3I/s320/youthdrink.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a><br /><br />“If it comes from me, I’m the objective observer. I’m interested in the child, and I try to let them know that. I want what’s best for them, but yet it’s not Mom or Dad saying that.”<br /><br />– Rhonda Jeffries, M.D., Pediatrician<br /><br />It’s a troubling fact of life: some kids drink.<br /><br />“Especially the older they get,” says Dr. Rhonda Jeffries, a pediatrician. “And by senior year, 50 percent or more of kids are drinking. And in fact, by 12th grade, usually 80 percent of the kids have tried alcohol.”<br /><br />But can a doctor persuade kids not to drink? Kids seem to think so.<br /><br />“I think coming from somebody besides, maybe, just the parents for some people it will help,” says 18-year-old Andrew Scott, a high school senior.<br /><br />Lars Thrasher, 17, agrees. “I would think it would be more helpful from a doctor,” he says.<br /><br />And Christine Terrell, calls doctors advice on drinking and other potentially touchy subjects “extremely beneficial.”<br /><br />According to a study published in the Annals of Family Medicine, when a physician spends just a few minutes talking to kids about the dangers of alcohol, those kids are 50 percent less likely to drink.<br /><br />Dr. Jeffries says: “If it comes from me, I’m the objective observer. I’m interested in the child, and I try to let them know that. I want what’s best for them, but yet it’s not Mom or Dad saying that.”<br /><br />The study reports when kids talked with their doctor, they had 55 percent fewer traffic accidents, 42 percent less emergency room visits and fewer arrests for underage drinking. It seems that when doctors warn kids about alcohol, they listen.<br /><br />Christine Terrell explains: “They’re not invested in you as their child. They’re invested in you for your health, for your interests, for your sake. And I would definitely listen to a doctor, and I have listened to doctors who have talked to me about subjects like that.”<br /><br />The study suggests it’s a good idea to ask your doctor to talk with your children about alcohol. Of course, experts add, parents should bring up the subject as well. “They need to be open to discussion and to bringing these issues up with their kids,” says Dr. Jeffries. “And I think that parents who are in touch with their kids and connected to them are really helpful in getting their children though adolescence without negative effects.”<br /><br />LaShauna Pellman, 17, sums it up best. “If my parents tell me something,” she says, “then I listen to them even more.”<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong><br /><br />Alcohol-related fatalities are a leading cause of death among young adults in the United States. In the United States, 70.8 percent of all deaths among persons aged 10 to 24 result from only four causes – motor-vehicle crashes, other unintentional injuries, homicide and suicide.<br /><br />Should your family doctor take just a few moments to counsel your child about the risks of alcohol, there is great potential for positive outcome. Just a few minutes of a doctor's counseling helped young adults reduce their high-risk drinking and the number of traffic crashes, emergency room visits, and arrests for substance or liquor violations, says a study in the Annals of Family Medicine. Consider the following:<br /><br />Underage drinking causes over $53 billion in criminal, social and health problems.<br />Alcohol is a leading factor in the three leading causes of death for 15- to 24-year-olds: automobile crashes, homicide and suicide.<br /><br />Primary-care doctors should make it a priority to counsel young adults about high-risk drinking. Young adults, ages 18 to 30, who received counseling about reducing their use of alcohol:<br /><br />Experienced a 40 to 50 percent decrease in alcohol use.<br />Reported 42 percent fewer visits to the emergency room.<br />Were involved in 55 percent fewer motor vehicle crashes.<br /><br />The ways a parent can influence his or her teen’s drinking habits is complex. A universal method regarding what works best in preventing underage drinking may not exist. A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that a parent’s attitude toward drinking influences a child's behavior in various ways. One controversial finding was that teens who drank with their parents were less likely than others to have binged or used alcohol at all in recent weeks. Others, of course, argue passionately that parents who drink with their underage children are not only breaking the law but encouraging dangerous behavior that can lead to life-long consequences.<br /><br />The Journal study also found that strict parenting can curb kids' drinking. Teens who said they feared they would have their privileges taken away if they got caught drinking were half as likely to drink as those who thought their parents would not punish them. In addition, consider the following:<br /><br />The average girl takes her first sip of alcohol at age 13. The average boy takes his first sip of alcohol at age 11.<br /><br />Teenagers who said their parents or their friends' parents had provided alcohol for a party during the past year were twice as likely as their peers to have used alcohol or binged during the previous month.<br /><br />Nearly 75 percent of teens surveyed said they had never used alcohol.<br />About 25 percent of teens in the study said they'd been at party in the past year where parents supplied alcohol.<br /><br />Fourteen percent of teens surveyed said they were with their parents the last time they drank.<br /><br />References<br />The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<br />Focus Adolescent Services<br />Health Day<br />National Youth Violence Prevention Center<br />Reuters<br />U.S. Department of Health and Human Services<br />University of California, IrvineSue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-21119009766803588652008-10-30T10:11:00.000-07:002008-10-30T10:13:08.802-07:00Sue Scheff: Mistreated DepressionSource: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a>
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<br />“Basically, psychiatrists are pretty busy. They don’t want to spend a lot of time with people. They want to get people in and out, maybe two or three an hour. … It pays better to do that than spending an hour doing psychotherapy.”
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<br />– David Gore, Ph.D., clinical psychologist
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<br />Fifteen-year-old Sarah McMenamin suffers from depression. It started a year ago with the death of her father.
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<br />“I was just like, ‘I just want to die,’” she says, describing her feeling before seeing a therapist. “I would never kill myself, but I just wish I was dead, I just wish I was never going to wake up.”
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<br />For depressed teens, experts at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry say what can help is medicine – combined with talk therapy.
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<br />“I think the therapist helped me,” explains Sarah, “’cause it was talking, you know, I got it out. I didn’t bottle everything up.”
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<br />“The advantage to getting some therapy along with medication is that you get to the root of the problem,” explains Dr. David Gore, clinical psychologist. “You get to see why you’re feeling that way. And if you start understanding why you’re feeling that way, chances are pretty good you’ll stop feeling that way.”
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<br />But according to a new study from Thomson-Reuters, more teens than ever are getting medication without psychotherapy. Why? Gore has an answer.
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<br />“Basically, psychiatrists are pretty busy,” Dr. Gore says. “They don’t want to spend a lot of time with people. They want to get people in and out, maybe two or three an hour. … It pays better to do that than spending an hour doing psychotherapy.”
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<br />Three months ago, Sarah started seeing a new doctor.
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<br />“Right away he put me on Zoloft,” she says. “He didn’t even know me for an hour and he put me on it.”
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<br />But psychologists say medicine alone just won’t work as well.
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<br />“You take your pill, you’ll get some immediate relief,” explains Dr. Gore, “but the problem’s going to crop up again in two months or four months or six months. You’ve got to get to the root of the problem.”
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<br />Sarah will resume talk therapy again in a few months. She says she is looking forward to it.
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<br />“You get it out on the table and you know your feelings’” she says, “and you go in thinking it’s one thing and you come out finding out it’s like 10 different things and you’re like, ‘Wow.’”
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<br /><strong>Tips for Parents </strong>
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<br /></strong>All teens experience ups and downs. Every day poses a new test of their emotional stability – fighting with a friend, feeling peer pressure to “fit in” with a particular crowd or experiencing anxiety over a failed quiz – all of which can lead to normal feelings of sadness or grief. These feelings are usually brief and subside with time, unlike depression, which is more than feeling blue, sad or down in the dumps once in a while.
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<br />According to the Nemours Foundation, depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months or even longer. It also interferes with a person’s ability to participate in normal activities. Often, depression in teens is overlooked because parents and teachers feel that unhappiness or “moodiness” is typical in young people. They blame hormones or other factors for teens’ feelings of sadness or grief, which leaves many teens undiagnosed and untreated for their illness.
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<br />The Mayo Clinic reports that sometimes a stressful life event triggers depression. Other times, it seems to occur spontaneously, with no identifiable specific cause. However, certain risk factors may be associated with developing the disorder. Johns Hopkins University cites the following risk factors for becoming depressed:
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<br />Children under stress who have experienced loss or who suffer attention, learning or conduct disorders are more susceptible to depression.
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<br />Girls are more likely than boys to develop depression.
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<br />Youth, particularly younger children, who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder.
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<br />If you suspect that your teen is clinically depressed, it is important to evaluate his or her symptoms and signs as soon as possible. The National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association cites the following warning signs indicating that your teen may suffer from depression:
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<br />Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
<br />Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
<br />Irritability, anger, worry, agitation or anxiety
<br />Pessimism or indifference
<br />Loss of energy or persistent lethargy
<br />Feelings of guilt and worthlessness
<br />Inability to concentrate and indecisiveness
<br />Inability to take pleasure in former interests or social withdrawal
<br />Unexplained aches and pains
<br />Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
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<br />It is important to acknowledge that teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol or become sexually promiscuous to avoid feelings of depression. According to the National Mental Health Association, teens may also express their depression through other hostile, aggressive, risk-taking behaviors. These behaviors will only lead to new problems, deeper levels of depression and destroyed relationships with friends and family, as well as difficulties with law enforcement or school officials.
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<br />The development of newer antidepressant medications and mood-stabilizing drugs in the last 20 years has revolutionized the treatment of depression. According to the Mayo Clinic, medication can relieve the symptoms of depression, and it has become the first line of treatment for most types of the disorder. Psychotherapy may also help teens cope with ongoing problems that trigger or contribute to their depression. A combination of medications and a brief course of psychotherapy are usually effective if a teen suffers from mild to moderate depression. For severely depressed teens, initial treatment usually includes medications. Once they improve, psychotherapy can be more effective.
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<br />Immediate treatment of your teen’s depression is crucial. Adolescents and children suffering from depression may turn to suicide if they do not receive proper treatment. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Americans aged 10-24. The National Association of School Psychologists suggests looking for the following warning signs that may indicate your depressed teen if contemplating suicide:
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<br />Suicide notes: Notes or journal entries are a very real sign of danger and should be taken seriously.
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<br />Threats: Threats may be direct statements (“I want to die.” “I am going to kill myself”) or, unfortunately, indirect comments (“The world would be better without me.” “Nobody will miss me anyway”). Among teens, indirect clues could be offered through joking or through comments in school assignments, particularly creative writing or artwork.
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<br />Previous attempts: If your child or teen has attempted suicide in the past, a greater likelihood that he or she will try again exists. Be very observant of any friends who have tried suicide before.
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<br />Depression (helplessness/hopelessness): When symptoms of depression include strong thoughts of helplessness and hopelessness, your teen is possibly at greater risk for suicide. Watch out for behaviors or comments that indicate your teen is feeling overwhelmed by sadness or pessimistic views of his or her future.
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<br />“Masked” depression: Sometimes risk-taking behaviors can include acts of aggression, gunplay and alcohol or substance abuse. While your teen does not act “depressed,” his or her behavior suggests that he or she is not concerned about his or her own safety.
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<br />Final arrangements: This behavior may take many forms. In adolescents, it might be giving away prized possessions, such as jewelry, clothing, journals or pictures.
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<br />Efforts to hurt himself or herself: Self-injury behaviors are warning signs for young children as well as teens. Common self-destructive behaviors include running into traffic, jumping from heights and scratching, cutting or marking his or her body.
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<br />Changes in physical habits and appearance: Changes include inability to sleep or sleeping all the time, sudden weight gain or loss and disinterest in appearance or hygiene.
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<br />Sudden changes in personality, friends or behaviors: Changes can include withdrawing from friends and family, skipping school or classes, loss of involvement in activities that were once important and avoiding friends.
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<br />Plan/method/access: A suicidal child or adolescent may show an increased interest in guns and other weapons, may seem to have increased access to guns, pills, etc., and/or may talk about or hint at a suicide plan. The greater the planning, the greater the potential for suicide.
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<br />Death and suicidal themes: These themes might appear in classroom drawings, work samples, journals or homework.
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<br />If you suspect suicide, it is important to contact a medical professional immediately. A counselor or psychologist can also help offer additional support.
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<br /><strong>References</strong>
<br />American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
<br />American Foundation for Suicidal Prevention
<br />Johns Hopkins University
<br />Mayo Clinic
<br />National Association of School Psychologists
<br />National Depressive and Manic-Depressive Association
<br />National Institute of Mental Health
<br />National Mental Health Association
<br />Nemours Foundation
<br />Thomson-Reuters
<br />Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-87076449515193950732008-10-16T06:17:00.000-07:002008-10-16T06:19:04.917-07:00Parents Universal Resource Experts- Sue Scheff - Teen Runaways - Parent Help<strong>If you are currently dealing with a runaway, act immediately. Do not waste any time in utilizing every resource you can to find your child.<br /></strong><br />The list below details a plan of action and tips for finding help.<br /><br /><strong>Tips For Finding a Runaway</strong><br /><br />Keep an updated phone list with the home and cell numbers of your teen’s friends. Using the phone list, call every one of your teen’s friends. Talk immediately with their parents, not their friends, as teenagers will often stick together and lie for each other. The parent will tell you anything they know, including the last time contact was made between their child and yours. They will also know to keep closer tabs on their own child.<br /><br />Keep an updated photo of your child on hands at all times. With this photo, create one-page flyers including all information about your teen and where they were last seen. Post these flyers everywhere your teen hangs out, as well as anywhere else teenagers in general hang out. Post anywhere they will allow you to.<br /><br />Immediately contact your local police. It is advised that you actually visit the office with a copy of the flyer as well as a good number of color photos of your teen. Speak clearly and act rationally, but make sure that they understand how serious the situation is.<br /><br />Contact the local paper in order to run a missing ad. Also, contact any other printed media available in your area; many will be very willing to help.<br /><br />Contact your local television stations, as well as those in nearby counties. Most stations will be more than happy to run an alert either in the newscast or through the scrolling alert at the bottom of the screen.<br /><br />Having a teen runaway is very frightening and it can bring you to your “<a href="http://witsendbook.com/">Wits End</a>”. Remain positive and be creative: try to understand why your teen is acting this way, what they are running from and where they might be running. These are times when parents need to seek help for themselves. Don’t be ashamed to reach out to others. We are all about parents helping parents. Please visit Sue Scheff™’s <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Parents Universal Resource Experts</a>™ to find support and professional help with your runaway situation.<br /><br />Right Direction can also help at <a href="http://www.rdas.net/">www.rdas.net</a>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-63236946553142060252008-10-05T14:33:00.001-07:002008-10-05T14:33:47.759-07:00Sue Scheff: Teen Truancy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGnlwYDbCuxlpPeO5Hna69PpE3fEcQXDWHNzg9OKx06Ktyn3PWsOhwVKqkstnnPLtcV9l7qZ2cGVjNKrVhSZAiGmbna1MHBl8up9shkfOZMWOUH6hb43uGtZnzw1wyHQqTvOtN19ds68/s1600-h/teentruancy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5253786126430542130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGnlwYDbCuxlpPeO5Hna69PpE3fEcQXDWHNzg9OKx06Ktyn3PWsOhwVKqkstnnPLtcV9l7qZ2cGVjNKrVhSZAiGmbna1MHBl8up9shkfOZMWOUH6hb43uGtZnzw1wyHQqTvOtN19ds68/s320/teentruancy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Truancy is a term used to describe any intentional unauthorized absence from compulsory schooling. Children in America today lose over five million days of their education each year through truancy. Often times they do this without the knowledge of their parents or school officials. In common usage the term typically refers to absences caused by students of their own free will, and usually does not refer to legitimate "excused" absences, such as ones related to a medical condition. It may also refer to students who attend school but do not go to classes. Because of this confusion many schools have their own definitions, and as such the exact meaning of the term itself will differ from school to school and district to district. In order to avoid or diminish confusion, many schools explicitly define the term and their particular usage thereof in the school's handbook of policies and procedures. In many instances truancy is the term referring to an absence associated with the most brazen student irresponsibility and results in the greatest consequences.<br /><br />Many educators view truancy as something much more far reaching than the immediate consequence that missed schooling has on a student's education. Truancy may indicate more deeply embedded problems with the student, the education they are receiving, or both. Because of its traditional association with juvenile delinquency, truancy in some schools may result in an ineligibility to graduate or to receive credit for class attended, until the time lost to truancy is made up through a combination of detention, fines, or summer school. This can be especially troubling for a child, as failing school can lead to social impairment if the child is held back, economic impact if the child drops out or cannot continue his or her education, and emotional impact as the cycle of failure diminishes the adolescent's self-esteem. </div>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1477213574813086531.post-21076191294597834262008-09-24T07:09:00.000-07:002008-09-24T07:10:54.458-07:00Sue Scheff - Learn More about Teen and Youth GangsPlease visit my new website that has a vast amount of information on Teen and Youth Gangs.<br /><br /><a href="http://suescheff.info/">Click here.</a>Sue Scheffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280699369282151042noreply@blogger.com