Search Results for: blog giving teens space

GivingTeens Space to Work Things Out

It’s really difficult when you know what the right thing to do is and you try to express that to your child, but they reject it. In fact, it’s downright frustrating but yet as a parent you know that sometimes you have to just let your child figure things out on their own. In my case it is an issue with a friendship, one that has existed since one of my children was a toddler. They have been best friends, growing up together both in the church and at school. We also live close to each other so they spend … Continue reading →

Teens and Bedrooms: A Place to Escape

It’s not uncommon to hear parents of teens complain that all they do is spend time in their bedroom. The door closes and the next thing all you hear is music thumping. It can sometimes feel like your teen is closing the door in your face but most of the time, it is their way of escaping the world. A couple of summers ago our family became foster parents to two young children. They lived in our home from June through September. It was during that time we began to call my oldest son’s room his “cave.” That’s because the … Continue reading →

When Teens Don’t Share Everything

Some recent events that have unfolded in my home have opened my eyes to some truths that while they may not be easy to accept, they are part of raising teenagers. It is the belief that your teens will share everything going on in their world. I guess I really thought I had the market on this one but apparently not. One of the things that both my husband and I have strived to do in our home is to create a safe, secure refuge. That means our children can trust us, even when it means telling us the hard … Continue reading →

Teens Need Rules But They Also Need Freedoms

There is no question that teenagers need rules, which is many times not a difficult thing for parents to mete out. What can be more challenging is also giving teenagers their freedoms. It can be difficult to draw the line between the two. However some issues are non-negotiable and require firm rules. For instance rules should be established concerning a curfew, the ability to drive the family car or even in dating. In each family the logistics of those rules will vary but they should be established and then discussed. I will admit that I have no problem coming up … Continue reading →

Giving Teens Space

Do you ever feel like you just need some space? You need time alone, time to finish a project, time to just chill? We all have those moments where we just need some space. The same is true for our teens and we should learn how to recognize those moments and at the same time, respect those moments. One of the things I try really hard to do is to put myself in my children’s shoes. I try to step outside of self and take a good look at my children’s lives. I try to envision what life can sometimes … Continue reading →

Do Teens’ Messes Ruin a Home’s Feng Shui?

A few years ago, I bought a book about how to “Feng Shui” your living space. Since then, I’ve picked up a few more books and articles about energy, chi, and the art of arranging one’s environment for optimal health and happiness. I have to admit, however, that with a houseful of teenagers, there is only so much work and control I can exert over my environment. What I’m wondering—is does the teenagers’ messy rooms and constant clutter ruin my home’s Feng Shui? I have read quite about how important it is to have movement in my wealth area, and … Continue reading →

When You Can’t Fix It

When things go terribly wrong, young children typically take solace in their parents’ consolations.  They want to know that everything will be okay and that their setback, pain or discomfort is temporary.  However, as kids age the tide can change.  Sometimes when bad comes knocking tweens and teens don’t want to hear that all will be well, that they should “get over it,” or that so-and-so has it much worse.  Rather, they want you to agree their situation sucks and allow them to macerate in their misery for a while. Moms especially are prone to wanting to fix all the … Continue reading →

Get the Most Bang for Your Travel Buck

Want to live like the President of the United States without having to spend millions campaigning for the title? Then head to Charlotte, North Carolina, before September 8th. That’s where you’ll find the “American Presidential Experience 2012.” The traveling exhibit is one of the hot spots for non-politicos checking out the Democratic National Convention. Visitors of all ages, races and creeds can get in some hands-on learning about this country’s top job and the men who held the position, from George Washington to Barack Obama. The 30,000-square-foot, nonpartisan exhibit is crammed with presidential memorabilia, including a full-size recreation of the … Continue reading →

Surviving Cabin Fever

That’s the view from my kitchen window. Okay, not really. Minus the whale and it comes pretty darn close. Winter in Wisconsin. Enough said. Still, weather experts keep harping on the fact that we’ve had a mild winter thus far. Of course, our neck of the woods often experiences wind chills in the -20 to -30 degree range (take note of the minus signs), so I suppose single digits, teens and 20s above zero is a virtual heat wave. But, I’m from Hawaii, so everything is relative. Regardless, when you have kids, winter can be a real drag even if … Continue reading →

What Are Your Parenting Decisions Based On?

I was recently thinking about a couple of decisions that my husband and I had to make concerning two of our children. In one situation the decision was favorable for that child but for the other it wasn’t. They were two entirely different circumstances but it got me thinking about the motivation behind the decisions we make as parents. Have you ever really thought about what motivates you to make a decision? Sometimes you are motivated by your mood at the moment. If you are in a bad mood, you might be quick to make a decision that you wouldn’t … Continue reading →