Communication Overload
Many teenagers today are excellent multi-taskers. They listen to music, do homework, and text all at once. Picture a teenager nestled comfortably on the family couch. The parents have settled in to watch their nightly shows while he does his homework. The teenager has their personal laptop with social networking sites up and their cell phone going off all the time. This young person’s brain is on overload, trying to process the television, … Continue
Teens And Money Management
Ideally, children will learn about money management from their parents. After all, unless a student majors in finance or economics, the finer points of money management are not covered in the classroom. Begin with a stable personal money management system and teach it to children early. Teenagers will always want something; teach them money management by making them earn their next cell phone, iPod or other electronic gadget. Selling Before … Continue
Fostering Academic Success at Home: Structuring Study Schedules and Spaces, Part 2
Parental relationships go a long way toward fostering academic success, but not nearly as much as when parents communicate educational expectations and prioritize academics themselves (see Part 1). Including school work in the schedule and providing study spaces for your kids can go a long way toward communicating your support and the priority you place on hard work and education, in general. At the same time, though, there is no replacement … Continue
Ask the Troubled Teens Staff
If you have a question regarding an issue you are facing with your teenager, please submit it. While we can't guarantee that we'll be able to fully address each question we receive, we promise that we do read each question. Note that the more details you are able to provide, the more accurately … Continue
Latest Articles
Teen Shoplifting
Shoplifting is one of the most common crimes in America, and it is an activity in which many troubled teens engage. According to the National Learning and Resource Center, there are over 27 million shoplifters in America, meaning that approximately 1 in 11 people is guilty of shoplifting. The National Learning and Resource Center also […]
Is Scripture Irrelevant to Contemporary Teens?
According to Solomon, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). But that was thousands of years ago. What about our own modern world, with its constantly outdated clothing styles and technology? It’s easy to think that our own struggles and sinful pressures are unique — if not to us personally, at least to our […]
Fostering Academic Success at Home: Structuring Study Schedules and Spaces, Part 2
Parental relationships go a long way toward fostering academic success, but not nearly as much as when parents communicate educational expectations and prioritize academics themselves (see Part 1). Including school work in the schedule and providing study spaces for your kids can go a long way toward communicating your support and the priority you place […]
Underage Drinking: More of a Problem Than You May Think
As the most used and abused drug among American teens, alcohol routinely puts teens at risk for alcohol addictions as well as related illnesses and injuries, some resulting in deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control, underage drinking is a public health concern that puts many at risk. Commonness of Underage Drinking Even though […]
Communication Overload
Many teenagers today are excellent multi-taskers. They listen to music, do homework, and text all at once. Picture a teenager nestled comfortably on the family couch. The parents have settled in to watch their nightly shows while he does his homework. The teenager has their personal laptop with social networking sites up and their cell […]
Combating Teen Obesity
While eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia get plenty of attention, obesity among teens is a serious problem, as well. In fact, according to a 2009 study, obese teens have the same likelihood of dying by their mid-50s as heavy smokers who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. For overweight, but not obese, […]
What Technology Reveals About Today’s Teens, Part 2
It’s pretty clear that like generations that have gone before them, today’s teens have a thirst for social interaction. They’re often using gadgets to fulfill that desire, but it’s insatiable (see Part 1). They can become addicted and are sometimes undiscriminating in what they post or text. They need guidance from mature mentors, to be […]
What’s Your Excuse? Don’t Pretend, Be Real
You’ve probably seen a T-shirt that says something like “I’m a blonde Polack. What’s your excuse?” The fact is that we all have our excuses for being imperfect — but when they’re ours, we see them as valid reasons, not lame excuses. As we mentor or parent teens, it’s important for us to recognize and […]
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