Today is the beginning of forever

Parents:  Have you heard the statement “Nobody understands me” or “You just don’t get it” from your middle or high-schooler? You’ve tried everything that you could to get through to them, but your efforts don’t seem to be helping.  You feel hopeless, and maybe they do too. 

 

We’ve all been there; being a teenager is hard.  Even the ones who did not have struggles in their lives had a tough time navigating this stage.   Let's think about it, there are so many aspects of life that your child is trying to deal with....grades, peer pressure, bullying etc.  While, at the same, they are trying to find their independence, and you are trying to connect with them. 

 

Teens: Life is not easy.  There is no manual to show you how to handle hard situations. Parents divorcing? Heartbroken? Struggling to fit in? Or maybe even stand out? Then there is the worries about followers, how many likes you got on your last post, who viewed your story, and rumors are not only spread by word of mouth now; they can go VIRAL in minutes.  Your parents didn’t have to deal with all of this because they are from a different generation, so how can they possibly understand?  Oh, and let’s not forget your parents telling you to say no to drugs and abstain from sex .  This is hard stuff.

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Adolescents and Teens are facing more challenges than ever before.  They are growing up in a digital world, a competitive academic culture, and a tumultuous political climate.  Biology indicates the adolescent brain is not fully formed until age 25, so they may be having a more difficult time navigating these treacherous waters on their own.  Whether it's bullying, social media, self-esteem, peer/familial relationships, academic performance, or college admissions, a little support can go a long way.

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