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Quiet. Not Gone It’s been a minute since I’ve been here. Life has been busy, messy, humbling, and at times downright brutal, and this is one of those posts that needed to be written before anything else. If you’ve noticed that Guiding Teenagers  has gone quiet for a while, you weren’t imagining it. The silence was real. And honestly, it wasn’t because I stopped caring. Far from it. This space has always meant something to me. It was never just about throwing parenting tips onto the internet and hoping something stuck. It was about helping parents make sense of the teenage years, supporting families through hard times, and talking openly about the things too many people still whisper about, especially mental health . But somewhere along the way, life hit harder than expected. Over the past year, I’ve been dealing with some deeply personal challenges, including major life changes, emotional stress, and mental health struggles that forced me to step back and focus on surviving before I could even think about writing. Some stretches in life are about building. Others are about just trying to hold everything together so it doesn’t all turn into a complete dumpster fire. This was one of those times. There were days when writing felt impossible. Not because I didn’t have anything to say, but because I had too much. Too much noise. Too much pain. Too much life happening all at once. And when that happens, even the things you love can go quiet for a while. That’s part of the truth I want to say out loud here: sometimes silence does not mean apathy. Sometimes silence means someone is doing everything they can just to keep going. And if you’re a parent reading this, you probably understand that better than most. A lot of parents are carrying more than they show. You’re trying to raise good kids, pay attention, hold routines together, keep the house moving, manage stress, and somehow still be emotionally available at the end of the day. That’s no small thing. Add in anxiety, depression, burnout, family issues, grief, financial pressure, or just plain exhaustion, and suddenly “keeping it all together” starts feeling like a full-contact sport with no whistle. That’s one reason I still believe this kind of platform matters. Because families do not need more polished nonsense. They need honesty. They need encouragement. They need practical guidance. They need someone willing to say, “Yeah, this is hard,” without giving up on the fact that it can still get better. That’s what I want Guiding Teenagers  to keep standing for. Not perfect. Not preachy. Not one of those sites that acts like every parenting problem can be fixed with a color-coded chart, a deep breath, and a TikTok swipe. Those things have their place, I guess, but some days your teen is overwhelmed, your patience is hanging on by a thread, and the only chart you need is one that points to coffee and a prayer. What I’m saying is this: real life has a way of knocking people down. It’s knocked a lot of people down. It knocked me down for a while too. But being knocked down doesn’t get the final say. Sometimes it reminds you that getting back up still matters. And during that time, I learned something that only hard chapters can teach. Mental health is not a side issue . It is not extra. It is not something we talk about only when things fall apart. It affects how we parent, how we communicate, how we react, how we cope, how we show up, and how we recover.  It affects our teenagers too. That’s why this site is still here. That’s why I’m still here. And that’s why, even after a long silence, I’m not interested in coming back with B.S.  I want to write things that are real. I want to write things that help. I want to write for the parent who feels like they’re failing because their teen is struggling. I want to write for the parent who loves their kid deeply but has no clue how to break through the attitude, the shutdown, the anxiety, the anger, or the distance. I want to write for the families trying to hold onto connection in a world that keeps pulling everyone in a hundred directions at once. And yes, I also want to write for the people who are struggling personally and quietly, the ones trying to keep showing up even when life has knocked them around more than a little lately. So where has Guiding Teenagers  been? Quiet, yes. But not abandoned. Behind the scenes, I’ve been taking care of life, taking care of myself, learning the hard way, and updating the site as I’m able. Maybe not at the speed I would have liked, but then again, life rarely cares about our preferred timeline. It just throws something else at us and says, “Here, deal with this too.” Somewhere in the middle of all that, while parents are searching for answers on Google and teens are living half their lives between TikTok, Instagram, and whatever app is changing by the week, I’ve been trying to get my footing back. Somehow, we do. And that brings me to what comes next. This isn’t a grand relaunch speech with fireworks and a drumroll. Let’s not get carried away. I’m not rolling in on a white horse with a perfect content calendar and a flawless sleep schedule. But I am  coming back with purpose. You can expect more real conversations here about parenting, teen behavior, emotional struggles, family connection, and the mental health challenges that so many families are facing but still don’t always know how to talk about. You can expect honesty. You can expect compassion. You can expect practical help. And now and then, you can probably expect a little humor too, because if we can’t laugh once in a while, you’d go crazy. Most of all, you can expect this: I haven’t given up on this mission. And for Guiding Teenagers , happy 3rd birthday! Three years strong, even with the bumps, bruises, and quiet stretches in between. If anything, walking through hard things has made me believe in it even more. Sometimes the people who have been knocked down a few times are the ones who understand best what it means to need support, direction, patience, and hope. Not fake hope. Not shiny social-media hope. Real hope. The kind that says, “This is hard, but we’re not done here.” That’s the heartbeat behind Guiding Teenagers . It always has been. So if you’ve been here before, thank you for sticking around. If you’re new here, welcome. And if your own life has been loud, painful, confusing, or exhausting lately, I just want to say this plainly: you are not the only one, and you do not have to have everything figured out to keep moving forward. Sometimes getting back up is the first win. This post is mine. And more are co ming. written by: Daniel Currie edited by: Leonard & Susan Cotter Love it? Share it!  (links below the written date/references!) Make sure they know where it came from 👌 #GuidingTeenagers #CurlyStacheBlogs #BloomingThoughts Take me back to more blog articles !  ✒️ Take me home  🏠 Back to the top  ⬆️

written by: Daniel Currie Introduction: Sibling Issues Have you ever seen a minor sibling dispute spiral out of control? Today, we dive into a story that many will find familiar, yet shocking in its consequences. While often dismissed as typical childhood squabbles, these disputes can sometimes have lasting psychological and physical effects . This narrative explores a day in the life of two siblings whose typical rivalry took a serious turn, offering profound insights into the delicate balance required to manage sibling issues and dynamics. Table of Contents ► Then and Now: Reflecting on Sibling Issues and Complex Dynamics ► A True Story of Sibling Issues and Rivalry Consequences ● The Characters ● The Incident ● The Reaction ● The Recoil ● Regret ● Concussion Protocol: The Hospital Visit ► Sibling Issues: Immediate Reactions and Parental Intervention ► When Sibling Issues Become Hospital Visits, Medical Insights ► 5 Alarming Facts About Sibling Issues and Their Long-Term Effects ► Sibling Issues and Rivalries: Immediate Reflections and Lessons Learned as Seen By Two Siblings ► Sibling Issues and Rivalries: Reflections and Lessons Learned as Seen By Two Siblings Over Time ► Sibling Issues and the Next Steps: Preventing Future Incidents ► Wrap-Up: The Lasting Impact of Sibling Issues and Rivalries ► Frequently Asked Questions About Sibling Issues, including additional resources Then and Now: Reflecting on Sibling Issues and Complex Dynamics Reflecting on childhood, sibling interactions often oscillate between heartwarming teamwork and fiery disputes that challenge the tranquility of home life. A look back at these dynamics not only invokes nostalgia but also offers essential lessons for contemporary parenting. Understanding the influence of past sibling relationships is crucial for fostering a supportive and peaceful home environment today. A True Story of Sibling Issues and Rivalry Consequences The Characters Meet Khloé, a spirited 7th grader with a knack for testing limits, and her older brother Dylan, an 8th grader known for his calm demeanor. Despite his reserved nature, Dylan frequently finds himself the target of Khloé's boundary-pushing antics, setting the stage for an unforgettable confrontation. The Incident On an ordinary evening, while Dylan was tidying up the kitchen, Khloé, feeling particularly mischievous, decided to stir up trouble and sibling issues. She stealthily approached Dylan and, with a quick shove, disrupted his chores—and mood. Their sibling issues were now beginning to escalate. Shocked by the sudden aggression, Dylan pushed back, marking a boundary with a stern look that served as a silent final warning. The Reaction Ignoring the warning, Khloé escalated the situation by slapping Dylan. Her actions resonated through the house, catching their mother's attention from the next room. Seeing Dylan's unflinching response and realizing she had perhaps gone too far, Khloé's instinct to flee kicked in. She ran to their mother, fearing the repercussions from her brother. The Recoil Caught in the heat of the moment, Dylan's judgment clouded by adrenaline, he chased Khloé down to the living room. What followed was a moment of lost temper as he spun her around and, in a regrettable decision, picked her up off the ground, throwing her to the ground head first. Regret The severity of his actions quickly dawned on Dylan as he saw Khloé dazed and confused on the floor, her cries for ice a stark reminder of the immediate consequences of their skirmish. Despite their sibling issues and antics, Dylan cared deeply for his sister, leaving him in deep regret. As tensions reached their peak , the consequences became unavoidably severe. Khloé was not right, not remembering simple things she had done throughout the day. Petrified and not knowing what to do, we rushed her to the emergency room to make sure there was nothing vitally wrong. Concussion Protocol: The Hospital Visit As the urgency of the situation led all of us to the hospital, where the staff promptly assessed Khloé, we could only pray she would be fine. After testing and waiting, we learned it was a concussion. Fortunately, it was not a severe concussion, but the incident left a lasting impression on both siblings about the real-world impact of their actions that stemmed from their sibling issues and consequences. Sibling Issues: Immediate Reactions and Parental Intervention This incident underscores the critical role of parental intervention in sibling issues and conflicts . As parents, it's crucial to recognize and respond to such escalations promptly. Setting and enforcing ground rules within your home for safety during sibling issues and escalations is vital .  How do you handle similar situations? Share your experiences in the comments below. When Sibling Issues Become Hospital Visits, Medical Insights The visit to the emergency room was a wake-up call about the potential severity when minor sibling issues and squabbles take a turn for the worse, becoming dangerous sibling disputes with dire consequences. In the event of a suspected concussion or any substantial injury, acting on it as soon as possible is essential, not leaving anything to chance. "If a concussion goes undiagnosed and untreated, the immediate consequence is that you are at a much higher risk for sustaining another injury, even with much less force," Dr. Shetty says, "In terms of long-term outcomes, not following concussion guidelines after an injury can lead to persistent symptoms and eventual post-concussive syndrome, in which symptoms last for weeks, months or even years after the initial injury." —  Dr. Teena Shetty, neurologist and program director of the Concussion Program at H.S.S. 5 Alarming Facts About Sibling Issues and Their Long-Term Effects Widespread Abuse : Approximately one in three children with siblings experience some form of physical or verbal abuse, significantly increasing their risk of developing mental health issues later in life. Growing Apart : Roughly two-thirds of siblings grow distant due to ongoing conflicts during childhood, leading to indifference or estrangement in adulthood. Source of Abuse : In most sibling rivalry cases, the older child is often the perpetrator, particularly in conflicts between siblings of opposite sexes. Lasting Emotional Scars : Adults who endured sibling abuse or frequent conflicts during childhood frequently report lower self-esteem, heightened sensitivity, and insecurity. Parental Vigilance Needed : With 96.3% of siblings experiencing rivalry at some point, it's crucial for parents to monitor these interactions closely to prevent them from escalating into abuse. Sibling Issues and Rivalries: Immediate Reflections and Lessons Learned as Seen By Two Siblings This event has taught us all valuable lessons about the consequences of sibling issues within the complex dynamics of sibling rivalries. The emotional aftermath for each sibling was profound. Khloé's feeling of guilt for instigating Dylan during a time of intense aggression allowed her to consider others. Dylan's realization of his internal struggle with anger and protectiveness continues to resonate within him. Sibling Issues and Rivalries: Reflections and Lessons Learned as Seen By Two Siblings Over Time As the days and months passed, their sibling bond grew and flourished with a newfound respect, and they realized their power to change each other's outcomes. Through reflection, Dylan and Khloé have learned to honor each other's boundaries and the importance of managing emotions , especially during conflicts, as they continuously grow from this experience. As one of our most trusted resources, Psychology Today, states, "Sibling conflict provides an important opportunity to learn many interpersonal skills essential for healthy relationships, like listening skills, cooperation, seeing another person's point of view, and managing emotions." — article written by Corinna Jenkins Tucker, Ph.D., C.F.L.E., and Tanya Rouleau Whitworth, Ph.D. for PsycologyToday.com Sibling Issues and the Next Steps: Preventing Future Incidents This section offers practical advice for parents on de-escalating sibling issues and their conflicts while fostering positive interactions. Setting distinctive, clear boundaries and encouraging open communication are essential strategies for preventing similar incidents and other sibling issues. Wrap-Up: The Lasting Impact of Sibling Issues and Rivalries Sibling relationships are complex and filled with both challenges and opportunities for growth. By understanding and addressing the causes and effects of sibling issues and rivalries, families can transform conflicts into moments of learning and mutual respect, strengthening the bonds of family life . Have you navigated sibling rivalries at home? Share your story or tip in the comments to help other families. Frequently Asked Questions About Sibling Issues What are common signs of unhealthy sibling rivalry? Unhealthy sibling rivalry might include frequent physical confrontations, verbal abuse, and one sibling consistently undermining or belittling the other. Watch for signs like anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, or changes in behavior, which could indicate that the rivalry is affecting a child's mental health. How can parents help manage sibling rivalries? Parents can manage sibling rivalries by setting clear rules for respectful behavior, fostering a supportive family environment , and ensuring each child receives equal attention and praise. It’s also beneficial to teach conflict resolution skills and encourage siblings to express their feelings openly in a safe and constructive manner. At what point should professional help be sought for sibling issues? Professional help should be considered if the conflicts cause significant distress, lead to behavioral issues at home or school, or if the parents feel overwhelmed and unable to manage the rivalry on their own. Therapy can provide strategies for managing conflict and improving sibling relationships. Are there long-term effects of sibling abuse or rivalry? Yes, the long-term effects of sibling abuse or intense rivalry can include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Victims may also experience difficulties in forming and maintaining healthy relationships outside the family. What role do parents play in preventing sibling abuse? Parents play a crucial role in preventing sibling abuse by modeling respectful behavior, intervening in conflicts, and setting boundaries. It's important for parents to recognize the difference between normal sibling rivalry and abusive behavior. Consistent parental intervention and, if necessary, professional guidance, are key in preventing abuse. Can sibling relationships improve as adults after a contentious childhood? Yes, sibling relationships can improve in adulthood. With maturity, individuals may better understand and forgive past conflicts. Therapy or structured conversations facilitated by a mediator can also help siblings overcome past grievances and rebuild their relationships. How can siblings independently resolve their issues without constant parental intervention? Siblings can learn to resolve their issues by developing good communication skills, respecting each other’s differences, and working on conflict resolution techniques. Encouraging them to solve minor disagreements on their own can help them develop these skills. However, parents should still monitor the situation to ensure conflicts do not escalate. How do birth order and age gaps affect sibling rivalry? Birth order and age gaps can significantly influence the dynamics of sibling rivalry. Typically, older siblings may feel jealous or displaced by younger siblings, while younger siblings might struggle with living up to the perceived successes of older siblings. Larger age gaps can either lessen rivalry due to different life stages or increase misunderstandings due to different interests and capabilities. Parents can mitigate these issues by being aware of each child's developmental needs and avoiding comparisons. Are there specific resources or books that can help families deal with sibling issues? Yes, several resources and books can provide guidance and strategies for managing sibling issues. Some recommended titles include Siblings Without Rivalry , written by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish The Sibling Effect: What the Bonds Among Brothers and Sisters Reveal About Us , written by Jeffrey Kluger Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life , written by Dr. Laura Markham Additionally, family therapy and online resources such as parenting blogs and forums can offer practical advice and support. Love it? Share it!  (links below the written date/references!) Make sure they know where it came from 👌 #GuidingTeenagers #CurlyStacheBlogs #BloomingThoughts Take me back to more blog articles !  ✒️ Take me home  🏠 Back to the top  ⬆️ Originally Written on: March 29, 2023 Most Recent Update on: April 14, 2024

written by: Daniel Currie editing and proofreading by: Jacasa Currie Welcome to the age of the screen, where teenagers live in a digital world that never sleeps. Their reality? A constant stream of likes, shares, and endless scrolling. But behind the perfectly filtered posts and viral trends, a battle rages—teen mental health vs. social media addiction. Teen anxiety, depression, and self-worth are being shaped  not by real-life experiences but by algorithms and curated feeds. This isn’t about blaming technology—it’s about understanding the impact of social media on teen mental health  and how it’s rewiring young minds. 🚀 🔥 Stay tuned! Part 2 drops Monday, 4/21, by Jacasa! She’ll tackle teen mental health and social media addiction in schools , peer pressure, and the hot debate on phones in school! Don’t miss it! Table of Contents ► The Mental Health Crisis in Today's Teens ► How Social Media is Fueling the Mental Health Epidemic ► The Dopamine Trap: Why Social Media Hooks Teens ► Signs Your Teen is Struggling with Their Mental Health ► Breaking the Cycle: How to Help Your Teen Without Losing Your Mind ◦ Step 1: Open the Coversation Without Judgment ◦ Step 2: Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media ► Building a Positive Digital Identity: Empowering Teens Online ► Self-Care Beyond the Screen: Mental Health Tools for Teens ► Conclusion: It's About Balance, Not Banning The Mental Health Crisis in Today’s Teens Imagine this: A teen wakes up and checks their phone before even rolling out of bed. Before breakfast, they’ve seen a model-perfect influencer, their friends hanging out without them, and a viral challenge they need to try. Their dopamine hits keep coming—but so does the anxiety. 📌 The Reality Check: 1 in 5 teens has a diagnosed mental health  disorder.  Social media comparison culture fuels stress , anxiety, and self-doubt—major contributors to declining teen mental health . Dopamine addiction trains teens to crave instant validation, further worsening the impact of social media on teen mental health . How Social Media is Fueling the Mental Health Epidemic Think of social media as junk food for the brain. A little won’t hurt, but too much? It leaves teens drained, addicted, and craving more—seriously affecting their mental health . 📌 The Harsh Truths: The TikTok & Instagram Effect:  Unrealistic beauty standards, luxury lifestyles, and pressure to ‘perform’ online contribute to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem—key factors in declining teen mental health . The FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) Cycle:  Teens feel trapped in the ‘always online’ world, fearing they’ll miss out if they unplug. This constant connectivity increases stress and anxiety—magnifying the impact of social media on teen mental health . Cyberbullying Never Sleeps:  Bullies now have 24/7 access to victims. Digital harassment has become one of the leading triggers of mental health struggles  in teens. The Dopamine Trap: Why Social Media Hooks Teens Dopamine is the brain’s feel-good chemical, released when we experience something rewarding—like a like, share, or comment on social media. This neurological loop is at the core of the social media addiction problem affecting teen mental health . 📌 The Science Behind Dopamine & Social Media: Instant Gratification Loop:  Every notification or post triggers a dopamine spike, reinforcing compulsive behaviors linked to poor teen mental health . Tolerance Builds Over Time:  The more they scroll, the less rewarding it becomes—leading to increased screen time and further exacerbating the impact of social media on teen mental health . Withdrawal & Mood Swings:  When dopamine levels drop, teens experience irritability, anxiety, or restlessness—key warning signs of compromised mental health . Signs Your Teen is Struggling with Their Mental Health Not all struggles are loud. Sometimes, they hide behind a phone screen, behind “I’m fine.” Recognizing early signs is essential to protecting your teen’s mental health . 📌 Red Flags to Watch For: Sudden mood swings, withdrawal, or irritability:  These are common signs that social media addiction  is impacting teen mental health . Chronic fatigue, headaches, or sleep issues:  Excessive screen time disrupts rest and recovery, often leading to declines in both physical and mental health . Obsessive phone use:  Panic when without their phone, constantly checking notifications, and inability to reduce screen time all point to the deeper impact of social media on teen mental health . 📢 If any of these hit home, don’t ignore them! Keep reading for practical solutions to protect your teen’s mental health . Breaking the Cycle: How to Help Your Teen Without Losing Your Mind Step 1: Open the Conversation Without Judgment Want to help your teen? Drop the lectures. Instead, listen. Meet them where they are, especially when discussing the impact of social media on teen mental health . 📌 How to Start the Conversation: Ditch the blame game:  Ask open-ended questions and let them talk. Show you're a safe space to share their mental health struggles . Validate their feelings:  What may seem trivial to you might be a big deal in their world, particularly when it involves their digital identity and mental health . Focus on balance, not bans:  Help them create a healthier relationship with social media to improve teen mental health outcomes . Step 2: Set Healthy Boundaries with Social Media 📌 Practical Tips for Parents: Create “tech-free” zones:  Promote connection and better sleep—two essential elements for good mental health . Encourage offline hobbies:  These offer a dopamine boost that supports teen mental health  naturally. Teach digital literacy:  Help them see beyond the highlight reels, an essential step in reducing the negative impact of social media on teen mental health . 💥 🚀 🔥 ⚡ → Stay tuned! ← Next episode, we’ll tackle what to do about social media in schools! 🧠🔍📱🎉 Building a Positive Digital Identity: Empowering Teens Online Teen mental health  can benefit from social media—if used intentionally. Help your teen create a meaningful and safe digital life. 📌 How Teens Can Positively Leverage Social Media: Encourage authentic self-expression:  Being real online can boost confidence and protect teen mental health . Promote purposeful posting:  Focus on interests, achievements, and passions to shift the mental health narrative  toward empowerment. Teach responsible digital citizenship:  Empathy online leads to stronger communities and better emotional health . Connect to positive communities:  Online groups with shared values can be lifelines for mental health support . Self-Care Beyond the Screen: Mental Health Tools for Teens Caring for teen mental health  requires more than screen restrictions. It's about building emotional resilience. 📌 Practical Self-Care Strategies to Teach Your Teen: Mindfulness & relaxation techniques:  These help counteract the dopamine rollercoaster caused by social media. Physical activity & outdoor time:  Movement is powerful medicine for teen mental health . Creative expression:  Writing, drawing, or music allows teens to channel emotions in healthy ways. Healthy sleep routines:  Good sleep hygiene directly supports stable mental health . Conclusion: It’s About Balance, Not Banning We can’t erase social media. But we can teach teens how to use it without letting it use them. The goal is to lessen the impact of social media on teen mental health  while building real-life skills for resilience. 📌 Final Thoughts: Open conversations lead to real change:  Communication is your most powerful tool in safeguarding teen mental health . Mental health awareness is key:  Empower your teen with knowledge. Help them build self-worth beyond the screen:  True confidence doesn’t come from likes—it comes from within. 🎯 Remember : The goal isn’t to eliminate social media. It’s to teach teens to control it before it controls them—and to protect their mental health  along the way. Love it? Share it!  (links below the written date/references!) Make sure they know where it came from 👌 #GuidingTeenagers #CurlyStacheBlogs #BloomingThoughts Take me back to more blog articles !  ✒️ Take me home  🏠 Back to the top  ⬆️ Originally Written on: April 7, 2025

Marijuana is typically the first "major" drug tweens and teens try, and it can wreak havoc within a family. How dangerous is weed, and what should parents do about it? We will include reliable and essential dos and don'ts, ensuring you and your teen continue to build a strong relationship while guiding them to avoid the temptation & seduction of weed. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Do you stress with anxiety about your tween or teen experimenting with Marijuana? Learn the truth in this blog! COME FOR ANSWERS. LEAVE WITH CONFIDENCE. CONQUER HOW TO HANDLE TEENS EXPERIMENTING WITH MARIJUANA Marijuana is typically the first "major" drug tweens¹ and teens² end up trying, and it can wreak havoc within a family. How dangerous is weed to them? How should parents handle a situation in which their tween or teen experiments with the drug for the first time? In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know, given a tricky situation like this. We will include reliable and essential dos and don'ts, ensuring you and your teen continue to build a strong relationship while guiding them down the right path. Written By Daniel Currie Published: November 6, 2023 Comment! Like the article or think it could help somebody else? Get the word out! Never miss a Blog Post! Share it! Share your perspectives with others (Copy Again) Copy Link Share Blog https://www.curlystache.com/temptation-and-seduction-of-weed Follow us on Social! Daily memes to get you through the day Updates on blog releases Interactive, live events, polls, engaging Behind the scenes with CurlyStache Sign-up to be notified when new blogs drop today! Weed, Cannabis, Mary Jane, skunk, dope, grass, ganja—whatever you want to call it, Marijuana use has been on the rise for all ages, especially with perceptible tweens and teens. It is one drug that has never had a recession in usage and continues to gain popularity and traction as it becomes legal in many states. So if weed is becoming legal more and more and so many people use it, it can't be that bad, so it would be OK if teens smoke it, even if only on a rare occasion, right? If you want me to be truthful and honest, keep reading; if not, please disregard this post and search other websites. The truth is each website will give you the answer that best suits the site's needs, speaking truth and facts, but only the ones that back the funder, grant, or investor's stance. CurlyStache Blogs is a project where profits come second. Thus, we offer only facts sprinkled with views from adults with decades of wisdom, perspective, and knowledge. Back to the question, is it OK for tweens or teens to smoke marijuana, even when supervised and on rare occasions? As I'm sure you half expected, the answer is simply and utterly NO. Two facts without going down a rabbit hole of every possible reason why you shouldn't allow teens to use (arguably) the lowest "major" drug on the totem pole: As I'm sure you've heard at one point, it is considered a gateway drug. This means that, over time, the human body will begin to build a tolerance to it. When this happens, your tween or teen will search desperately for that new high to make them feel how they did when they first began the habit. At that point, one of two things will happen: 1) they begin smoking excessively more to meet the feeling, or 2) the more logical choice is to experiment with harder, more harmful drugs. These two reasons alone make weed dangerous: the addiction to the feeling and trying to feel more of it. THC (the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) is suggested, but not proven, to have long-term issues in adults when used earlier in life with a developing brain, such as an increased risk of schizophrenia and cognitive impairments. It is a proven fact, though, that THC can stunt the maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain when used modestly or regularly. Dumbing it down (sort of) for the average human like myself, this is the part of the brain responsible for complex behaviors and decision-making. As THC is introduced to the prefrontal cortex while developing during their teen years, it will impede the ability to fully mature. Once they become a fully grown adult, the disruption from their younger years will alter how the PFC processes information permanently. End of story, right? Again, no. What happens if your tween or teen experiments with marijuana or is stuck in an awkward situation where peer pressure gets the best of them, and they take a hit? Game over, grounded for life, never to be let out of the house and hang with those friends again? I sure hope not. What about if your teen goes to a party every now and again, and at those parties, a joint gets passed around, and they take a puff and pass it? They are doing it more casually now; should we take action now, perhaps giving them a severe punishment? I still side with "not so fast." It all boils down to being a good parent who has instilled a good set of morals in their tween or teen; the younger you do it, the better. Do your tweens or teens know that drugs and marijuana are bad for you? I'm assuming they do. The next step, if they know this already, is to sit down with them at a young age, preferably around middle school (grade 6-8). Hence, at this age, they are old enough to clearly understand what you are talking about but not so old they've already experimented with it; it's up to you to figure out the optimal time. In most cases, when drugs become more readily available to your tween and talked up to be "cool" by some peers, not necessarily their friends. Talk with them and let them know your feelings about the situation. Let them know it is not acceptable to smoke weed (or any other drugs!) and go into detail that many times, what they are smoking isn't just weed. It could very well be laced without their knowledge, especially with the spike in fentanyl and other opioids nowadays. Furthermore, explain your reasons in vivid detail; if you feel comfortable, share past experiences or examples to help add credence to your stance. Show your real emotions, wear your heart on your sleeve, and express yourself and how worried you are for them as a parent and that you only want what's best even if they don't see it yet. If they do the eye-roll thing, feel free to elaborate further, stating that it doesn't even matter how you feel about the situation because it is illegal for them to do it at that age, regardless. Once your tween or teen understands your expectations and the dangers of drugs, set the ground rules with them. There are many ways to set the ground rules. The first method is simply telling them, "When the time comes, we will discuss it," and hope it never comes. The other option is to sit down with them right then and there and go over it. Explain, obviously, the goal is NOT to try marijuana, but IF they were to get caught up in a bad situation, that [this] would happen. Write it down on paper, save it on a Google document, text it to each other, whatever you choose. This way, when and if the time comes and your teen makes the poor choice to experiment and gets caught, you do not overreact and over-punish them. On the flip side, they cannot claim that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Be sure, when going over the ground rules, that they have input on it as well; they will feel more respected and be more prone to respect your decision since they had a voice in it as well. Going back to the first ground rule option. Suppose that dreadful day happened and your tween or teen got caught smoking marijuana; what should you do now that the time has come? Against popular belief, the punishment should be 50%. What do I mean by this? Think of the punishment you would hand out to your teen for disobeying and smoking weed—I know it can be scary thinking about it. It makes you want to punish them to ensure they never want to repeat it, so it's probably a severe punishment. Whatever discipline you think of, it's most likely too harsh. Now, think of something half as tough as that punishment. That's what you want to shoot for. When you slice the consequence in half like that, you will want to explain to your tween or teen what you initially wanted to do for punishment but decided to [do half punishment] instead. I guarantee they will appreciate and respect it, knowing it could have been much worse. Furthermore, they will be likelier to learn from the mistake because they want to make you proud—and because you gave them a half-off pass. For example, say your teen, Johnny, wanted to spend the weekend at their friend's house because they were going to their lakehouse. A few days before the weekend getaway, they were hanging out after school, and he was spotted smoking a pipe by a reliable source. As infuriated and upset as you may be, instead of telling him he can't go with his friend for the weekend, which is your knee-jerk reaction, take a deep breath. Once calmed, sit Johnny down and respectfully talk with him, treating him like a man, not a child or a kid that you must scream at. Tell him his consequence, that he cannot go to the lakehouse for the whole weekend; instead, he can hang out for a few hours on whatever day works best, explaining that you initially wanted to forbid him from going at all. Crucially, once you have disciplined your tween or teen, and before ending the conversation, let them talk and explain themselves. When they are trying to talk, it's vital to listen without interruption. Granted, whatever they say will probably make no difference in how you feel about the situation or the punishment you give. It will, however, show you still respect them as a person and a young man/woman. Furthermore, it will show they can always come to you to talk or get advice regardless of age. Lastly, allowing them to voice their opinions and explain themselves freely and unimpeded will give you a sneak peek into their mindset on this touchy subject. Think of it as pulling back the veil of their emotions, passions, and desires, understanding what they were thinking and why. It may seem like I'm almost contradicting myself since I started this blog insisting that tweens and teens should not try or experiment with marijuana. Then I move into saying don't punish them so much if they do experiment with THC and marijuana. So which is it? As I said, this site will give you brutal honesty, advice, and insight based on research, decades of parenting, and cold, hard facts. The truth is your preteen(s) or teen(s) should not want to try marijuana; good old-fashioned parenting will cover that in conjunction with a heart-to-heart talk diving into details on the dangers of drugs and how you truly feel. Against popular opinion, the reason why we should not be as worried regarding (pure, unlaced) marijuana usage is because, like many foods, drugs, alcohol, medicines, vitamins, and chemicals, to harm the body and mind, it takes more than just one or two times. Bear in mind that this article was written for those who need a handle on how to deal with teenagers experimenting with pure marijuana. Furthermore, you must remember that if your tween or teen has tried marijuana, the damage is already done; they have felt the effects of THC. At this point, it will do more good to empathize, understand, relate, and talk to them calmly and collectively rather than yelling and screaming. Lastly, at the very most, a unique way of looking at a bad situation: it will teach them the effects of THC at an early age. This will allow them to be better equipped to handle the effects when they are on their own in a world that is becoming more and more pro-marijuana and legalizing it at a record pace. On the contrary, suppose your tween or teen is doing more than just experimenting and has a real issue or dependency on THC or marijuana. It has begun affecting their daily lives, attitudes, and behaviors. In that case, they, unfortunately, are already hooked on the drug, and to properly handle a situation such as that, they are going to have to want to quit. In addition, they will also need a robust support system in place; we will cover this in detail in future blog articles. The bottom line is that there is no reason to go overboard if it happens once or twice. The fact of the matter is that there has not been enough research done on the drug and teens despite an unsettling explosion of marijuana usage in teens, exceeding a 250% increase in use in the last 20 years. Nevertheless, that does not justify that pure marijuana is suitable for tweens and teens. In addition, I'd like to point out that children are EXCLUDED from this post; there have been proven adverse outcomes with marijuana and children. We should obviously never encourage marijuana or drugs to our family; however, when keeping an open mind, staying grounded to facts, and using some common sense, the stress factor of your tween or teen trying weed for the first or second time shouldn't be overwhelming. If they are raised with a good set of morals, ethics, and respect, and you have sat down and talked with them, there should be little to worry about. Trust your teen. You might be surprised. Should they get curious, or peer pressure gets the best of them, and they take a hit to see what the buzz is all about (pardon the pun), it's normal at that age. Humans are all curious beings, especially teens, while still testing the waters. Either way, if you do find out they tried marijuana, your stress levels should only be as high as if they skipped study hall in school, not much more; do not stress thinking, "What if they take advantage of me and continue despite consequences and sitdown talks?"—cross that bridge when the time comes. Now is NOT the time. I will be sure to follow up within a few blogs from now on the best ways and steps to deal with your tween or teen who is struggling with marijuana addiction and dependency. As for now, this blog is merely a guide for parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anybody else who cares for and has/interacts with teens and how to confront marijuana head-on. I hope this article helped or at least put some new perspective on an age-old topic. I'm leaving this post open for comments to let me know your opinion on the topic; there is no wrong answer—the only rule is respect. ¹ Tweens: In this article, tweens are defined as 10-12 years old; typically, tween age is considered to be 8-12 years. ² Teens: In this article, teens are defined as 12-19 years old, the standard age. Notes Comments Let us know what you think, the floor is yours! Read More Previous Blog Popular Mashup Staying vigilant in cyberspace is essential. Unchecked could mean a ruined life with emotions and a state of mind uprooted and put in a tailspin. 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 16, 2023 🫶 Read Now 👉 In this Mashup article, episode 004, I question if there is truly a guaranteed way to teach so teens will do as they are told and honor what is asked. You be the judge. Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 26, 2023 🤏 Read Now 👉 Additional Blogs Find all the CurlyStache blogs where Raising Teens Today is at its core right here! Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts is the theme! 👊 Browse Now 👉 Additional Mashups Short 3-minute Blogs where there is no criteria or format. The Mashup slogan says it all: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 👌Browse Now 👉 ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. 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Explore teen tattoos: a journey between allure and maturity. Discover insights and perspectives on navigating this rite of passage to adulthood. Read Now! Tattoo Decisions: Wisdom Beyond Ink , a Personal Journey Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 4 /5 /2023 Raising teens today is challenging, especially when they become of legal age, to make permanent decisions that will affect them for the remainder of their lives. Guiding teenagers during this newfound independence is the core of every good parent. This article shows life through the eyes of a young 18-year-old man determined to cash in on his new freedoms. This true story aims to remove the good and bad to understand where the teen is coming from so you can best connect with young adults looking for some Human Ink. Table of Contents Basecamp 17.99875 18.00000 Sinking In Wisdom Beyond Years Conclusion Blog Focus: Read Time: Tattoos & Piercings 5 minutes Relativity Rating: Late Teens & Young Adults What's this? Basecamp: Belief system- Desecration or Divine Art? As a parent, it always seems there are two primary camps for them. One basecamp typically screams that it is a desecration of the body, that your body is beautiful just the way it is, and that that kind of stuff only belongs to delinquents, gang members, and thugs. Then there are the parents that ride the other side of the line and believe that if their child is of age, they can do whatever they want to themselves, with a good ole, "more power to ya" attitude. 17.99875 years old. 3 hours to go. As nearly all of us adults have experienced earlier in life, once you turn 18, it feels like a wash of invigorating freedom is associated with it. Living in upstate New York in 2001, things were a little different than they are now. For instance, I could buy tobacco at that age, whereas now it's 21. Now let me take you back in time; set the scene. Growing up in a small town, no gangs or serious crimes were present, but I was not an angel; most considered me the kid heading down the wrong path. Anyway, on this day, I was 17 years old and was home at 9 pm with just a few hours left until my birthday. I had my car and a class DJ license where I could not drive past 9 pm unless work-related, as required by NYS law until 18, and I was itching for midnight to hit. I was planning on getting the hell out of my house. I was my own man by law then. 18.00000 years old. now a man... now an agenda. Midnight hit. I swiped my keys off my desk and headed for the door. My stepfather stopped me before I got my shoes on and told me I was not going anywhere. After an intense quarrel, I hit the door and got in my car. This disobedient delinquent first swung over to my friend's house to pick him up, then went to a gas station to get a mess of scratch-offs and a few packs of smokes. Next stop: Denny's all-night diner. I let my buddy treat me to an early morning steak and eggs for my birthday as we sat there for a few hours sipping on coffee, chain-smoking, and scratching off all the lottery tickets. Wow, it was a rush. It was an incredible feeling to do all of that. But, I couldn't help thinking that a few hours ago, I was home, in my room, like being stuck in a little jail cell compared to what I was now experiencing. The best way to describe this feeling was instantly growing up to adulthood. I saw the world with a new point of view, during the night hours when everyone was home sleeping except for the ones who just wanted to have fun- like me! Sinking In: the mind is beginning to realize the possibilities. Naturally, this got me thinking of all that came with my newfound nightlife: I could obviously be out much later at night, perhaps work some more hours for quick cash, and spend more time with my friends and girl with the added hours in a day (with my new perspective). What could I say? It was the best present ever and nobody actually "gave" it to me. As you can only imagine, while the night progressed, I started thinking of all the other things I could do besides driving around aimlessly. I now had new legal rights; I could start a business, get emancipated, drop out of school, or do whatever I wanted. The thought of having power over my life was utterly infatuating! Wisdom Beyond Years: realization that permanent means permanent. Of course, I knew months before my 18th birthday that meant I had the chance to do some body customization with tattoos and body piercings. So what did I do a few days after my 18th birthday? You'd be wrong if you thought I went out and got a tattoo. I refused to get one- even at that young age. It wasn't that I was afraid of needles, and no barriers prevented me from getting a tattoo. The only task I would have had to overcome if I got one was a family fight of biblical proportions since I come from a very structured, traditional home. I refused to get a tattoo because I knew deep down inside my core that I was too immature for one. I realized the odds weren't in my favor and that I probably wouldn't like whatever design or placement I may have chosen back then. That single decision was one of my greatest triumphs as a young 18-year-old man that I can look back on now as a mature adult. I have always had a knack for looking at the "big picture" in the ultra-deep field when it comes to items like this, specifically when it pertains to something permanent and unchangeable. Conclusion: The takeaway from my story my opinion, ideas, and learning from my past. My beliefs regarding tattoos have always been that I approve of them, and they are a distinctive form of self-expression and art. There is one glaring exception to my outlook though: maturity. Teens and developing young adults are still rather impressionable by their peers, social media, and the newest trends and fads. That said, there are also exceptions to the rule. For example, a tattoo memorializing your best friend or close family member who passed away, being a die-hard sports fan of a particular team for all your life, or some symbolism ink (like sisters each getting matching tattoos)- but even then, be careful. There is no right or wrong answer; these are just my principles regarding tattoos. Continue Reading Mini-Series: How To Properly Handle Your Teen Wanding A Tattoo "Human Ink" - Part II You've just explored my eye-opening personal story. Now empower yourself with our expert guide on confidently tackling the moment your teen approaches you about getting a tattoo. Read Article! 👉 Enjoy it? Spread the word and share it with the masses! Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link And don't forget to voice your thoughts and share your feedback below! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. 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Teens deeply desire to understand our personalities and what makes us tick—much like we want to understand them. Ensuring they know our honest personalities enhances relationships and their ability to understand, making clear your expectations. Furthermore, being honest with them about your true self will add consistency to your decisions, disciplines, and rewards without even needing to try. Start Here! Blogs More More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Find us on Social! >>> Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Delivering Authentic Meaningful Relationships with Your Teen by Being YOURSELF I introduce the shoe on the other foot in the second installment of Raising Teens Today & Personalities: The 2-way Street. Achieving an authentic and meaningful relationship with my teens is the crux of all I want to do as a parent, like all parents. Furthermore, I would like to be my (authentic) self with them, taking off the "dad hat" or lifting the brim so they can see within. I would love to let them see my raw personality, pure feelings, and sincere emotions without worry or ridicule. The good news is that this is EXACTLY what our teenage children desperately want and need! They deeply desire to understand our personalities, ticks, quirks, tendencies, and nuances just as we need to know theirs. Ensuring they know our personalities will enhance their ability to understand and make clear your expectations. Being honest about your true self will also add consistency to your decisions, disciplines, and rewards without even needing to try. This article will detail the benefits of allowing your natural, unfiltered personality to flourish and why doing this with your teenager is necessary. Jump to a Section : Raising Teens Today & Personality: The 2-way Street - PART II ► Intro (top of page) ► Recap ► Practice What You Preach ► Being Yourself ► Why Be So Open? ► Authenticity Amounts to Respect ► Next Level Relationships ► Authentic Truths ► Parent to Role Model ► Conclusion ► Comments Take a moment and SUBSCRIBE Never miss a blog post Stay informed Newsletters and web-happenings Chance for upcoming freebies & merch ► BUT YOU HAVE TO BE A SUBSCRIBER! DON'T WORRY, IT'S FREE! ◄ Written By DanielCurrie Published: September 4, 2023 Recap As discussed in the 1st part of our Raising Teens Today & Personalities article, while we continue guiding teenagers, we ultimately end up climbing a hierarchy pyramid, the bottom being the bare essentials every human should have a right to, and the top being realization & self-actualization, where your teen wants to be more and do more. Once we have achieved our parental duties and fully molded and guided our teens into incredible young adults, we can see their personalities more clearly. Moving back down that pyramid, we know what makes them tick, their quirks, and their nature without becoming overbearing and overly pushy or involved. ► Miss the first article? Catch up and read it now! Raising Teens Today & Personalities: The 2-way S treet - PART I Raising Teens Today & Personalities: The 2-way Street - PART I Excellent! Our teens are raised exceptionally well, have superb morals and ethics, have a bright outlook on life, and are heading down the right path! So what else is there? As the saying goes: "You can show a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." This phrase means we can raise our teens to be more than capable of handling everything life throws at them and even understand their character deeply (show the horse to water). Only our teens can decide to respect us as adults and parents and understand and respond to our teachings (only the horse can choose to drink). Part two in this series will cover essential parenting dos to ensure your teenager will want to honor, respect, and do good by you—starting by understanding you. ► Practice What You Preach The phrase, "Practice what you preach," has been around for a long time and for a very good reason: because it is TRUE! Luckily for us, it is super easy, and following that advice will make our teens want to honor, respect, and try to understand us as parents and adults. It's time for the teen to understand the parent's personality. To do this is simple. It is so simple that we do not need a fancy hierarchy pyramid, graph, or diagram. We need to be ourselves, that's it. Nothing more. Nothing less. ► Being Yourself Act yourself; do not try to be someone you are not; do not try to put a 24-7 parenting facade on—your teenager will see right through it rather than seeing you , the genuine person they call [enter your name], filled with all the likes and dislikes, hobbies, pet-peeves, tendencies, ticks, quirks, and nuances. I'm confident your teen can see some of your personality and tastes, but can you honestly say they know all of you? If the answer is no, take time to loosen the grip, let down your guard, and let them see the real you. To be clear, I am not suggesting you should tell your teen all of your dirty secrets or shameful discretions if you have any; they aren't your spouse or significant other. They are your teen and are becoming very close to adulthood. It's time they see you as a parent only when you need to be and a close friend when they don't. ► Why Be So Open? If your teenager only sees a parent who is there for them whenever they need, disciplines them when necessary, praises them for jobs well done and efforts made, with authentic, neverending love (if you do this, great job, really!), you may not be doing all that your teen needs . At this point, yes, that is all that we, as parents, are required to do, and if we do it well, we should be acing the parenting department, but teenagers and their perception of parents are more complex than that. Teenagers are looking for more than "Mom" or "Dad." They see everything I mentioned as a requirement so that they can call you such titles. They are craving realism . They want to see more than the stereotypical caring "Mom" or the stern, hardworking "Dad." They want , they long , to see [enter name], AKA YOU and your interests, hobbies, what makes you tick, and your quirks—especially since they know you know all of their ticks and quirks. When they begin to see your interworkings, they will start to respect you and your decisions even more as a parent because you show them a side of vulnerability and humility that doesn't come in the job description of mom or dad. ► Authenticity Amounts to Respect Stating it one more time due to sheer importance: When guiding teenagers into adulthood, an essential parenting do (vs. don't) is to be yourself. They will feel much more respected if they know your emotions and actions are sincere. Just as you feel valued and respected, your teen will feel valued and respected when they see your genuine, raw, and authentic personality in action. It's a 2-way street. Your teen will start to see you from a different perspective, one they can understand and comprehend much easier. Perhaps they see you as one who can be humbled or endures humility, which tends to take away the perception of the "hotshot parent," a killjoy, or power-hungry. Either way, they will begin to know you are human, where mistakes happen. That, like them, you try your best yet receive consequences for poor decisions or actions, all while carrying the same emotions they do. Critically, this makes it much easier to understand and respect. ► Next Level Relationships As your teen begins to peer further behind the curtain of the parent and into the person, your relationship will improve with them. You will always be father-son, mother-daughter, or whatever the circumstance, but now there is a sense of friendship there as well. You could start discussing how work was with them, but not like before. Instead of "Mommy babysat Joey today; it was a good day even though he didn't listen sometimes." the conversation takes more of an emotional, raw, informal, and authentic feel: "I had to babysit Joey today, he was such a pain in the ass, where he would not listen and I had to bribe him or threaten him all day just to get him to behave!" Having a conversation resembling the ladder shows passion, realism, and respect that you can talk with them about most things that otherwise would have been a strict parent vs. friend talk. Your human emotion and not refraining as much over general topics allows your teen to see that vulnerability, passion, and drive they may have never seen before. Furthermore, it will enable them to want to match that emotional enthusiasm and be just as open with you, drawing off your passion and honesty. honest-moments ► Authentic Truths As a parent to a teenager who can let their guard down and be willing to talk the lingo of your teen while giving them respect and staying true to yourself and them brings many benefits. As mentioned, relationships improve tremendously; you do not have to wear the parenting hat as much (after all, they are now teens whom you've parented for 13+ years now and know right from wrong with a good moral code), which will allow for your personality and nature to bloom more freely and easily. In turn, your teenager will also feel more comfortable letting their true personality shine as they mature. Therefore, it will be easier to read their body language, and less likely they will lie. Furthermore, they will significantly respect you and your honesty as you "let your hair down." They would feel more comfortable telling you about a bad situation rather than hiding it and trying to cover it up. ► Parent to Role Model As your teen matures and sees you for who you are, parent and person, they will begin to appreciate you and all you have done for them. They will start to look back, whether it was an incident six weeks or six years ago, and reflect on the times you stuck your neck out or went to bat for them. They will continue to think about it, turn to you here a nd now, and see t hat you treat them like a young adult with age-appropriate rules. Then, realize they can come to you without the fear of being ridiculed, looked down upon, or belittled and, in their own way, really begin to grasp how lucky they are to have you. When your teenager starts thinking this, even if they only think it subconsciously, you have gone from being mom or dad to their role model. That is the ultimate unsaid compliment your teen could ever give you: when they look to you as a role model, looking up to you, knowing everything you have done for them and understanding it. ► Conclusion When done correctly, your stress level as a parent should drop significantly. You will no longer be trying so hard, relationships will begin to cultivate, and your teen will see you in a new light while showing them that you are willing to treat them as a young adult while still governing them with age-appropriate rules. Perfect, right? Nope. You are still the parent. Your primary job is raising your teen, teaching them right from wrong, and disciplining them appropriately. Your teen will still fail and mess up, disappoint, and disobey; that is what they call growing up. Consider it a right of passage to adulthood. There will be disagreements, there will be heartache, there will be fights—this is what builds character in your relationship with your teen. It is vital that being a responsible parent comes before anything because only then will a good relationship with your teen be possible. Conversely, only a healthy, meaningful relationship will be possible if you put being a responsible parent first. No matter how you slice it, being a good parent is essential, first and foremost; only then can you build a good relationship based on you and your teenager's natural, unfiltered personalities. Your Opinion Matters! Leave a comment. Let us know what you think! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com