Guiding Teenagers Search

written by: Jacasa Currie editing and proofreading by: Daniel Currie As adults, we know that our relationships, friendships, and connections are in a constant state of growing, dissipating, and changing. This can be a hard concept for our teens to understand. Especially when it comes to the loss of those connections. Try to think back to when you were in school. You most likely, unless you moved around, grew up with the same group of kids. Your friends were mostly your friends. Occasionally, there were new people introduced, or one or two people changed. But it is hard to realize that there are more people in the world than just those that go to your own school. It is also equally hard to understand when those connections need to be severed for the teen's own well-being. Table of Contents ► Know the Signs ► My teen has a friend like this... What now? ► Do not write off their friend. ► But what if this friend is seriously causing problems, like getting them involved in dangerous behaviors or thought patterns? ► Be a role model for your teen. ► The Wrap-Up As a parent, it can be tricky to try to let them know who they should or shouldn't be spending time with. A parent's job isn't to control but to guide. So, the big question is: how? Know the Signs Let's first take a look at what it means for someone to be toxic. This seems like a mean term, but it is the best way I can ensure we are clear that this message gets across. It is someone who brings more negative than positive to your life. Or maybe they just bring you down, and you are tired of that feeling. Now, we will break down the most common traits/actions of toxic people: 1) Manipulative Behavior They use others for their own advantage. Example in a teen: Pretending to befriend someone because they intend to copy their homework. Then, when they don't need their help anymore, they start to ignore them. 2) Lack of Empathy When faced with others' issues, they tend to show little regard for others' feelings; instead, they turn things around to be about them. Example in a teen: When a friend is upset about a breakup, they respond with, "You think that's bad? My life is way worse," instead of offering support. 3) Constant Negativity This person will radiate negativity; they will approach most, if not all, situations with a pessimistic attitude. Example in a teen: No matter what happens, they find something bad to say: If a friend gets an award, they say, "It's probably not even a big deal," or if plans are made, they assume, "it's going to suck anyway." 4) Criticism and Judgement They often put others down, diminish their accomplishment, and make others feel inadequate. Example in a teen: They may mock their friend's clothing, interests, or achievements, making snide comments like, "You actually think you're good at that? That's embarrassing." 5) Controlling Tendencies They often micromanage or try to control the thoughts and/or actions of others in order to achieve personal benefit. Example in a teen: Telling their friends who they can or can't hang out with, demanding loyalty, and getting angry if someone talks to people they don't approve of. 6) Shifting of Blame They never take responsibility for their actions and blame others when things go wrong. Example in a teen: If they were to get in trouble at school for talking in class, they immediately say, "It's not my fault. They were the ones distracting me." 7) Exploitation Using others' kindness or weaknesses for their own benefit. Example in a teen: They guilt-trip a friend into always paying for their food saying, "You have more money than me, it's no big deal," without ever repaying or showing gratitude.   My teen has a friend like this… what now? So, now that we have a little better understanding of how this could look. Let's say you've noticed that a teen has a friend who is displaying one or multiple of these behaviors. What should you do? The first thing you should do is to sit down and have a calm conversation. Mention what you have been noticing that their friend seems to be displaying some concerning behaviors. Then, point out specific examples of what you have been noticing. As much as you would love to say I want you to stop spending time with this person, it is best to avoid that. Why, you might ask? Think about when you were a teen. Do you think that you would respond well to that? Probably not. Essentially, you will just push your teen to continue spending time with them, and possibly even more time if they feel spiteful. You have to remember this connection feels super important to them right now. Instead of pushing them that way, calmly explain that you are concerned that this could be affecting them negatively. Then, ask them if they have noticed the same things. If they have, encourage them to have a conversation with their friend. The friend's response determines whether or not they should continue or walk away. Sometimes, we do things naturally and do not realize we are doing them. When things get pointed out, we are able to notice and correct our behaviors. This is the best-case scenario. If the response is more negative, the next suggestion should be to distance themselves, at least for a little while. This allows your teen to give their friend space to rethink their actions and possibly right them. If not, it allows them to see their true colors and hopefully make the choice to walk away. Overall, you want to be more of a listener than an advice giver. The suggestions above are great ways to guide without overdoing it. When your teen sees that you have their best interest in mind instead of just controlling things, it helps to build that positive relationship and fosters open communication. Your teen will feel more comfortable coming to you in the future for guidance. You also have to decipher when they need someone to just listen to them. After their conversation with their friend, they may come to you to update you on the situation. Always remind them that you are there for them and just listen until they ask for your assistance. Do not write off their friend. What exactly do I mean by this? Essentially, do not hold grudges, at least not to your teen's knowledge. When your teen goes about this conversation, they may decide to walk away and have some negative things to say about said friend, but later, rekindle their relationship. It is hard not to remember all the hurt they may have gone through the first time around, and you shouldn't forget. Keep it filed away, but do not show your grudge to your teen. If you do end up saying well, I really do not like this friend because they did x, y, and z, you are breaking that line of trust you had built, and your teen will feel as though they shouldn't come to you because you will always hold a personal grudge. Instead, inquire about the rekindled friendship. Ask them how they ended up fixing things and if they feel they are sincere about their apologies if any occurred. Tell them that you trust their judgment but just to be wary until they have fully proven themselves and that you will always support their decisions. But what if this friend is seriously causing problems, like getting them involved in dangerous behaviors or thought patterns? It is important to remember that while a parent's job is to guide, it is also to protect. If you sincerely feel as though they are negatively impacting your teen, then you should communicate that to your teen. Be honest about your feelings and concerns. Suggest that they come over to your house, where it is a little easier to monitor their activities. Keep a closer eye on them. We have to teach our teens that everyone has choices and that choices have consequences. It is important to remember that they are not you. They have their own thoughts, feelings, and choices. I am not saying to just let them do things, but open communication and a little breathing room go a long way. The more you honestly and openly communicate with your teen, the more likely they will be to reciprocate. Be a role model for your teen. Possibly the most important aspect is to show examples to your teen of what it means to search out the most positive connections out in the world. This can be shown through your own relationship because as much as a parent doesn't want it to happen, teens will begin dating. This could also be shown in your own friendships. If you have ever had to decide that maybe someone wasn't a positive friendship and you had to walk away, use that as an example in conversation. Being able to relate to your teen will help them understand that you might just know what you are talking about and help them get to know you better as a person.  The Wrap-Up In the end, guiding your teen through friendships—both healthy and toxic—is about maintaining open communication, trust, and support. Instead of controlling their choices, provide them with the tools to recognize unhealthy behaviors and make informed decisions on their own. Be a listener, a role model, and a source of encouragement. Friendships will come and go, and while it's hard to watch your teen struggle, allowing them the space to learn and grow will ultimately help them build stronger, healthier relationships in the future. Your guidance, patience, and understanding will make all the difference in helping them navigate these important social dynamics. 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: February 3, 2025

written by: Daniel Currie editing and proofreading by: Jacasa Currie Returning to my roots, I wanted to learn another random, fun, odd word. Google to the rescue again. I asked it to spit me back a random word. First word: Yankee. NOPE. Second try: Attachment. Eh, no. Third time a charm? Simp. YES! What the hell is simp exactly, and how does it pertain to teen mental health and relationships? If you look it up, the classic definition of "SIMP" (Oxford Dictionary) is just "a silly or foolish person." But in today's slang, it refers to someone who goes overboard trying to impress, please, or win over someone—usually romantically—while getting nothing in return. Simping is often tied to self-esteem, a crucial factor in teen mental health. The Reality of Simping in Teen Relationships Let's be real: you probably know a simp . Maybe it's the guy who throws his dignity out the window for a girl who barely acknowledges him. Perhaps it's the girl who bends over backward for a guy who puts in little to no effort. Back in the late '90s, we didn't use the term simp , but I was the definition of one. Looking back, I now realize how deeply this affected my mental health as a teen. My Story: How I Became a Simp I remember asking this gorgeous girl I had a crush on if she'd go out with me a week or two before Valentine's Day. A friend of hers told me she thought I was cute, and that tiny glimmer of hope was all I needed. I had always secretly admired her. She was out of my league, or at least I thought so. That's why I never made a move—until now. Nervously, I asked her out, my heart pounding and my palms sweating. Was this a setup? Was I about to be humiliated? But then, the impossible happened. She said YES. From Cloud Nine to Cupid's Fool For the next week leading up to Valentine's Day, I was the happiest guy on Earth —and the biggest simp. I showered her with love notes, compliments, phone calls—anything to make her feel special. She held my hand in the hallway between classes. She even kissed me once or twice. I was completely, hopelessly in love . And I was completely, hopelessly blind . Not even Cupid himself could bring me down. But Valentine's Day was about to change everything. The Ultimate Simp Move At the time, I was saving up for an authentic Brett Favre jersey  (yes, I'm a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan!). But in my mind, this girl was worth far more than any green and gold jersey. Like a fool, I took my hard-earned allowance  and Christmas money  and spent it all on her. A Hallmark Valentine's card? Of course. A box of Belgium chocolates ? Absolutely. A sterling silver necklace  with a small heart pendant? No question. When I gave her the gifts, her eyes widened with excitement. She hugged me. She kissed me. Then she asked me to put the necklace on for her. The Moment That Defined My Simping As I clasped the necklace around her neck, I felt something I had never felt before: pure, unfiltered joy. I was convinced. This was love. But I wasn't done. I pulled out a dozen red roses —bought two days earlier to make sure they had them in stock. Her reaction? Priceless. She let out a high-pitched squeal, hugged me again, and whispered the three words I had been dying to hear: "I love you." In that moment, I felt on top of the world. She told me later that night over the phone how she could see herself growing old with me.  She promised she'd never leave me.  She swore she loved me. The Harsh Truth Hits Hard The next morning, everything changed. She met me at my locker, looking completely unfazed.  Without hesitation, she said, "I'm sorry, I don't think this relationship will work out. It's not you, it's me." Then she turned and walked away. I went from the highest high  to the lowest low  in mere seconds. At 13 years old, I had no idea what hit me. It felt like my heart had been ripped out, stomped on, and thrown into a fire. When the emotional dust settled, I finally realized: I had been played. Apparently, my now-ex had found out I had taken one of my girl-friends  (not girlfriend ) to the mall for Christmas shopping. She saw an opportunity. She knew I was an easy target —a walking, talking simp —and she timed her sweet nothings  perfectly. Valentine's Day came, she got her expensive gifts, and the next morning, I was discarded like I meant nothing. That day, I learned two hard truths: Blind love makes you vulnerable. Simping destroys self-respect. And when your self-respect crumbles, your mental health follows. Simping and Teen Mental Health: Why It Matters Here are a few pointers to help your teen avoid the challenges I faced. Teen mental health is deeply connected to self-respect and emotional resilience.  These insights aim to ensure your teen doesn't fall victim to manipulation or mistreatment simply for having strong feelings toward someone they care about or have a crush on. Critically, the biggest issue with simp culture is that it teaches teens that it's acceptable to put themselves last. When teens neglect their own well-being in favor of impressing others, it can damage their self-esteem and mental health. Studies show that teens with low self-worth are more likely to experience anxiety and depression. So make sure your teen knows to ask themselves before they simp over someone: Would they do the same for me? Am I respecting myself? Is this effort really worth my time? If the answer is "NO," then stop. Because self-respect is always more attractive than simping. 10 Ways Simping Can Harm Teen Mental Health You Lose Self-Respect It Creates One-Sided Relationships You Become Emotionally Drained People Will Take Advantage of You It Kills Your Confidence You Push Away Potential Partners It Delays Personal Growth You Normalize Toxic Behavior It Affects Friendships You Deserve Better FAQ: Simping & Teen Mental Health Q: How does simping impact teen mental health? A:  Simping can severely damage self-esteem, increase anxiety, and lead to emotional exhaustion. When teens prioritize others over themselves, they often develop feelings of unworthiness  and depression . Q: Is caring about someone the same as simping? A:  No. Caring is mutual. Simping is one-sided.  In a healthy relationship, both people put in effort. In simping, only one person does—and their mental health suffers as a result. Q: What are the long-term effects of simping on mental health? A:  Chronic simping can lead to low self-esteem, codependency, and a pattern of toxic relationships.  It can also contribute to anxiety and depression , especially if someone constantly feels unappreciated or used. Q: How can teens stop simping and build confidence? A:  Teach them to: Set healthy boundaries Value self-respect over validation Recognize red flags in relationships Focus on self-improvement  before seeking love. Final Thoughts Until the next time, remember teen mental health starts with self-respect. Don't simp. Stand tall. Stay tuned! In Guiding Teenagers' next blog, written by Jacasa, she dives into today's brave new world of AI and its impacts on teens! You won't want to miss it! 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 24, 2025 References M ayo Cli nic - Teen mental health & self-esteem Psychology Today - Unhealthy relationships & emotional dependence National Institute of Mental Health - Self-worth & mental health American Psychological Association - Effects of toxic relationships

written by: Daniel Currie Guiding Teenagers Bite-Size 3-minute Blogs, best known as GT Mashups No fancy formats. Opinionated. Based On Facts. Controversial? Sure. Agree or disagree, it's a topic that demands attention. Let's dive into something that's causing quite a stir in middle schools today—vaping. My stance is clear: vaping is wrong, unhealthy, and dangerous . But as a parent, addressing it can be a bit like walking a tightrope. So, let's get into it, shall we? It started innocently enough with my son, a bright-eyed eighth grader who's always been more into video games and soccer than anything else. But then, I noticed a shift. A sweet, odd smell frequently covered him when I picked him up, whether at school, a friend's house, or sometimes even practice. The icing on the cake—besides all the obvious signs that leave all parents in denial, crying, "Not my child!"? It was his vape, which he left out carelessly in the water bottle pouch of his book bag. I nearly blew a gasket. "Dad, it's no big deal," he shrugged, trying to brush it off like it was nothing, trying desperately to play it off cool but to no avail. This was clearly a black-and-white problem; there was no room for gray. After all, this isn't a dirty sock left on the floor—we're talking about his health here. Vaping might seem like a harmless trend, but it's far from it. According to the CDC, e-cigarettes contain harmful substances like nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds. These can seriously mess up a young, developing body. My not-so-little boy, and perhaps even a few of you, may think I overreacted, but let's not kid ourselves; middle schoolers are impressionable. They see older teenagers, peers, and even adults, their role models, vaping, and they begin to think it's cool or a way to fit in. As his dad, my job is to cut through that BS with facts. "Look, buddy," I said, "I get that it might seem harmless, but it's not. This stuff can hurt you in ways unimaginable if you give it time." And here's where I got authoritative but empathetic. He desperately needs to know I'm on his side, even when I'm putting my foot down. We've all been there, trying to navigate parenthood with a mix of support and tough love. Remember the days when you were in school? The peer pressure, the need to belong? It's no different now, but the stakes are even higher now with new products that we may not have had growing up, such as vaping. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that nearly 30% of teens use some form of vaping device . That's a scary-ass stat! What's a dad to do? You talk, you listen, and you set boundaries. "I'm not here to make your life miserable," I told him. "I'm here to keep you safe." It's about striking that balance—being there without mollycoddling . He needs to learn to make smart choices on his own, but with the knowledge that I'm always here to guide him. When I confronted my son about vaping, it wasn't about punishing him. It was about educating him. We sat down, looked up facts together, and talked about the real dangers. Did he roll his eyes? Probably. Did he hear me? I think so. And sometimes, that's enough. Parents, it's time to step up. Stay informed, stay involved, and don't shy away from these tough conversations. Your kids might not thank you now, but one day, they'll get it—much like you did. Vaping isn't just a phase; it's a health risk. And as the adults in their lives, we've got to lead by example and with firm, supportive guidance. So here's my takeaway: Be there for your kids. Understand their world, but don't be afraid to set the rules. Educate them, support them, and be the rock they need. Vaping in middle school is a real issue, but with open communication and a bit of tough love, we can help our kids navigate these choppy waters safely. I hope you enjoyed Vaping in Middle School! Until next time, check out other Mashups ! 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: June 12, 2024 References CDC: Smoking and Tobacco use, E-Cigarettes (Vapes) https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/index.html CDC: Smoking and Tobacco use, E-Cigarette Use Among Youth https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html American Cancer Society, What Do We Know About E-cigarettes? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/e-cigarettes-vaping/what-do-we-know-about-e-cigarettes.html What We Know About Electronic Cigarettes https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/ecigs-menthol-dip/ecigs

written by: Daniel Currie editing and proofreading reviewed by: Jacasa Currie Guiding Teenagers Bite-Size 4-minute Blogs, best known as GT Mashups No fancy formats. Opinionated. Based On Facts. I've talked about my daughter quite a few times over the dozens of blogs; she is a spitfire that I adore for everything she has become and so much more. She is passionate, fiery, stubborn, and fun. She shares her dad's horrible immatureness and bad sense of humor that many may despise and find vulgar. She is her father's daughter through and through. We have a relationship like many fiery daughters and immature fathers. We love each other without showing a lot of affection, but conversely, we have this unbreakable bond that nobody could ever break, let alone try to understand. Some may even dare to say it's complicated. It's not complicated to us. The only thing that can be complicated is the amount of slack I give her. No, I'm not talking about how long of a leash I give her regarding our relationship, and how she (well, we) behave, or our feelings towards each other, or whatnot. I'm talking about my little girl growing up while this dad starts to watch from the sideline. Sometimes, it's soul-crushing to know I'm no longer as important as I may have once been. Even then, it's very rewarding to know she is walking her own path, independent and uncompromising , not following in anybody's shoes, not even mine. How is a father supposed to let go? I know I must let her grow and mature on her own, but there is no way in hell I am just "letting go." This father will not sit by and let her go unguided and undisciplined . I love my little girl too much to see her potentially slip down a rabbit's hole when I could be there for her as I always have. While weighing my options, another somewhat obvious thought crossed my mind: Should I lay down the law and instill a slew of rules to better protect her? After all, she's just going into high school, and there is so much that can happen. She may not be ready for all that's to come, and she could use some rigid rules for guidance. On one hand, it felt too hot, and on the other, it felt too cold. I needed "just right." I didn't want to be totally transparent, where she could do whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, like I wasn't even there and didn't care. Permissive parenting , or neglectful parenting, is not something I'm into; I just could never see myself not having that unique bond anymore, guiding her in her times of need. Chewing the thought around some more, I realized I certainly did not want to be this massive stone wall, either, locking her in a jail cell of rules. How are teens really supposed to learn without falling here and there? After all, that's what a dad is supposed to do! Help them back up from their fall, dust them off, and tell them to keep trying. I've always felt this solid, stone-wall approach is not necessarily the correct way, either. The problem with too many rules is that teens are much more likely to rebel since they are not fully mature yet. Regardless of how good intentions may be, until the teen sees that, the reason does not matter; it takes maturing. In contrast, by pampering them (putting it bluntly), whether by helicopter parenting or by having too many lenient house rules, they may stumble when they reach adulthood and face "real-life" rules, as all of us adults know! I came to the realization translucent parenting is critical. I needed to be there, to guide and help her—but crucially, I needed to let her live her life. I felt it was vital for her to know I was there for her no matter the rhyme or reason, yet I refused to obstruct her views and goals in life. There was no way in hell I wanted to prevent my little girl from fully blooming into a beautiful woman full of life and personality. I refused to hinder her development or slow her down; she is too good for that, and I love her for WHO SHE IS, not who others want her to be. Not only did I want her to know that her dreams and passions were always within reach and that she could achieve them, but I also needed her to know that I was THERE for her—not transparent or uninvolved, but always there for her, no matter what. Furthermore, she must understand that I am not that impenetrable stone wall either, where she feels her dad had become this dictator, stating, "It's for your best," not allowing her much independent decision-making, originality, and individualism. My little girl needs to understand I am there when it's needed—when she needs Dad to help her back up, to dust her off, and to tell her, "It's alright, let's try again." In this translucent style, I'm only there when she starts to veer too close to the edge, guiding her and keeping her on the straight and narrow. That Goldilocks zone is known as being a translucent parent. Translucent parenting means allowing your teens to flourish independently as you foster their growth. Allowing them to learn from their mistakes based on the morals and beliefs you've instilled in them from a young age. It isn't about turning a blind eye or crossing your fingers, hoping for the best. In contrast, it isn't about controlling and clearing the path for them. It's about relinquishing control in a very smooth, fluid method so that when they become young adults and are on their own, they don't even realize you are there anymore. Here's the bottom line: Be mindful that in order for your teens to mature properly, they must have guidance. Guidance does not mean being careless or rigid. It means helping your teen to achieve their dreams while keeping them on the straight and narrow. It's allowing your teen to experience the world, discover their likes and dislikes, realize their passions, and be comfortable without judgment. 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: July 6, 2024

written by: Jacasa Currie editing and proofreading by: Daniel Currie While I was in college studying Early Childhood Education for my associate degree, I took a child development. In this class, I learned about attachment theory. This fascinated me, among other things I learned. There are 4 types of attachment that are originally formed as babies but continue to develop throughout childhood. The good news is you can change parenting behaviors to curb this. The four types of attachments are secure, anxious, avoidant-dismissive, and disorganized. Let’s go through the characteristics and how it can affect adult relationships/adult lives. Table of Contents ► Understanding Attachment Theory: Secure ► Understanding Attachment Theory: Anxious ► Understanding Attachment Theory: Avoidant-dismissive ► Understanding Attachment Theory: Disorganized ► To Achieve Successful Attachments: Secure ► To Achieve Successful Attachments: Anxious ► To Achieve Successful Attachments: Avoidant-dismissive ► To Achieve Successful Attachments: Disorganized ► Conclusion Understanding Attachment Theory: Secure Often times these children feel they are safe and supported by caregivers. This is the type of parent that is strived for. As babies, these children become upset when caregivers leave, but then are comforted when they return, and their caregiver’s presence calms them. In adult relationships they are more likely to maintain healthy relationships. Understanding Attachment Theory: Anxious This is also known as preoccupied attachment or anxious-ambivalent attachment. This is a form of insecure attachment. This happens when the caregiver is inconsistent. The child typically isn’t sure when the caregiver will be emotionally and physically available to them. As babies, they are harder to comfort when crying. In adult relationships they are “needy” or “clingy” and often times not trusting. They become worried that their partner will leave them and need constant reassurance. Understanding Attachment Theory: Avoidant-dismissive This type of person is usually seen as a loner. They are more likely to not delve into emotional conversations. In childhood they had experienced a lack of emotional support or connections. This child was provided with the psychical needs but not emotional comfort, therefore they learn to rely on others for their emotional needs. In adult relationships they are self-reliant and emotionally guarded. They are unlikely to seek emotional comfort or understand how to comfort their partner. Understanding Attachment Theory: Disorganized This is also known as fearful-avoidant attachment. This is the most extreme and least common attachment style. These individuals usually act irrationally, are unpredictable or intense in their relationships. This is formed from trauma/fear in childhood. They had an erratic or incoherent relationship with their primary caregiver. As adults they can develop mental health disorders and/or personality disorders. In adult relationships they experience unhealthy relationships where they crave close relationships but push others away once shown attention. Now let’s discuss how to use parenting to avoid/achieve these . To Achieve Successful Attachments: Secure Like mentioned earlier, this is the one that we are trying to achieve. Ways to do this is to be involved in their lives. It is important to be emotionally available to them whenever they need comforting. It is important to show up to various events in the child’s life so that they feel that presence and feel cared about. If there are babies in the picture it is important to comfort them when they are crying and upset, as hard as that can be at times. To Achieve Successful Attachments: Anxious To avoid this attachment style, it would be important to make yourself readily available to them emotionally. Although making sure they are provided for psychically is important, children need the emotional support just as much. Trying to keep an open line of communication is as always important as well. Just being there for the child is extremely important. To Achieve Successful Attachments: Avoidant-dismissive This one like the last one focuses mostly on the emotional aspect of things. For this one it is also important to create that close personal relationship with your child. Have daily conversations and even if you are not actually interested in what they are, still ask about it. Make sure they feel that they are important in your life. Always communicate with them to create that open line of communication. To Achieve Successful Attachments: Disorganized This one should be easy to avoid. However, sometimes we find ourselves in unsafe/abusive situations. In those situations, even if the person you are with is not hurting your child, they are witnessing you getting hurt whether it be mentally or physically or both, and that in turn hurts and effects them. It is important to get yourself out of those situations. If you are the one who is being unsafe/abusive then it is important to find immediate help for yourself. Even if that means you may have to distance yourself while you get better, this is still better for the child in the long run. If this has to happen, it is important to continue to communicate with your child (if possible). In Conclusion It may seem like some of this is extreme, but the little things that parents do every day affects their child. Sometimes there are things that we do that we don’t even realize we are doing such as telling the child to go play and not engaging in how their days were. Those little things will go a long way in ensuring their success and avoiding the negative attachment styles they could develop. — Jacasa Currie, AAS, ECE 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: July 10, 2024

written by: Jacasa Currie Hi everyone! Welcome back to those who have read any of my previous blogs. Welcome to first time readers! If you’ve been with me, you may know my story about my previous experiences in life. If not, I encourage you click here to read one of my previous blog posts in which explains what happened to inspire this current blog post.   What is a narcissist? Anyways, let’s get back to it. So, what exactly is a narcissist? A narcissist is defined as a person who is overly self-involved; and often vain and selfish. I know this is kind of vague. To get a better understanding I will go over what behaviors and signs will be displayed if you come across someone who may be a narcissist.     Signs of Narcissism - lack of empathy - need for admiration - willingness to exploit others - entitlement - not taking responsibility for own actions, instead always putting blame on others - refusing to admit to being wrong, even if they are presented with evidence that they are indeed wrong - downplaying other’s accomplishments - boasting about their accomplishments - unwarranted jealousy - turning every conversation into a conversation about themselves - asking for favors/help but not reciprocating when asked to give it - guilt tripping - difficulty working in team settings (ex: work/school groups) – refusal to listen to other’s ideas, dismissing other’s suggestions, insisting on doing most of work themselves - believing they deserve special treatment - overly critical of others   From this list it may seem as though it would be super easy to identify a narcissist. However, sometimes the signs are so subtle or stay hidden for a portion of time. In my own experience, I found that my ex-husband was very good at hiding it in the beginning. He did everything “right” until he convinced me that it would be a great idea to get married. He also made me feel like I wanted it and so I played along with the idea of getting married so early into a relationship. I also was 19, which means it was one of those typical “young and dumb” situations. He constantly showered me with compliments, attention, and gifts. After a high school relationship that had really broke my heart, I was so pleased to have found someone whom I thought truly loved me again. Of course, I also was graduated from high school, of course in college, but still I felt I was an adult and therefore it was a valid decision. Once we did get married, he instantly showed his true colors; it was all downhill from there.   Red Flags are like Stop Signs…STOP! We all know those things called red flags. It is super important not to ignore those red flags no matter how late in a friendship/relationship they show up. They are called red flags for a reason, red means stop. Now not every red flag is worthy of ending that friendship/relationship. Some are ones that may be resolved, but others, especially if there are multiple, are end worthy.   Step One to Address a Red Flag The first thing you should do if you come across a red flag is confide in someone about it, or even journal about it if you don’t feel comfortable telling someone. By telling someone else, they will be able to help you discern whether or not there is a real problem or whether it is just something that you are overreacting about. Sometimes we can look too much into things so that outside viewpoint helps to sort that out. The reason a journal is also a good option is because you can look back and see if that red flag is still occurring or whether it has resolved. You could also use a combination of both options.   Step Two to Address a Red Flag If you are bold enough you can skip the first mentioned step and skip right to this one. If not, the next step is to talk directly to your friend/boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. Simply say something like; “Hey, I really didn’t appreciate when you did this, it really hurt.”, or “I noticed that you do this/say this and I really would appreciate if you would stop.” This lets the person know what it is that they could be doing that they might not be aware they are doing. If they truly care about you, they will be willing to discuss why they do this, apologize, and either stop, or work on whatever it is that they need to in order to fix it. Narcissists are Master Manipulators If the person is a narcissist, they will somehow turn the problem back into something you did or blame you for the reason they do that. They will not sincerely apologize and certainly will not change their behaviors. Sometimes when blaming you, they can be a master at making you feel bad that you would even think that way. If this happens and you come across this type of response, it is vital that you do not ignore this behavior. This is no longer a red flag but a narcissist flag. I encourage you to get out of that situation as soon as possible. It is less important to end a friendship over this depending on the severity of the issue you are presenting the person with. But in an intimate relationship, it is 100% leave worthy. I can promise you that it will get worse over time.   Settling isn’t Worth Your Happiness You might be wondering why do people ignore red flags, or maybe why you yourself ignore red flags? Well, the answer is simple, we all just want to be loved. I know that in the past I ignored them because I thought well everything else is good, I can deal with this one thing I don’t like. But it is more than just something that you don’t like, it is a warning. Simply put, we settle for less than we deserve in order to find a life partner. Most of us are looking for someone to spend our lives with, maybe have a family with. Dating can be exhausting. Especially the older you get and the closer you get to that feeling that you are truly ready to settle down. We start to accept more and more wrongs in a relationship because it can feel like that window of time is closing on us.   The truth is, there is no set time to do things in life. We often look at others’ lives and want what they have. Sometimes that can be a successful marriage, children, even successful careers. Is it true that there is an average time in one’s life that those things happen, yes. However, everyone is different. Life is not a race. The more you try to quicken the process the more you will be willing to deal with in order to get there. At the end of the day, you end up deep down knowing you are unhappy, but at least you have someone. Now, what if you could have more? What if I told you the wait and pain of seeing others “succeed” before you will be worth it in the end? Well, I am here to tell you that it is.   We all only live this life once. We get one shot to make this life the best it can be. Well, when you look back on your life, are you going to be able to say that you were truly happy? That you were able to feel alive rather than just living? If the answer is no, then you should take a deeper look into why that is and start making changes. These changes might be extremely difficult, but the end result is your own happiness and living a fulfilling life!   How to Leave a Narcissist: Friendship If you are at the point where you realize that you need to end a friendship/relationship due to their narcissism, there are a few ways to do so. If the relationship is a friendship, there are two options. Option one: slowly distance yourself over time until you completely stop communicating. Option two: have a conversation with said person about why you need to take a step back from the friendship. I should warn you that this conversation will more than likely not be an easy conversation. The person will more than likely blame everything on you and make you feel guilty. But stand your ground and stand by your decision. You can even offer an opportunity for redemption in the future but be stern on a break from friendship for the current moment.   How to Leave a Narcissist: Intimate Relationship If the relationship is an intimate relationship, this can become trickier as there are more complex feelings involved in an intimate relationship. My best advice is to just rip the Band-Aid off. There isn’t going to be any easy way to go about it. Of course this should be something talked about in person, unless there is a special circumstance that makes this a bad option. For example, an abusive partner, or the conversation happening to come up in text and there is no way around it.   The best place to have this conversation is in a public place. This ensures that you can just leave if you need to and that their behavior is limited to the societal norms of behavior in a public space. Of course, there is that possibility that they still could display explosive behavior, but your chances of this are certainly lower in a public space. Always try to stay as calm as possible in the conversation, as hard as that may be. If the person starts to become explosive, the best thing to do is to physically walk away. You can even tell them that you understand why they are upset but that you need to walk away from the situation to give them the space to process. This shows that you are empathetic and also confirming that it truly is over by letting them know they should also leave to process things.   If after the conversation the person reaches out to you, which they more than likely will, you have a few choices here. You can remind them that your decision is final and that you are sorry they are hurting. You can also choose to block them. A narcissist will beg for you but also when they do not get their way will try their best to knock you down. Sometimes it is best just to block them so that you can sever the ties completely and try to heal.   How to Start the Conversation My suggestion is to point out to them that you have been unhappy and why you are unhappy. That after waiting for change, you’ve realized that they are not willing to make the changes in the relationship needed for you to stay. Therefore, you have decided that it is best to break things off. You can also throw in that this may not be what they think is best, but that you know it is what is best for yourself. Be very specific in your reasoning for why you are leaving. This can help you remind yourself mid conversation that you are indeed doing the right thing. This also brings things to their attention with the hope that they can fix this for when they choose to try again in a new relationship.   Leaving a Narcissist: My Experience My ex-husband was excellent at making me feel trapped. His manipulation tactic, as many of you know who have read previously, was threatening suicide. He used guilt to make me stay. I cannot count on my two hands the number of times I tried to leave. But a few things kept me from doing so. Of course, he would either swallow pills right in front of me, or simply just threaten that he would kill himself if I left. One specific time that I tried to leave he opened our apartment door, and said “Leave if you want to the door is open. But know that if you do, I will take my car and run it at full speed into a tree, or just straight off a cliff.” I felt so conflicted. If I followed through with leaving, there was that chance that he would do it, he already had tried to commit suicide in front of me. In that instance I would feel as though his blood was on my hands. But there was a chance that he was just saying anything he could to get me to stay. I was not willing to take that chance then.   I was never strong enough to walk away from him myself. Because when you are with someone who is mentally/physically abusive, something within you changes. You start to believe the things they say, you start to believe that this is all you deserve. You are stuck in this loop of wanting to leave but being convinced you can’t so therefore you just sort of settle.   The last time he ended things with me. He claimed that I was too back and forth for him and that he couldn’t handle me anymore. I came to realize years later that this was not true and that if I was this way, it was because of the time spent being toyed with. Anyways, he said he wanted a divorce for good. I was flabbergasted. In my head, things had been fine, we hadn’t been fighting as much and we were, I thought, overall happy. But clearly, I was wrong. So, after about a week, I left Ohio for the last time back to New York. I was so distraught that I had to have my parents meet me halfway. I will never forget what my mom told me later about how I looked. She said it looked as though I hadn’t slept in a very long time, and that if she didn’t know me better, she would think I was on drugs. I was unable to hold a conversation, unable to focus. My hair was matted where my hair extensions has grown out and I had stopped brushing my hair. I was a total mess. It did not take long for him to try to get me back. Less than a week later. He had texted me telling me how sorry he was and that he wanted me back. I had to fight hard to not give in. But I stood by that I was not going to go back. I knew that this cycle would be a never ending one and that I couldn’t do it anymore. Because he could pretty readily always get me back in the past, his tone changed almost immediately once I denied him that chance. He actually at one point told me that he wished I was aborted. Which if you know of my birth story, you will understand why this comment would cut like a knife. He also proceeded to tell me that no one will ever love me because I am too crazy. That comment still sticks with me to this day and I still feel scared of this possibility.   So how did I get through it? I also had to deal with a divorce. This meant that I couldn’t exactly block him because I had to push him to keep things going. He dragged his feet for about a year, until finally it was all over. But throughout that whole time, he still tried, over and over. I confided in my family and friends on what had truly been happening behind closed doors. It feels shameful to talk about. But I did it. Once it all came out, those around me were extremely supportive of me and helped me to stay strong and not give up on myself. Along with leaning on others, I also printed out words of encouragement and taped them to the walls of my bedroom and read them daily, sometimes multiple times a day. They had said things like; you deserve better, you don’t need him, you can do this, etc.   My Hope for You I hope that if you are in a relationship with a narcissist that nothing ever goes how things went for me. But the reason I rambled on about what happened to me, is to show a glimpse of how life could be for you if you choose to stay. Obviously, everyone is different, and you could have a much easier experience with someone, and your relationship may seem okay. But it will get worse over time. That is why it is imperative to leave as soon as possible. Do not ignore the red flags. The consequences of staying can be catastrophic. Change can be scary, especially if a divorce or children are involved. But it is important to remember that simple fact that we only live this life once. I want you to be able to look back on your life when your time on this earth is coming to an end and say you know what, I lived a good life filled with happiness. Life will always have its challenges but your partner in this life should not be one. Of course, every relationship has its ups and downs, but it should ultimately bring you happiness.   Life After Being with a Narcissist If you have been with a narcissist, especially for an extended period of time, I am not going to sugar coat things. Life won’t be easy. You will have to relearn how to love and accept love. Your views will change on love. Trust will not come easy. You may also find that you feel you do not want anyone for the fear you will go through another disaster. Know that it is okay to take your time. Process all that happened. If you are having a hard time processing, please consider therapy. It is not a sign of weakness to need help. We all need help sometimes. And it is also okay if you want to just move on with your life and find someone new. That first relationship after the narcissist will be the hardest one. But know that it will get better if you work at it. The right person will understand and help you navigate how you are feeling.   Overall, do not settle for less than you deserve. If it doesn’t make you overall happy, it’s time to either attempt to bring the issue to attention and fix it or leave. After my ex-husband, it took me years before I felt I even wanted to get married again. I used to be convinced that I would never marry again because I did not want to ever be trapped again. However, through therapy I was able to sort through my feelings and realize that I cannot compare everyone to him. Every person is their own person. I eventually realized that I do want to get married again someday. I am aware that the idea of marriage is becoming more and more less important. But to me, marriage is a sacred bond. Someone who is there for you throughout all life throws at you. I also still believe that marriage should mean forever. I came to realize that I do want marriage, children (which I have always wanted and never wavered from wanting), and to find someone to spend the rest of my life with.   A light at the End of the Tunnel Although I have been through so much in those times with my ex-husband. I have healed from it. Do I still have flashbacks sometimes? Of course. But overall, I have healed. With each relationship that I had post marriage, I was able to learn more about myself and what I am looking for. I even got to a point where I was engaged. It was a hard decision to end that engagement, but I am proud of myself for not ignoring my unhappiness and not choosing to settle for less than I deserve.   As most know, I am in a new relationship. This relationship is one that I feel confident is my last one. I truly feel as though I have found my soulmate. We actually communicate, both of us! If we ever have any issues that arise, we bring it to the other person’s attention and talk about it. After every little spat, we may have we always talk about it and grow from it. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company. We spend every moment we can together and as we have both been through horrible relationships, we can relate and understand when the other has a thought process that was formed from those past relationships. We are able to be there for each other and rely on each other. Most importantly, we love each other. It is obvious on both sides that it is genuine. That feeling of my feelings being 100% reciprocated and my efforts being 100% reciprocated is so foreign to me. It feels amazing.   Now instead of wondering if I am truly loved, having doubts, or being put down, I am cherished and loved for all parts of me, even the ugly ones. While reading books, listening to songs, or watching movies and shows that are about romance, you always think oh that kind of love does not really exist. Well, I can tell you that it does. Those books, songs, movies and shows were not created from nothing. I no longer open doors when we are together. Some may not appreciate this, but I do. He has me wait in the car while he comes around to open it for me. Every single time I go to work or am at college long enough to need a meal he makes my lunch, EVERY SINGLE TIME. In every lunch is also a post-it with a little love note for me. He writes me love letters, leaves love notes in my college notebooks, planners, and sometimes around the house to find when I come home from a long day. He is always reminding me how beautiful he thinks I am inside and out. We have date night every single Friday even if it is just staying in to watch movies and order take out pizza. The day after Thanksgiving it was time for me to decorate the house for Christmas. When the time came to put up the tree he was excited to do this with me along with listen to Christmas music in the process. And when we finished, he offered his hand to me to slow dance to the song “Halleluiah” when that came on. No longer am I expected to take care of everything around the house. He steps up and takes care of so much housework, virtually all of it actually. His reasoning is because he sees how hard I work between actual work and college and wants me to be able to focus on my studies. I could go on and on about the things he does for me, but that is not the point here.   The Point The point of that long ramble is to never give up looking for happiness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. Each person we come across is put in our lives for a reason, whether to stay and teach us how to be happy, or to teach us something about ourselves. If you are someone who has been with a narcissist, or have been in an abusive relationship, then let my story be hope that you too can find happiness. Don’t ever give up on yourself. Even if you choose that you would rather just go through life without being in another relationship do that. Do whatever it is that brings you happiness.   If you are someone who is currently with a narcissist. Please do yourself a favor and get out. I know it can be extremely hard to leave, but trust me, it is so worth it in the end. Stick with your decision and fight for yourself. No matter what happens, you can get through anything you put your mind to. I believe in you. And if you need extra help, I am always here for people who need someone to talk to. Or you can always get into therapy. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge advocate for therapy. I wouldn’t be here without it.   In Conclusion I know this was a very long read. I hope that you all made it this far. If you have, thank you so much for reading. If you chose not to continue well then, I guess you won’t see this. But, as always, I hope that my story and my advice can help at least one person who may be out there struggling. Life really knows how to kick you when you’re down sometimes. I hope I can be part of what helps to pick you back up, dust off the dirt and keep fighting. You are worth it! I will see you in the next blog post! - Jacasa Currie - Blooming Thoughts Blog Suicide Prevention Hotline 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Call 988 or Text 988 Or Visit: https://988lifeline.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=onebox   Domestic Violence Hotline Call 800-799-7233 or text BEGIN to 88788 Or Visit: https://www.thehotline.org/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=domestic_violence View this post over at Blooming Thoughts from Blogspot 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: December 9, 2024

written by: Daniel Currie editing and proofreading by: Jacasa Currie First, we would like to thank our loyal readers who have continued supporting Guiding Teenagers. We thank you whether you are a new reader, have been here since the beginning, or are somewhere in between. You are all so valuable to us, and we appreciate all of you. We are reaching out in Special Edition Blog to catch you up to speed since our last blog a few months back. Consider this GuidingTennager's State of the Union Message from us to our faithful readers and listeners. In this article, we'll discuss why we've been dark for the past four months and what is to come for GuidingTeenagers. That said, sit down, strap in, and get ready because here we go! Table of Contents ► GT Went Dark? ► Piercing The Veil ► Road to Recovery ► Looking Forward ► The Announcement ► State of The GuidingTeenagers Message: Conclusion GT Went Dark? In July and August 2024, unforeseen, unavoidable issues that greatly affected GuidingTeenagers began to surface. Certain aspects of our personal lives have begun changing drastically, significant to us and how we handle the website. This directly impacted the site and our ability to provide the quality information and attention to detail that you've come to expect in our GuidingTeenagers Blogs and Mashups. Many roadblocks caused us to step away from laptops and computers for a hot minute until we took care of ourselves and our families. These matters were enough for us to take a step back and reflect to ensure we were practicing what we preached. For example, we never thought we would find ourselves in certain situations, such as divorce. Piercing The Veil As extraneous as that can be on a family, teenagers, and many others, for our teens to have the best outcome and success, sometimes the parents need to step away after exhausting all avenues and be humble in admitting it is no longer healthy for each other—especially exposing teens to toxicity constantly. Additionally, when parents are no longer getting along, and there is no resolution in sight, even after genuinely trying and using all available resources, it is time to consider the devastating possibility that it wasn't meant to be. It is never a healthy environment when children or teens of any age witness arguments and observe no resolve between their parents. That being said, over time, it can become a toxic environment in which it is best for everybody that a divorce be the best course of action when there is no good alternative. When a relationship reaches that point, it is one of the few great anomalies where it may be necessary to separate for the benefit of everyone. By doing this, being humble, and perhaps even admitting defeat, everyone involved can continue their neverending pursuit of love, happiness, and inner peace. We allowed closure and forward-thinking by permitting one chapter of our lives to close so another, happier, less stress-filled chapter could begin. Road to Recovery Under no circumstance should a divorce or separation be considered unless absolutely necessary, and the benefits of separation are greater for all family members, not just the parents. Unfortunately, this was the case, and we have all begun moving on with our road to recovery. Moving on is not without its difficulties and monumental challenges. Everything from a simple daily routine to new towns, workforces, schools, and living arrangements gets jostled. Naturally, that is highly stressful and a tough transition mentally, emotionally, and physically for anyone. Hence, the decision to move forward with a divorce or separation should not be taken lightly; the consequences are devastating. Family dynamics change as well, sometimes for the good but many times for the bad, as bonds between the family break, new people come in, connections change, and the future feels very uncertain. This can be traumatic for children and teens, making it vital for the parents to handle their issues as civilly as possible and critically keep the children and teens out of their problems. Looking Forward With all of that said, there have been many reasons for a brief hiatus, but, as stated earlier, we wanted to ensure we practiced what we preached. We must reflect and contemplate our stance because of our strong moral values regarding this brand, GuidingTeenagers. Now it's time to look forward and reveal GuidingTeenagers' future. The last few blogs posted were back in mid-summer, and as most of you know, we welcomed Jacasa from Blooming Thoughts aboard. She has been a great addition to our team, offering a different, positive perspective with a wealth of knowledge and education to back it. Although Jacasa does not have children of her own, she has a wealth of experience working with children as a teacher's aide and various field experiences during college. Additionally, she is three semesters away from her bachelor's degree in childhood education, with the ambition and dream of becoming an elementary teacher. Her education and first-hand experience grant her the expertise she uses to write blogs for both us and her personal blog, Blooming Thoughts . As mentioned, this is a State of the GT Message. What good is a State of the Union-type message without an announcement? This directly affects our blog, so we felt it important to tell you all. Writing this blog has allowed us to get to know each other in ways we never imagined. Although this may be hard to understand for some readers who have been with us since Jacasa's debut (and even before), we cannot go any longer without this coming to your attention. The Announcement Going forward, both of us will still be running GuidingTeenagers; nothing is changing in that regard. The key difference is that we are no longer co-bloggers writing in parallel but now as a blogging couple with a strong sense of duty and passion in raising teens. Overall, it will not change much for most of you personally, and you may not notice anything different. Jacasa, known for her blogs at Blooming Thoughts , and Dan, known for his blogs on this site and formerly CurlyStache Blogs, originally joined forces as guest bloggers for each other's blogs. We discovered our morals and outlooks on life aligned perfectly and began working more closely. We then found it best to become business partners, running GuidingTeenagers in tandem. We continued to work closely and found we were becoming more than business partners. Our philosophies, ethics, passions, and beliefs were unmistakably in sync. This led us to explore what else there could be besides blogging, one of the many hobbies that we share. With that, we took a leap of faith and began a journey together as a couple, embracing life as one. For some of our readers who know us personally, we understand the difficulty of the change. We only ask for your respect in our decision, which has brought us great peace and happiness. State of The GuidingTeenagers Message: Conclusion We look forward to this new chapter in our lives together, continuing to build and contribute to the GuidingTeenagers community with your help! We look forward to a new season, Season 5, officially in January 2025. We will kick off an all-new season filled with exciting content and podcasts, including full-length blogs, our hit Mashups, and a few series blogs. Stay tuned for the latest! Subscribe for email notifications on our newest blog posts. Follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram for the latest news, memes, Dad jokes, and, of course, when we drop our newest blogs! See you all next month! Truly, Dan & Jacasa 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: December 9, 2024

written by: Daniel Currie editing, proofreading, and accuracy reviewed by: Jacasa Currie Supporting Gay Teens, Part I of the Series: In honor of Pride Month, we are dedicating a special two-part series to support teens who are gay or feel trapped in their own bodies. In this part, we will focus on acceptance. It can be challenging to understand and support a teenager's "decision" to be gay, especially if you come from a more traditional upbringing. It's important to note that the word "decision" is in quotes because when your teen is honest about their desires and emotions, it isn't a decision but their raw, natural, inherent feelings. Let's dive a little deeper, shall we? Table of Contents ► Drawing Parallels: Uncontrollable Feelings ● Understand: Uncontrollable ● Understand: The Teen's Core ● Empathy and Support ► The Social Teen Impact: Embracing Same-Sex Attraction       ● Fear of Social Rejection       ● Worrying About the Future ► Building a Positive Home Environment       ● Open and Honest Communication       ● Inclusive Family Activities       ● Professional Support ► Conclusion Drawing Parallels: Uncontrollable Feelings In approaching our teen's feelings for the same sex, regardless of how we feel, we should always keep an open mind for their sake. An excellent way to help with this is by drawing parallels to other uncontrollable conditions like ADHD, stress, anxiety, and depression. These conditions, much like sexual orientation, cannot simply be controlled or changed at will. Let's explore this a bit more. Understand: Uncontrollable Just as someone who suffers from ADHD, stress, anxiety, or depression didn't ask for their condition and can't easily change it, our teen's sexual orientation is no different. It is not something they can control. It's an inherent part of who they are, not a choice. Understand: The Teen's Core Once we come to grips, understand, and accept the fact that being gay isn't just a life choice but a way of life —whether they want it or not—it will help us understand our teens better. Like a child with ADHD can't will themselves to focus, a gay teen can't change their orientation. This is who they are at their core; their raw, exposed, vulnerable, humble selves. Empathy and Support We should be proud and encourage our teens to wear their hearts on their sleeve, unafraid, courageous, and bold to be themselves in an uncertain world. When we see our teens waging war internally with their feelings, confused and scared, the best thing we can do for them is to be there for them and provide the support they need. Empathy and support will go a long way. The Social Teen Impact: Embracing Same-Sex Attraction As parents, it's natural to have concerns and fears when your teen comes out of the closet. Addressing these concerns openly and honestly can help forge understanding and build a stronger, supportive relationship. Fear of Social Rejection The most common concern is the fear of social rejection and discrimination when identifying as a gay individual. As a parent of a teen belonging to the gay community, worrying about their child's safety and well-being in an uncertain society can be utterly terrifying. There are ways to combat this unnerving and validated fear: Educate yourself and your teen about their rights and available resources. Encourage your teen to build a support network of friends and fellow members of the gay/LGBTQ+ community who understand and accept them. Create a strong foundation for your teen at home, helping them confidently navigate potential challenges. Worrying About the Future Parents often worry about their teen's future, fearing that the label of being gay might limit their opportunities or happiness. It's crucial to remember that being gay does not define your teen's potential for success or joy; how we respond to their orientation may. With the right guidance, support, and direction, our teens can lead fulfilling, successful lives. Focus on nurturing and enabling your teen's strengths and passions. Encourage them to pursue their dreams without fear and with confidence. By supporting your teen's ambitions and affirming their worth, you provide them with a platform to build a positive and resilient self-image. Building a Positive Home Environment Creating a loving and accepting home environment is critical for your teen's emotional health. Let's discuss some practical steps to ensure your home is a safe haven for your teen. Open and Honest Communication If you've ever read any of our Guiding Teenagers blogs, you know open, honest communication is key . Maintain and encourage open lines of communication with your teen. Urge them to express their thoughts openly and wholeheartedly without fear of judgment. Let them know that their opinions and experiences are valued and respected. By welcoming an atmosphere of openness, you can help your teen feel more safe, comfortable, and supported by the closest people in their lives—YOU! Inclusive Family Activities Engage in family activities that promote inclusivity and acceptance. Participate in events celebrating diversity, such as Pride parades or community gatherings. It's crucial to remember that this is for your teen. Being involved will mean more than you could imagine, reinforcing your teen's sense of belonging and demonstrating your commitment to their well-being. Professional Support There are times when seeking professional support can benefit both parents and teens. It shouldn't be the first thing that comes to mind, but consider connecting with a counselor or therapist who specializes in LGBTQ+ issues when challenges arise. Professional guidance can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for navigating this journey together. Therapy can also offer a safe space for your teen to express and explore their feelings, helping them gain confidence within their own skin. Conclusion Supporting a gay teen in a traditional family setting can be challenging but deeply rewarding. In honor of Pride Month, we focus on fostering understanding, acceptance, and love. By recognizing that sexual orientation, like other uncontrollable conditions, is inherent and not a choice, we can empathize with our teens. Address concerns about social rejection and the future by educating yourself, building a strong support network, and encouraging your teen to pursue their passions. Creating a loving home environment, maintaining open communication, engaging in activities together, and seeking professional support when needed are key. Acceptance and love are the most powerful tools to help your teen navigate their journey confidently and joyfully. Stick around for Part II, written by our newest member of the Guiding Teenagers crew, next Wednesday! 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: June 19, 2024 References Innerbody - Online Therapy Guide for LGBTQ+ https://www.innerbody.com/online-therapy-guide-for-lgbtq-youth PFLAG - Parents: Quick Tips for Supporting Your LGBTQ Kids-and YOURSELF-During the Coming-Out Process https://pflag.org/resource/parents-comingout/ The Trevor Project - LGBTQ+ Community Resources https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/category/community/ APA - Understanding sexual orientation and homosexuality https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/orientation

written by: Jacasa Currie editing and proofreading reviewed by: Daniel Currie Let's welcome Blooming Thoughts Blogs, Jacasa, and her inspiring perspectives, with her first post of many to come here in Guiding Teenagers! Last week we looked at understanding how to support gay teens. This week, we take a look at the point of view of a teen themselves. Let’s take a look at a conversation I had with a teen close to me. I asked her 10 questions, all pertaining to her life as a lesbian teen. Let’s take a look at her experiences and perspectives. For this week's blog, we are focusing on acceptance, specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. I took the time to interview someone very close to me who is a lesbian teen. She weighed in on some questions that I feel can be helpful to parents of teens who have come out and teens themselves. I myself am bisexual, but I have never really officially come out to family or anyone who has not accepted that, so I did not feel fit to answer said questions. Take a look at how this teen spoke out about her experiences. 1.  How did coming out change your life? As someone who took a long time to fully come out due to the unfortunate backlash of it, it was a very frustrating and long process because it changed the way people view and interact with me. It was much easier for people around me to accept me when I was out, and fitting in was already difficult as I was a quiet kid. So, for a very long time, I hid my feelings and only came out to close friends and family as it made it easier for me to get around in a socially strict environment where you had to fit in with the other kids at school or else you didn't belong. But soon, that started to weigh on my own personal relationships, and it became so frustrating to try and fit in while trying to be myself around my partner. Eventually, I stopped caring about how others felt about my sexuality and instead worried about the people who have my back rather than the ones who don't. In turn, I've found my core group of people who understand and accept me and have helped me flourish as a person.  2.  When you came out, were there people who did not approve, and how did you deal/cope with that? When I first came out, I, unfortunately, dealt with a lot of backlash, and there were a lot of people, and still are a lot of people, who don't accept me. For a while, it really did get to me and caused me to recede angrily back into the closet to try to fit back in and regain popularity in my school, as I became a social reject. Slowly, over the years, I began to realize that it was more taxing for me to pretend to be someone for everyone's benefit rather than actually enjoying my life. Soon, my frustration towards those who didn't accept me turned into determination to try and educate those who are willing to understand and make up for wrongdoings in the past. Now, I aspire to enjoy every second with my partner and pave a better world for people I care about. I simply live my life and mind my business, just as I wish others could. 3.  What challenges do you face daily? Being that I am still a student, bullying is very prominent and still a large issue that I deal with on a near-daily basis. Simply holding my partner's hand, being of the same sex, causes us to be followed, jeered at, and mocked. Although it irritates me, and I want to snap back, instead, I laugh it off and keep enjoying my time with my partner as I planned to do before an encounter. There are very few public spaces where I can be affectionate with my partner without being confronted, which is frustrating as it's only one of the inconveniences that are thrown at us. 4.  What do you wish that the people who are not allies could understand? I wish people who don't accept would understand that sexuality is like a sandwich. I personally prefer ham on my sandwich and I don't like turkey on my sandwich. My close friend prefers turkey and doesn't like ham. It would be silly to hate my friend for liking turkey because that's their preference, and it's truly not that big of a deal. I don't need to force my friend to like ham, because they simply don't like ham and might never like it. Not everyone has to like ham; that's why likes and dislikes are something we dive into our early years so we have a better understanding when we're older. Personal preference differs in everyone, not everyone is going to like the same thing. So, in all, you don't have to agree with someone's sexuality, but it's a huge waste of your time to create an issue or hate someone because you don't agree with them. Instead, spend time on something meaningful like family or making the world a better place around you and the people you care about, or build a rocket if you want. 5.  In your opinion, what does it mean to be an ally? An ally, I feel, is someone who simply accepts those around them for who they are regardless of race, sexuality, gender, religion, etc. I personally feel its very simply to become an ally, even as someone who previously wronged another because of who they are. As long as you can learn to understand and accept those around you and strive to correct and prevent wrongdoings from happening again.  6.  What advice can you give to someone who is afraid to come out? Take your time, and don't push yourself to do something that puts you in an uncomfortable position. You don't have to lie to the world about your sexuality, but you don't have to tell anyone, either. Your love life is for you and future partners to worry about, so everyone else in between doesn't have to know anything. Of course, if you're in a dangerous situation and your parents or guardian needs to know details to help you, be sure to know your trusted adults and only say what your comfortable with and what will help you in this situation. Once or if you're ready to finally step out of the closet, take a deep breath and remember that it could be a long road ahead, but as long as you have people you can rely on and a determination to live your life freely, you really will be okay, and you will learn to just do your own thing and live your best life while you're still young. 7.  How do you figure out who you are? What advice can you give to someone who is trying to figure out their sexuality? When I was young, I never really understood the concept of relationships, and I didn't understand dating or relationships. I viewed relationships and friendships to be at an equal status, and I never felt that spark between anyone I'd been with, which at that point, was only males. Eventually, upon being introduced to new people, I met a girl. We started dating, which, before then, I didn't even think about as an option. I began to realize I was attracted to women. For a while, I considered myself bisexual because I felt I could be with a man if I really tried, but after many years, I considered how I would feel in different situations or aspects of a relationship depending on what gender I was with. After a very long time of debating how I would feel, I realized that I wasn't comfortable being in a relationship with a man in more aspects than one. On the other hand, my attraction towards women grew. I found more comfort in women than I did in men, and I tried and failed with my dating life for a bit until I met one of my best friends. I felt an overwhelming desire to be by her side, and I then found the spark I'd never felt before. I was just incredibly happy just to hear her voice. We got together and had some hiccups along the way, but despite that, my love for her never changed, but my attraction grew by the second. Being with her confirmed my identity, and since I have felt very strongly that I am attracted to women. 8.  Do you think that sexuality is linked to mental health? In a way, yes? I don't feel my mental health had much effect on my sexuality, but instead, I do feel my sexuality has had an impact on my mental health. 9.  If yes, how so? The stigma towards being gay impacted my self-image, and I eventually began to feel wrong for loving the people I loved. It began to weigh on me and impact my relationships before I regained control of myself. 10. What advice can you give someone who is struggling with their mental health due to backlash from coming out? Take your time! It's okay to go back in the closet and come back out when you're ready again. If you're ready but still suffering from backlash, explore yourself and your sexuality, find like-minded people, and find your support group. It can be friends, family, coworkers, whoever makes you feel comfortable to be yourself. Finding people who can support your through difficult times are crucial pushing through and handing backlash. They should motivate you to be yourself and raise you up when you feel unaccepted.  In Conclusion After reading these responses over and over, I feel evermore certain that this blog is important and feel the need to reach many people with it. These days, no one should have to hide who they are. They should be allowed to be who they are and be accepted. But there will always be people who choose not to accept them. So, all we can do is help support our teens through that backlash and to support them as a person. It can be scary to come out, and even if we don't understand or accept it, they should still feel loved no matter what. 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: June 26, 2024

written by: Jacasa Currie editing and proofreading reviewed by: Daniel Currie Let's welcome Jacasa of Blooming Thoughts officially with a special edition blog where she allows you to pull back the veil to see what makes her tick! Enjoy the Podcast wherever you listen; just search Guiding Teenagers or check it out here ! Hello, everyone. My name is Jacasa. I am the newest member of Guiding Teenagers. I also have my own blog, Blooming Thoughts . I decided to join the Guiding Teenagers blog when Dan asked me to be a guest blogger. He asked me if I would be interested in joining full-time, so I said yes.   I was asked to join because of my writings in my personal blog and also based on my experience with kids/teens. I have worked in schools and am also getting my degree in teaching for elementary school. I have an associate degree in early childhood education from Morrisville State College. I am currently attending SUNY Oneonta . I feel as though I have a lot to offer the Guiding Teenagers blog due to my education and experience, and I am excited to have joined the team. Personally, I am 27 (28 in September). I live with my two dogs, three cats, and our turtle. I enjoy gardening, reading, sewing, bird watching, camping, hiking, kayaking, and really just anything outside. I sometimes say that I am kind of an old lady since I enjoy lots of the things that old ladies enjoy. But I think that they are all quality hobbies. So, why did I decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a teacher because growing up, I was influenced by my teachers and oftentimes was closer to the teachers than my peers. I struggled socially since I was very shy, which is much different from how I am now. I remember I had one specific teacher who really helped me. I took chemistry my Junior year. I failed every single test that I took. My teacher, instead of just letting me fail, took the time to stay after school with me every single day and look over those tests and retake them. I passed the class and the regents. I have never forgotten that. I plan to be the same kind of teacher. I also feel as though teachers are super important. People do not understand how important teachers are. We are teaching children everything. Sometimes even teaching them values. When COVID hit, I was working in the school, and we had switched to virtual learning. Many parents couldn't understand how we did this every single day. That was the first time people really started to appreciate teachers. I also feel strongly that we are shaping the next generation, and if we want them to be successful, we have to guide them in the right direction. Going to school is a little more difficult for me as an adult than it is for people who attend right out of high school. I cannot just go to class. I also have to work, as I have a car and a house. I do feel as though it helps me to better appreciate my education because I know how much it sucks to work dead-end jobs. Right out of high school, I attended Cazenovia College, which has since closed, for graphic design. I realized that I did not want to use that degree, and so I took time off. I worked in retail and hated it. I realized that I did not want to work at a job that I hated every single day. So, I decided to go back to college. I changed my mind many times; at one point, I wanted to be a Physical Therapist Assistant just like my Uncle, but then I changed my mind to an x-ray technician. But I felt like none of those were really what I wanted to do. So, after some more switching around and soul-searching, I decided to do what I had always wanted to do, which was to be a teacher.  When I was growing up, I used to line up all my dolls at my grandma's house and teach them everything I learned that day. I loved the idea of being a teacher. Knowledge is power, and I could provide that to people. I never pursued teaching due to others telling me it wasn't worth it because teachers don't get paid a lot, and it is a high-stress job. But, it was my passion to work with kids and teach so I decided it was time to do this for me. When I started my degree and started working with kids, I realized that I had found my niche. I absolutely love it. I am not working in schools right now because the school schedule does not allow me to work during the day, which is unfortunate. So, for the moment, I work at McDonalds, which I do enjoy. Along with teaching, I also decided to minor in Educational Psychology; when I took childhood psychology, I was fascinated. I myself have had a lot of issues in mental health, which started in childhood/teens, so I feel as though I could help those kids to intercept their problems early to help them in their adult lives. I plan to teach for a little while, then go back and get a psychology degree so that I can be a child psychologist or a counselor. I feel as though I could really help kids that way. On the blog front, I decided to make my own blog to share my experiences with the world. I have been through a lot in my life. I actually had started a blog a while back that was about the same things, but I decided I was not mentally ready to share those things yet. I had quite a large following, so I told myself I would get back to when I got better. Now, I have "graduated" from therapy and feel strong enough to handle it. So, I started my blog back up. I have written a few blogs. One was about my experiences, and a few others on various topics. My goal for my blog is to reach people who have suffered from mental illness or have dealt with PTSD or domestic abuse in the current times or the past. They are hard things to deal with, and I feel as though my experiences could help people. I also want to be able to interact with my readers. It is extremely hard to get people to interact with my blogs, but I just hope that people continue to tune in. I also wanted to add a bit about why I started gardening because it is something super important to me. At one point, I had moved in with my grandmother because my grandfather had passed, and she was struggling to be by herself. She was very into gardening and had always tried to get me to garden with her when I was younger, but I wanted nothing to do with it. So, as I got older and was living with her, she needed help with her garden. I started helping and ended up falling in love with it. I felt as though it was really helping me with my anxiety, which I was really struggling with at the time. It is also rewarding to plant something and watch it grow especially every year. When I moved, I took every single plant with me to my new house. After my grandmother passed away, my garden became even more important to me. I cry every single year that my lilies bloom because I used to give them to her on Mother's Day every year. Now, they bloom in my garden, a little piece of her. I also have an obsession with indoor plants. I created my own office, and in it, there are many plants. I think like 20, I don't know, I haven't counted. My friends say I have a problem, but I think they are just jealous that I have a green thumb, and they don't. Here is me with my unbloomed lily. It grew to be over 5 ft tall! I also highly suggest that people who have anxiety try reading if they haven't already. I feel as though it takes me to a whole other world, and I can forget about my problems for a little while. I try to read every single day. I read on my breaks at work and when I get home before I go to bed. It is really relaxing and can really calm you down. There are so many genres and different books out there that everyone could find something they enjoy. I also enjoy reading books that have movies out because I like to watch the movies and compare (the book is always better than the movie). Check out what I am reading now: I also really enjoy photography! I started a photography business a while ago. I really enjoy taking photos. My favorite photos to take are close-up wildlife photos. I feel as though I am really good at that. I do take pictures of people as well, which is where the business side comes in. I have done a lot of one-on-one photoshoots, a senior photo shoot, a maternity, and a newborn shoot. If you or anyone you know are interested in getting a photoshoot done, let me know. I offer affordable pricing! My business is called Jacasa June Photography. Interested and looking for your next photographer? Inquire with Jacasa June Photography - email here ! Enjoy one of my favorite photos I have ever taken: Now that I have bored you all with reading my very long post, I shall finish up. I really enjoy writing and hope you guys can enjoy my writing as well. I am excited to have joined the Guiding Teenagers blog and podcast, and I look forward to the journey ahead. If you did not check out last week's blog post, please check it out, I wrote it! I think it will resonate with many. And also, check out my blog at https://bloomingthoughtsjjc.blogspot.com/ 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: July 3, 2024 Updated on: December 9, 2024

written by: Daniel Currie Introduction to Teen Screen Time Management Navigating screen time for teens in today's digital age is a significant challenge for many parents—practically a nightmare at times. As digital devices become more essential in everyday life, it's crucial to find a balance that promotes and boosts our teens' well-being while allowing them to benefit from technology. Enter screen time management. I've put together a simple, fundamental guide exploring effective strategies for managing screen time to help you support your teen in developing and maintaining healthy digital habits. Understanding the Consequences of Too Much Screen Time First off, it's vital to understand that excessive screen time can lead to several negative impacts on our teens, even if only minor impacts initially. These include physical, mental, and emotional health issues. For example, I noticed when Khloé, my spirited teen, spent too much time on her phone, her mood and sleep patterns became more erratic compared to after I put simple limits on her phone usage. Research and studies have shown that prolonged use of screens can be associated with sleep disturbances, eye strain, and reduced physical activity. Additionally, it can contribute to increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Despite texts showing that social isolation is affected, I personally struggle with that because screens have become the number one way of communication with peers. The jury is still out... Regardless, understanding these consequences is the first step in implementing effective screen time management strategies. Screen Time Trends: What the Latest Data Reveals Data and trends show screen time is only getting worse, causing parents to cry out for some type of screen time management solution. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly 38% of parents and teens frequently argue about phone use. I suppose it's not too surprising if you've ever visited my house for more than a day at a time. The data also reveals that parents of younger teens (13-14 years old) are more likely to monitor their children's screen, limiting it as needed, than parents of older teens. It made sense. A good buddy of mine implemented screen time limits early on with his 13-year-old. He explained to me his reasoning and how it seemed to help. He went on to state it led to fewer fights or conflicts about their phone use since everybody involved knew exactly what was expected. This trend emphasizes the importance of early intervention in developing healthy screen habits. Proven Strategies for Effective Screen Time Management Effectively achieving screen time management strategies will require unwavering dedication to the cause. This includes establishing crystal clear guidelines for your teen while encouraging or fostering healthy digital habits. Here are the top four proven strategies to help you become as effective as possible with screen time management: Set Screen Time Limits Establish daily or weekly screen time limits to ensure a balanced routine. Suggest Offline Activities Encourage your teen to participate in activities that do not involve screens, such as reading, sports, or hobbies. Getting involved with them is a great idea, too! Setup Tech-Free Zones or Times Designate specific areas of the home, such as the dining room, as tech-free zones. In addition, encourage certain times in a room to be tech-free, like the living room in the evening for family game night. "Follow the Leader" Children and teens always respond to actions over words. This is when "practice what you preach" is essential. Show them you strongly believe in what you tell them: limit your own screen time. We created a tech-free zone in our dining room to show my children the importance of this and to ensure they see I follow the same rules. This further enriches family interaction during meals and reduces overall screen time. Balancing Digital and Physical Activities for Teens Finding a balance between digital and physical activities is crucial for your teens' overall well-being. Encourage participation in sports, urge outdoor activities, and suggest social interactions that do not involve screens. This balance helps maintain physical health while fostering social skills and emotional health, reducing potential negative impacts from excessive screen time. For example, it proved to be a blessing when I enrolled my middle teen in a local soccer league. The soccer league not only reduced his screen time (one of my main goals!), but he also built new friendships, found a new passion, and became a physical fitness beast. It was clearly a win-win! Expert Tips on Screen Time Management for Teens Now that we've heard my piece, backed with facts, what are other experts saying we should do about screen time management? Here are several tips for managing screen time effectively, as seen by other professionals: Communicate Openly Discuss the importance of balanced screen use with your teens and involve them in setting screen time rules. Use Technology Wisely Leverage parental control apps and settings to monitor and manage screen time. Encourage Self-Regulation Teach teens to be mindful of their screen use and to take breaks regularly. As stated in many other blogs, I have always advocated for communication and offering wisdom, which is practically a sacred rule in our household. While I do not utilize monitoring tools (there is no need to currently, and there is no reason not to trust my teens), a few of my colleagues do utilize parental control apps that help monitor their teen's screen time to ensure they take regular breaks, swearing by it. They have all seen a significant reduction in screen-related stresses, confirming the importance of breaks. Regardless, every family is different, and only you can make the right choice for your teens. Resources for Better Screen Time Management I have included some resources, easily accessed online (links included), to further help you manage your teen's screen time effectively while offering parental insight: Common Sense Media Offers reviews and advice on age-appropriate media. American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry: Provides guidelines and statistics on screen time for children and teens. Family Media Plan Tool: Helps families create personalized media plans. Must-Have Resources for Screen Time Management In addition, I would like to offer 4 pieces of literature that go in-depth further, in addition to 5 FAQs below. Each of these pieces specializes in ways to navigate the digital world and social media, elaborating on the essential parenting dos and don'ts: Common Questions About Screen Time Management (FAQs!) In Conclusion: Encouraging Healthy Digital Habits in Teens Helping your teen develop healthy digital habits is all about consistent effort and open communication. Encourage them to take regular breaks from screens, making sure offline activities come first. By setting a good example and being supportive, you will guide your teen toward a balanced approach to screen time that boosts their well-being and overall growth. Stick to these tips and strategies, and you'll be well on your way to helping your teen manage their screen time and lead a healthier, more balanced life. 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: May 29, 2024 References How Teens and Parents Approach Screen Time https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/ Parents, Young Adult Children and the Transition to Adulthood https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/01/25/parents-young-adult-children-and-the-transition-to-adulthood/ Peer pressure or influence: pre-teens and teenagers https://raisingchildren.net.au/teens/behaviour/peers-friends-trends/peer-influence Social media brings benefits and risks to teens. Psychology can help identify a path forward https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media#:~:text=URL%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.apa.org%2Fmonitor%2F2023%2F09%2Fprotecting,100 Ratings and Reviews Parents Trust https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ Teens Prefer Screens To People https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/teens-prefer-screens-people-aaron-paquette/

written by: singledadworld.com reviewed by: Daniel Currie I am thrilled to share a fantastic blog post from our friends at singledadworld.com. Their comprehensive blog, "Crafting Success: A Teen Innovator's Guide to Entrepreneurship," is a must-read for anyone with an idea and the drive to make it happen. This insightful guide delves into the exciting journey of teenage entrepreneurship, offering essential strategies for turning passion and ideas into a successful business. Let's dive into this valuable resource aimed at young visionaries ready to make their mark! Please enjoy it as much as we have! Thank you for your insight, singledadworld.com! Image via Pexels Venturing into entrepreneurship as a teenager is an exhilarating journey that blends ambition with the challenge of turning dreams into reality. This dynamic process is a masterclass in adaptation and growth, providing a unique opportunity to shape the future. Aimed at young visionaries eager to make their mark, this guide from Guiding Teenagers distills essential strategies into a blueprint for building a thriving business. It focuses on converting raw passion and fledgling ideas into a well-oiled business machine poised for market success. Perform Detailed Market Analysis The cornerstone of a successful business lies in a deep understanding of the market landscape. Thorough research is imperative to grasp the intricacies of your target market, including customer behaviors, industry fluctuations, and competitor strategies. This initial step enriches your strategy, empowering you with the foresight to make informed decisions and carve out a niche for your enterprise. It's about aligning your business vision with market realities to create offerings that resonate deeply with your intended audience. Start an LLC Starting an LLC as a teenager can provide valuable real-world business experience, teaching important skills such as financial management, marketing, and problem-solving. There is no LLC age requirement and it offers legal protection by separating personal and business liabilities, reducing personal risk. Additionally, it can enhance college applications and resumes, demonstrating initiative, responsibility, and entrepreneurial spirit to potential schools and employers. Establish Achievable Objectives Goal setting transforms aspirations into tangible outcomes. By establishing clear, measurable, and achievable objectives, you provide your business with a clear trajectory of growth. Valley First notes that these goals serve as milestones, offering a sense of direction and a measure of progress. They encapsulate your ambition in actionable steps, driving you forward with purpose and resolve. Go for the Loan Establishing credit can be challenging for teenagers, but options like secured credit cards, store credit cards, and even some debit cards that report to credit bureaus can provide a starting point. These tools help build a credit history, which is essential for qualifying for larger financial opportunities like business loans. Alternatively, parents can cosign on a credit card or loan to help their teen build credit more effectively and responsibly. Reduce Paper Clutter When delving into entrepreneurship as a teenager, it’s critical that you stay organized. Paperwork has a habit of piling up, and a lost or misfiled document could spell disorder. Luckily, you can avoid this if you start digitizing your records. Simply scan your important documents and save them as PDFs. Create a Robust Business Plan A robust business plan is the heartbeat of any burgeoning business. This comprehensive document outlines your vision and strategies and is the blueprint for reaching your business goals. It acts as both a guide and a gauge for your entrepreneurial journey, keeping you aligned with your core objectives. Moreover, a solid business plan is indispensable for attracting investment, offering a compelling narrative of your business's potential and operational roadmap. Craft a Memorable Brand Identity The name of your business is more than just a label; it's the first chapter of your brand's story. Choosing a name that's both memorable and reflective of your business ethos can significantly impact your brand's identity and marketability. A compelling name sparks interest and lays the foundation for strong brand recognition and customer curiosity. This is all part of creating a compelling content marketing strategy. You can refer to sites that are curated by content experts to generate SEO and material for social media. Spotlight Your Unique Selling Proposition Differentiation is key in a saturated market. Identifying and promoting your unique selling propositions (USPs) distinguishes your business from the competition, drawing customers to your door. Whether it's innovation in product design, unmatched customer service, or sustainable practices, AWeber points out that your USPs are the pillars of your brand identity, enticing customers with a promise of unparalleled value. This focus on what sets your business apart is essential in crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with your target audience, making your offerings irresistible. Prioritize Organizational Efficiency Effective organization is the linchpin of a thriving business. Implementing systems and tools to streamline operations ensures that every aspect of your business, from project management to customer engagement, operates like a well-tuned engine. This strategic organization fosters efficiency, clarity, and productivity, propelling your business toward its goals with precision. Moreover, an organized approach to business management enhances adaptability, allowing your enterprise to respond swiftly to market changes and opportunities. Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey as a teenager is a bold assertion of creativity and ambition. By delving into comprehensive market research, leveraging digital marketing, and setting realistic goals, you lay the groundwork for a successful business venture. This foundational framework equips young entrepreneurs with the tools and insights necessary to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, transforming innovative ideas into scalable, profitable businesses. Embrace these strategies with passion and perseverance, and watch as your entrepreneurial dream becomes a thriving reality. Read more informative articles on the Guiding Teenagers blog today! 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: June 5, 2024