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- Relativity Index | Guiding Teenagers
Discover Guiding Teenagers relativity index to swiftly identify our informative blog content & what age group it's geared towards without the need to read all of it! Relativity Index Discover the perfect read for you at Guiding Teenagers with just a glance! Our handy icons beside each post title instantly guide you to age-appropriate content, ensuring you find exactly what you need, fast. Whether you're seeking advice for your child's social challenges or any other topic, our icons make it a breeze. Just flip through them and dive into a world of helpful, tailored content! Everybody Description: This blog post or podcast is universally relevant and impactful across all age groups. additional details below ◄ Previous Next ► The icons are easy to understand without needing to flip back to this page every time as long as you know two things. First, the blog's relevance increases as you go up the graph (y-axis). Next, across the bottom (x-axis), the age group is identified from youngest to oldest . If you understand better when shown, we've got you covered with an illustration below... ...And for the ones who like to dive down the rabbit hole of technicalities and how it is all broken up, eat your heart out: Starting at the bottom left, going across the x-axis, you have tweens (8-12) occupying roughly the first 25%. After that comes younger teens (13-15), taking up the next 30% of the graph. Then, older teens (16-19), another 30%. Finally, 20-year-olds, young adults, and older take up the last sliver of the graph to the right, with 15%. How relative a blog article or post is for specific age groups; the higher up the graph (y-axis) the more relevant ◄8-10 11-12 13-15 16-19 20+► Very Relevant Not Relevant Neutral Age Group (x-axis) High School + Tweens Transitioning to Teens Middle School, Early High School Children / Early Tweens Post High School / Young Adult / Adults Key points: 8-10 years with ARROW pointing "younger " indicates it article could have relevance for children as well 8-10 years with a STARTING "DOT" indicates there is not much relevance for that age group and that the line graph begins closer to the 11-12 age 20+ with ARROW pointing "older " indicates it could include young adults over 20 as well, or any aged adult 20+ with ENDING "DOT" indicates the article is not for adults and some 20-year-olds; the article/post is geared more toward high schoolers or younger.
- How to Evaluate Your Parenting Skills: Parenting with Aplomb | CurlyStache Blogs
This article will introduce a foolproof way of removing bias, prejudice, and bigotry to allow you to step back and view your relationship with your teen from the outside in. In addition, we will present ways to realize your strengths and weaknesses, further empowering you to encourage and humble yourself as a parent. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | How to Evaluate Your Parenting Skills: Parenting with Aplomb Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us How to Evaluate Your Parenting Skills: Parenting with Aplomb What parent can honestly say they haven't questioned how well they are parenting their teen? It doesn't matter if you are a worrywart or a Mr. Know-it-all. All good parents want to do the best for their children. This article will introduce a foolproof way of removing bias, prejudice, and bigotry to allow you to step back and view your relationship with your teen from the outside in. In addition, this Raising Teens blog will also present ways to realize your strengths and weaknesses fully. This will further empower you to encourage and humble yourself as a parent striving to give your teen the best you can. Relativity Rating What's this? Written By: Daniel Currie Published: December 18, 2023 All parents occasionally wonder how well they are doing in their parenting quest as they guide teenagers from tweens to young adults. On the one hand, some parents worry, frantically darting from thought to thought, in fear of failing in every aspect. They think they are perhaps the worst at parenting, doing virtually everything wrong. As thoughts race through their head, the parent relives every nervous flashback of their supposed parental blunder with what could have been riding parallel. "I shouldn't have punished them for that; they're only teens. They missed lunch; they always complained they were hungry. She seems to be an outsider looking in; how could I have not helped? He wore shorts in the middle of winter because his pants weren't washed, and he didn't have anything else." Every mishap. Every self-conscious parenting decision rides in agony on the parent's thoughts during their time of reflection. Please enjoy the Raising Teens Blog post: On the other hand, many parents sit and contemplate and ask, "Am I nailing it? Doing an awesome job overall? Such a good job that other parents wish they could be as good as me?" As they sit and ponder their own question, they begin reminiscing over all the great things they've done for their kids—even if their teens don't realize it yet. As the parent enters their state of daydreaming about how good of a mom or dad they have become, they start thinking about how their teen has all the necessities. A roof over their head, a warm bed, year-round clothing for all the seasons and weather, and food daily. With a goofy grin, they begin to realize all their accomplishments, thinking, "Yep, I gave them most of their wants too, like that cool Playstation that he had no idea he was going to get; boy, I don't think I ever seen him so shocked and surprised before. Not to mention, I made all the varsity games that he's involved in, supporting him. I think his friends and girlfriend even like me—oh, and to top it off, I made sure I engineered an epic moral compass and belief system for him to live by; the proof is in the pudding; just look, he is such a great kid." Clearly, these two different mindsets are both based on the parent's prejudice and their outlooks. How can you know for certain that you are doing the best job possible, meeting the parenting goals you set out for yourself regardless of how you feel you are doing? If only a magic meter could tell you how you are parenting, negating any bias (Perfect idea, right?) Suppose you're the parent constantly worrying and thinking you are failing. You could actually be doing a fantastic job. Obviously, there could be many reasons for this feeling. A primary reason for many parents in the United States is the fear of failure (Atychiphobia). In this scenario, a person typically looks for problems and issues before the good in the situation. Why? It's simple when you think about it: you can't fail when there is nothing good or positive to work or begin with. Keep Reading Below! CurlyStache's Daily Inspire & Smile Inspire Inspire Inspire Inspire True in every aspect, not just physics: Newton's 3rd law, which states: "For every action (force) in nature, there is an equal and opposite reaction." Smile Smile Smile Smile Follow us however you social for daily memes and dad jokes! Now, say you are a parent who feels confident in their parenting skills and that other parents should follow your lead. How can you be sure you are that remarkable parent since you identify as one of the best and have nobody to compare yourself to as the greatest? If you feel this could be you, I strongly urge you to check yourself. Numerous parents believe their way is the leading method when parenting but, in essence, have over-confident or narcissistic tendencies—in either case, this could put their view on how well they parent into question. How do you know if your parenting goals match your parenting actions without bringing any bias into it? Via a simple, funny-looking word that is not used nearly as much as its synonym cousins: Aplomb. When Googling it, aplomb means self-confidence or assurance, especially (when) in a demanding situation. I'm not saying you should be strutting your stuff, thinking you have all the self-confidence in the world when it comes to raising teens today. I am saying that given your current circumstances, whatever they may be, you should feel confident and content in your parenting. Key words are "current circumstances." It won't always be pretty, but as long as you can rest your head at night knowing you did your best. If you can do that, you should confidently say, "Given my circumstances, I'm parenting with aplomb!" Parenting with aplomb is only one half of the equation. The other half is your teen. How are they responding to your parenting? Without directly asking them, how are they doing? How are they feeling? Do they have problems that they shouldn't have and that you could remedy for them? It's crucial not to ask them outright because it could open up bias from your teen. Whatever your teen feels in the moment is most likely the response you will get, not necessarily how life is treating them overall—or it's possible they may not tell the whole truth. Instead, observe. Given their age and circumstances, does your teen appear happy and content (for a teen, anyway!)? The usual teenage problems, if any? When observing, it is essential to ensure they have an excellent support system and social life, but remember that friends and social lives can take many forms and mediums (see our other blog for more on this, including tips, cues, and connecting: How to Foster Positive Relations with Socially Awkward Teens ) If everything seems reasonable, asking questions to quash suspicions is okay. There is no need to let them know your intentions unless you choose to; you are just casually asking in passing to make you feel better and to be present and involved in their life. Once you are confident they aren't hiding anything that could be emotionally damning or otherwise hurtful to you or them, you can take a sigh of relief and proclaim my kid is doing the teen thing with aplomb. How did you do as a parent? I am willing to bet that many crushed it. When you remove the personal bias and self-doubting or over-confident factors, you will find that as long as you can be content with your parenting in whatever situation you find yourself in, you aced it with aplomb. Given your teen is living a healthy, happy life, with their typical growing pains and rites of passage, there is no need to question how good or bad of a parent you are. Have faith and confidence in yourself. There is no such thing as easy parenting. Furthermore, there is no "neat and orderly" version of parenting teens. It is often sloppy and messy, with wild twists and turns. Embrace it. That will bring character, wisdom, and a strong bond to your relationship with your teen. Lastly, those qualities will improve your parenting methods while bringing you and your teen closer together, enriching the quality of your relationship tremendously. In Conclusion, always remember, More CurlyStache Blog Posts! Memento Mori: Happy Halloween CurlyStache Mashups CurlyStache Mashups Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Read Now 👉 Episode: Daniel Currie Up Previous Next Up Memento Mori: Happy Halloween CurlyStache Full-Length Blogs CurlyStache Full-Length Blogs Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Read Now 👉 Up Previous Next Up Comments Let us know what you think, the floor is yours! ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | How to Evaluate Your Parenting Skills: Parenting with Aplomb Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com
- The Mashup: "Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles" | CurlyStache Blogs
A short raising teens blog, 3 minutes long, with multiple writing styles. This week's episode 002, is geared towards self-educating to better hone parenting skills. Dive deeper! Each of the 4 styles comes with a sub-blog link in the article. The Mashup: Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. Start Here! Blogs More More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 002 - 10.11.23 Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles I want to bring back an oldie but goodie in this episode. One of the first blog series I wrote was on parenting styles. This Mashup post is geared towards self-education, giving you the tools to identify the type of parent you are in the eyes of professionals, scholars, psychologists, and doctors. Revealing these 4 parenting styles will allow you to identify your style and objectively and clearly understand your strengths and weaknesses, bettering yourself as a parent. Furthermore, it gives you a solid benchmark, allowing you to take a step back and identify your progress in your parenting quest compared to where you want to be, allowing new and improved goals to be set. Regardless, I assure you, nobody is perfect. Despite having four identifiable parenting classifications, nobody falls perfectly into one specific category—which is a good thing! This is what makes us extraordinary, unique parents! We all have our distinctive version of parenting. Without further ado, here are the 4 types. Neglectful Parenting It may sound rough, saying you could be a "neglectful" person- especially regarding your child- but it doesn't mean you don't love and care for them. The primary characteristics include the following: Absent, uninvolved, and freedom-giving Guidance and emotional support are rare Indifferent to the nourishing of their social, behavioral, and emotional life Basic needs are the parent's primary role (food, shelter, clothing) Read the full article on Neglectful Parenting here! Permissive Parenting This style has become more popular recently with the assistance of social media and various human rights movements, concentrating on their child's needs in excess. Characteristics of a permissive parent include: Parent/child relationship is primarily child-driven (Over)indulges their child with rewards to dodge conflicts There are very few rules; they are very inconstantly enforced or not enforced at all Parents are very nourishing to their children but find it challenging to impose limitations and boundaries Read the full article on Permissive Parenting here! Authoritarian Parenting Although firm and rigid, this type of parenting is still fairly popular for many reasons, including how the parent was raised, culture, religion, and nationality. In recent years, however, this style has declined as more parents find permissive parenting a compelling choice. A few traits of an authoritarian parent are: Parent/child relationship is primarily parent-driven Very rigid and strict household rules that set very harsh punishments Indifferent to the nourishing of their social and emotional life Communication is typically one-way from parent to child Read the full article on Authoritarian Parenting here! Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parenting has been best described as a happy medium between the permissive and authoritarian styles, pulling from the best of both worlds. Parents strive for this most popular type, even if they fall short and land in another category. Some of the key points are: Parents are responsive, supportive, and nurturing Sets firm rules set in the home; parents are willing to listen and reason but don't necessarily always accept what the child has to say Uses open communication and natural consequences for wrongdoings Attempt to mold their child's growth and behavior by taking an interest and explaining, discussing, and reasoning with them as they do good and bad Read the full article on Authoritative Parenting here! What kind or kinds are you? I opened this Mashup for comment (down below! 👇), so please let me know. Are you permissive with a hint of authoritative? I'd love to hear! Please check out the series, which goes into more detail on each, including the pros and cons and how to get the most out of your parenting style. Links below to the 6-part Parenting Series. Part I - "What Kind R U" (Intro to series) Part II - "The Big UNcubed" (Neglectful Parenting) Part III - "The Great PRO³" (Permissive Parenting) Part IV - "What THE?" (Authoritarian Parenting) Part V - "HA! HA! HA!" (Authoritative Parenting) Part VI - "UN derstanding the PRO blems THE y HA ve" (The takeaway from the series) LOOK for the play on words in each blog and how the title relates to the sections of each! Date Until next time! Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Share Blog (Copy Again) Copy Link https://www.curlystache.com/mashup Episode 002 - "Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles" What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com
- 404 Error Page | Guiding Teenagers
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- Prize Giveaways | Guiding Teenagers
Hey, Guiding Teenagers friends and family! As we mark our first incredible year together, we're celebrating with EXCLUSIVE giveaways, find out how now! Guiding Teenagers Prize Giveaways Enjoy the chance to win Guiding Teenagers or CurlyStache merch—or even CASH PRIZES ! We're sorry, but there are no prize giveaways or drawings at this moment. Follow us on social media for notifications of new giveaway opportunities!
- Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire | CurlyStache Mashup Blog
Like most dads, Daddy's little girl for life is how I wanted it to be, but I learned that teenage girls have different plans quickly. In this CurlyStache Mashup, I tell a story and quickly introduce reality—like hitting a brick wall, how it really is, and how to push through. Start Here! Blogs More More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | About Us The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 007 - 11.18.23 Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire This Thanksgiving week, I wanted to express my appreciation to all of you who read these blogs and have subscribed to the blog articles. We wouldn't be here without you. If this is your first read, feel free to skim through other posts, like, share, and subscribe to get notifications when the newest articles drop! Enjoy the mashup, where it is opinionated but always grounded in facts! I want to throw out a story about when my daughter finally became a teenager and the experiences that came with it, how I felt as a parent, and how to power through the rough times. Like most dads, Daddy's little girl for life is how I wanted it to be, but I learned that teenage girls have different plans quickly. I remember the day my daughter turned 13. I was excited for the new transition to finally have a slightly older girl, officially a teen, that I could have fun with being the immature father my wife insists I am. But as the years went by, I found myself becoming more and more frustrated with her. She was always on her phone, never did her chores, and seemed to have no interest in anything other than her friends and social media. One day, after a particularly frustrating argument, I decided to step back and really think about what was happening. I realized that I had been focusing so much on what she wasn't doing that I was missing out on all the good she was doing. I decided I needed to sit her down and have a heart-to-heart with her. You know, to clear the air and let her know how much I truly appreciated her. I thanked her for being kind and thoughtful in her own way, always being there for her friends, and goofing off with me, even if it wasn't as much anymore. I told her I was proud of her and loved her more than anything in the world. Needless to say, she was surprised but grateful for what I had to say. We hugged and told each other we loved each other, and our relationship couldn't have been better since. Did anybody reading this catch I used the word "story" in the opening sentence? Yeah, it was a story. Nothing more than a fairy tale with a happy ending. In the real world, young teens are programmed to push the limits in search of individuality and happiness. They will do things we disapprove of, disappoint us, and even hurt us—whether they realize it sometimes or not. That is part of growing up, and that is how they learn. If that is how they learn, am I saying it makes it all right, and they should continue to do whatever they want regardless of how we feel just because they are "programmed" to? Hell no, it's not right. We stay right on them by disciplining them as necessary for mistakes they make. That's how they learn. If they do the wrong thing again in the future, they will know it isn't right (with the reason why), and they have to weigh the "freedom of will" vs. the consequence. The choice is always up to them. It is up to us parents to educate and guide them in the right direction. If they fall, it's crucial to help them back up and never give up on them. Eventually, as they mature and become young adults, they will begin to remember your teachings over the years, be humbled by them, and learn from them once and for all—just as you did! Indeed, our teens will always give us gray hair or cause it to fall out with their fierce quest for independence and happiness. Remember, though, they wouldn't be who they are without your presence, love, guidance, and inability to give up on them. By the same token, without them, you wouldn't be who you are. When a person can have that much influence on another, we describe that as a side effect of love. Let your teen know you are thankful for them this holiday season, even if you don't get the fairy tale ending (I sure didn't!). Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Relativity Rating What's this? Until next time! Date Saturday, November 18, 2023 Share Blog Episode 007 - "Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire" (Copy Again) Copy Link Help us spread the word! This is how we grow and flourish as a blog and website. From me to you and your friends. https://www.curlystache.com/mashup/ambition-v-desire What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com
- Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed | CurlyStache Blogs
Marijuana is typically the first "major" drug tweens and teens try, and it can wreak havoc within a family. How dangerous is weed, and what should parents do about it? We will include reliable and essential dos and don'ts, ensuring you and your teen continue to build a strong relationship while guiding them to avoid the temptation & seduction of weed. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Do you stress with anxiety about your tween or teen experimenting with Marijuana? Learn the truth in this blog! COME FOR ANSWERS. LEAVE WITH CONFIDENCE. CONQUER HOW TO HANDLE TEENS EXPERIMENTING WITH MARIJUANA Marijuana is typically the first "major" drug tweens¹ and teens² end up trying, and it can wreak havoc within a family. How dangerous is weed to them? How should parents handle a situation in which their tween or teen experiments with the drug for the first time? In this blog, we will break down everything you need to know, given a tricky situation like this. We will include reliable and essential dos and don'ts, ensuring you and your teen continue to build a strong relationship while guiding them down the right path. Written By Daniel Currie Published: November 6, 2023 Comment! Like the article or think it could help somebody else? Get the word out! Never miss a Blog Post! Share it! Share your perspectives with others (Copy Again) Copy Link Share Blog https://www.curlystache.com/temptation-and-seduction-of-weed Follow us on Social! Daily memes to get you through the day Updates on blog releases Interactive, live events, polls, engaging Behind the scenes with CurlyStache Sign-up to be notified when new blogs drop today! Weed, Cannabis, Mary Jane, skunk, dope, grass, ganja—whatever you want to call it, Marijuana use has been on the rise for all ages, especially with perceptible tweens and teens. It is one drug that has never had a recession in usage and continues to gain popularity and traction as it becomes legal in many states. So if weed is becoming legal more and more and so many people use it, it can't be that bad, so it would be OK if teens smoke it, even if only on a rare occasion, right? If you want me to be truthful and honest, keep reading; if not, please disregard this post and search other websites. The truth is each website will give you the answer that best suits the site's needs, speaking truth and facts, but only the ones that back the funder, grant, or investor's stance. CurlyStache Blogs is a project where profits come second. Thus, we offer only facts sprinkled with views from adults with decades of wisdom, perspective, and knowledge. Back to the question, is it OK for tweens or teens to smoke marijuana, even when supervised and on rare occasions? As I'm sure you half expected, the answer is simply and utterly NO. Two facts without going down a rabbit hole of every possible reason why you shouldn't allow teens to use (arguably) the lowest "major" drug on the totem pole: As I'm sure you've heard at one point, it is considered a gateway drug. This means that, over time, the human body will begin to build a tolerance to it. When this happens, your tween or teen will search desperately for that new high to make them feel how they did when they first began the habit. At that point, one of two things will happen: 1) they begin smoking excessively more to meet the feeling, or 2) the more logical choice is to experiment with harder, more harmful drugs. These two reasons alone make weed dangerous: the addiction to the feeling and trying to feel more of it. THC (the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana) is suggested, but not proven, to have long-term issues in adults when used earlier in life with a developing brain, such as an increased risk of schizophrenia and cognitive impairments. It is a proven fact, though, that THC can stunt the maturation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in the brain when used modestly or regularly. Dumbing it down (sort of) for the average human like myself, this is the part of the brain responsible for complex behaviors and decision-making. As THC is introduced to the prefrontal cortex while developing during their teen years, it will impede the ability to fully mature. Once they become a fully grown adult, the disruption from their younger years will alter how the PFC processes information permanently. End of story, right? Again, no. What happens if your tween or teen experiments with marijuana or is stuck in an awkward situation where peer pressure gets the best of them, and they take a hit? Game over, grounded for life, never to be let out of the house and hang with those friends again? I sure hope not. What about if your teen goes to a party every now and again, and at those parties, a joint gets passed around, and they take a puff and pass it? They are doing it more casually now; should we take action now, perhaps giving them a severe punishment? I still side with "not so fast." It all boils down to being a good parent who has instilled a good set of morals in their tween or teen; the younger you do it, the better. Do your tweens or teens know that drugs and marijuana are bad for you? I'm assuming they do. The next step, if they know this already, is to sit down with them at a young age, preferably around middle school (grade 6-8). Hence, at this age, they are old enough to clearly understand what you are talking about but not so old they've already experimented with it; it's up to you to figure out the optimal time. In most cases, when drugs become more readily available to your tween and talked up to be "cool" by some peers, not necessarily their friends. Talk with them and let them know your feelings about the situation. Let them know it is not acceptable to smoke weed (or any other drugs!) and go into detail that many times, what they are smoking isn't just weed. It could very well be laced without their knowledge, especially with the spike in fentanyl and other opioids nowadays. Furthermore, explain your reasons in vivid detail; if you feel comfortable, share past experiences or examples to help add credence to your stance. Show your real emotions, wear your heart on your sleeve, and express yourself and how worried you are for them as a parent and that you only want what's best even if they don't see it yet. If they do the eye-roll thing, feel free to elaborate further, stating that it doesn't even matter how you feel about the situation because it is illegal for them to do it at that age, regardless. Once your tween or teen understands your expectations and the dangers of drugs, set the ground rules with them. There are many ways to set the ground rules. The first method is simply telling them, "When the time comes, we will discuss it," and hope it never comes. The other option is to sit down with them right then and there and go over it. Explain, obviously, the goal is NOT to try marijuana, but IF they were to get caught up in a bad situation, that [this] would happen. Write it down on paper, save it on a Google document, text it to each other, whatever you choose. This way, when and if the time comes and your teen makes the poor choice to experiment and gets caught, you do not overreact and over-punish them. On the flip side, they cannot claim that the punishment doesn't fit the crime. Be sure, when going over the ground rules, that they have input on it as well; they will feel more respected and be more prone to respect your decision since they had a voice in it as well. Going back to the first ground rule option. Suppose that dreadful day happened and your tween or teen got caught smoking marijuana; what should you do now that the time has come? Against popular belief, the punishment should be 50%. What do I mean by this? Think of the punishment you would hand out to your teen for disobeying and smoking weed—I know it can be scary thinking about it. It makes you want to punish them to ensure they never want to repeat it, so it's probably a severe punishment. Whatever discipline you think of, it's most likely too harsh. Now, think of something half as tough as that punishment. That's what you want to shoot for. When you slice the consequence in half like that, you will want to explain to your tween or teen what you initially wanted to do for punishment but decided to [do half punishment] instead. I guarantee they will appreciate and respect it, knowing it could have been much worse. Furthermore, they will be likelier to learn from the mistake because they want to make you proud—and because you gave them a half-off pass. For example, say your teen, Johnny, wanted to spend the weekend at their friend's house because they were going to their lakehouse. A few days before the weekend getaway, they were hanging out after school, and he was spotted smoking a pipe by a reliable source. As infuriated and upset as you may be, instead of telling him he can't go with his friend for the weekend, which is your knee-jerk reaction, take a deep breath. Once calmed, sit Johnny down and respectfully talk with him, treating him like a man, not a child or a kid that you must scream at. Tell him his consequence, that he cannot go to the lakehouse for the whole weekend; instead, he can hang out for a few hours on whatever day works best, explaining that you initially wanted to forbid him from going at all. Crucially, once you have disciplined your tween or teen, and before ending the conversation, let them talk and explain themselves. When they are trying to talk, it's vital to listen without interruption. Granted, whatever they say will probably make no difference in how you feel about the situation or the punishment you give. It will, however, show you still respect them as a person and a young man/woman. Furthermore, it will show they can always come to you to talk or get advice regardless of age. Lastly, allowing them to voice their opinions and explain themselves freely and unimpeded will give you a sneak peek into their mindset on this touchy subject. Think of it as pulling back the veil of their emotions, passions, and desires, understanding what they were thinking and why. It may seem like I'm almost contradicting myself since I started this blog insisting that tweens and teens should not try or experiment with marijuana. Then I move into saying don't punish them so much if they do experiment with THC and marijuana. So which is it? As I said, this site will give you brutal honesty, advice, and insight based on research, decades of parenting, and cold, hard facts. The truth is your preteen(s) or teen(s) should not want to try marijuana; good old-fashioned parenting will cover that in conjunction with a heart-to-heart talk diving into details on the dangers of drugs and how you truly feel. Against popular opinion, the reason why we should not be as worried regarding (pure, unlaced) marijuana usage is because, like many foods, drugs, alcohol, medicines, vitamins, and chemicals, to harm the body and mind, it takes more than just one or two times. Bear in mind that this article was written for those who need a handle on how to deal with teenagers experimenting with pure marijuana. Furthermore, you must remember that if your tween or teen has tried marijuana, the damage is already done; they have felt the effects of THC. At this point, it will do more good to empathize, understand, relate, and talk to them calmly and collectively rather than yelling and screaming. Lastly, at the very most, a unique way of looking at a bad situation: it will teach them the effects of THC at an early age. This will allow them to be better equipped to handle the effects when they are on their own in a world that is becoming more and more pro-marijuana and legalizing it at a record pace. On the contrary, suppose your tween or teen is doing more than just experimenting and has a real issue or dependency on THC or marijuana. It has begun affecting their daily lives, attitudes, and behaviors. In that case, they, unfortunately, are already hooked on the drug, and to properly handle a situation such as that, they are going to have to want to quit. In addition, they will also need a robust support system in place; we will cover this in detail in future blog articles. The bottom line is that there is no reason to go overboard if it happens once or twice. The fact of the matter is that there has not been enough research done on the drug and teens despite an unsettling explosion of marijuana usage in teens, exceeding a 250% increase in use in the last 20 years. Nevertheless, that does not justify that pure marijuana is suitable for tweens and teens. In addition, I'd like to point out that children are EXCLUDED from this post; there have been proven adverse outcomes with marijuana and children. We should obviously never encourage marijuana or drugs to our family; however, when keeping an open mind, staying grounded to facts, and using some common sense, the stress factor of your tween or teen trying weed for the first or second time shouldn't be overwhelming. If they are raised with a good set of morals, ethics, and respect, and you have sat down and talked with them, there should be little to worry about. Trust your teen. You might be surprised. Should they get curious, or peer pressure gets the best of them, and they take a hit to see what the buzz is all about (pardon the pun), it's normal at that age. Humans are all curious beings, especially teens, while still testing the waters. Either way, if you do find out they tried marijuana, your stress levels should only be as high as if they skipped study hall in school, not much more; do not stress thinking, "What if they take advantage of me and continue despite consequences and sitdown talks?"—cross that bridge when the time comes. Now is NOT the time. I will be sure to follow up within a few blogs from now on the best ways and steps to deal with your tween or teen who is struggling with marijuana addiction and dependency. As for now, this blog is merely a guide for parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anybody else who cares for and has/interacts with teens and how to confront marijuana head-on. I hope this article helped or at least put some new perspective on an age-old topic. I'm leaving this post open for comments to let me know your opinion on the topic; there is no wrong answer—the only rule is respect. ¹ Tweens: In this article, tweens are defined as 10-12 years old; typically, tween age is considered to be 8-12 years. ² Teens: In this article, teens are defined as 12-19 years old, the standard age. Notes Comments Let us know what you think, the floor is yours! Read More Previous Blog Popular Mashup Staying vigilant in cyberspace is essential. Unchecked could mean a ruined life with emotions and a state of mind uprooted and put in a tailspin. 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 16, 2023 🫶 Read Now 👉 In this Mashup article, episode 004, I question if there is truly a guaranteed way to teach so teens will do as they are told and honor what is asked. You be the judge. Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 26, 2023 🤏 Read Now 👉 Additional Blogs Find all the CurlyStache blogs where Raising Teens Today is at its core right here! Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts is the theme! 👊 Browse Now 👉 Additional Mashups Short 3-minute Blogs where there is no criteria or format. The Mashup slogan says it all: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 👌Browse Now 👉 ▲ Back to Top Start Here! Blogs More More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens: The Temptation & Seduction of Weed Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. 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- Guiding Teenagers | CurlyStache
Guiding teenagers with essential parenting dos and don'ts. CurlyStache is a endeavor where we are not aiming to make profits, only to help those who need help. About Us At Guiding Teenagers, or GT for short, we empower parents and guardians with robust support and insightful guidance to confidently navigate the complexities of raising teens in today's unpredictable world. Our commitment to being an ever-present ally ensures adults have the necessary resources to foster the growth and maturity of young adults amidst life's challenging situations. Suggest Topics We cordially invite your ideas and topics for future blog posts – your input is crucial in shaping content that resonates with you. Share your suggestions with us; we're dedicated to creating articles that are tailored for your needs and interests! Our Vision At Guiding Teenagers, our vision is to create a beacon of knowledge, information, and advice that consistently exceeds your expectations. We aspire for Guiding Teenagers to be your go-to destination, a place where every visit to www.guidingteenagers.com enriches you with more than you sought. In our commitment to this vision, we're excited to expand our offerings, introducing innovative ways to connect and share. Imagine tuning into our upcoming podcast, where we delve into recent blogs and current events, exploring their impact on parents and teens. This is just the beginning – we're also exploring additional services, adapting to your needs and the evolving digital landscape. Our ambition is boundless, our potential unlimited – at Guiding Teenagers, we're not just reaching for the stars; we're aiming to surpass them, creating an ever-evolving platform that grows with you and for you. Guiding Teenagers Raising strong teens with heart, guiding bright futures with wisdom.
- Six Key Signs Your Child Is Manipulating You and What You Can Do
Recognize the subtle signs of manipulation by your child. Empower yourself with knowledge and actionable strategies to address, promote, and foster a healthy home. Six Key Signs Your Child Is Manipulating You and What You Can Do GT Mashup Blog: Episode 014 Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 3 /14 /2024 When navigating the complex world of child and teen behavior, our children's behaviors can be as complicated as they are enchanting. At the heart of parental concerns is discerning the line between benign persuasion and outright manipulation. This journey requires a keen eye, as the subtleties of manipulation can sometimes cloak themselves in the guise of innocence, making it essential to recognize the signs your child is manipulating you. Relativity Rating: Everybody Under 20 What's this? The Fine Line Between Persuasion and Manipulation in Children Persuasion is a skill, honed over giggles and tears, where children learn the art of negotiation. Manipulation, however, is persuasion's shadowy counterpart; it's when these negotiations turn into emotional heists, especially in manipulating teens, leaving parents feeling outwitted. Why It's Important to Recognize Manipulative Behaviors Early Early recognition of manipulative tendencies is pivotal. It's not merely about curbing undesired behaviors but about understanding the emotional undercurrents driving these actions. Addressing these behaviors early can pave the way for healthier communication patterns, especially when guilt trips or attention-seeking are involved. Unveiling the Signs of Manipulation Six Signs your child is manipulating you here! Excessive Flattery : When Compliments Have an Ulterior Motive Compliments from children can warm the heart unless they're a prelude to a request. This strategic flattery is often the child's first foray into manipulation, testing the waters to see how effective sweetness can be as leverage for their attention-seeking. Guilt Trips : Leveraging Emotional Connections Guilt trips exploit the deep emotional bond between parent and child, transforming love into a currency. It's manipulation masquerading as affection, a clever tactic to sway parental decisions, revealing clear signs your child is manipulating you. Avoiding Responsibility : The Mastery of Shifting Blame When mistakes become someone else's fault in a child's narrative, we're witnessing a diversion expert at work. This evasion of accountability is a cornerstone of manipulative behavior, sidestepping growth opportunities. Emotional Blackmail : "If You Really Loved Me..." This phrase is emotional manipulation distilled to its essence. It weaponizes love, suggesting that affection is conditional on compliance. It's a red flag, signaling a need to reassess communication dynamics. The Silent Treatment : Using Silence as a Power Play Silence, when wielded with precision, becomes a formidable tool in a child's manipulation arsenal. This tactic often leaves parents in a dilemma, unsure how to bridge the communication chasm it creates. Sudden Behavioral Shifts : Recognizing the Red Flags Abrupt changes in behavior or attitude can be harbingers of underlying manipulation. These shifts are alarm bells, signaling that it's time to delve deeper into your child's emotional state. Understanding the Why Behind the Behavior The Quest for Attention and Its Many Forms At its core, manipulative behavior often stems from a craving for attention. Children, in their quest to be seen and heard, may resort to manipulation as a means to ensure their emotional needs are met. Exploring Boundaries: A Natural Phase or a Concerning Pattern? Testing limits is a natural part of child development. However, when boundary exploration mutates into manipulative behavior, it's essential to intervene, guiding children towards more constructive ways of expressing their needs. Learned Behaviors: The Mirror Effect of the Home Environment Children are masterful at mimicking, absorbing, and replicating behaviors they observe. In many cases, manipulative actions are learned within the home, a reflection of the relational dynamics they witness. Addressing Manipulative Behaviors: Strategies That Work What you can do with proven strategies! Communication is Key : Initiating Open and Honest Conversations Open dialogue is the antidote to manipulation. It creates a safe space for children to express their needs without resorting to emotional gymnastics. Consistency and Boundaries : The Pillars of Response Consistency in response and clear boundaries dissuade manipulative tactics by establishing predictable consequences for actions. It's the scaffolding upon which healthy relational dynamics are built. Positive Reinforcement : Encouraging Desired Behaviors Highlighting and rewarding honest communication reinforces the value of transparency over manipulation. It's about nurturing the soil from which genuine interactions can grow. Leading by Example : The Role of Parental Behavior in Shaping Children Parents are the architects of their children's behavioral blueprints. Modeling honesty and integrity lays the foundation for children to mirror these values in their interactions. Beyond the Immediate: Building Long-Term Emotional Health Fostering Emotional Intelligence : Tools and Techniques Emotional intelligence is the compass that guides children through the terrain of complex emotions. Equipping them with this compass is essential for navigating relationships without resorting to manipulation. Teaching Empathy : Cultivating Understanding and Compassion Empathy is the bridge to understanding others. Teaching children to view situations from multiple perspectives fosters a sense of compassion, diluting the impulse to manipulate. The Role of Professional Guidance : When and How to Seek Help Sometimes, the expertise of child psychologists or family therapists is invaluable. They offer strategies tailored to your family's unique dynamics, providing a roadmap out of manipulative behaviors. Conclusion: Strengthening Bonds Through Understanding Understanding and addressing manipulative behaviors is a journey of mutual growth. It's about strengthening the bonds of trust and communication, ensuring that the family dynamics evolve in a healthy, supportive direction. Until Next Time... Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Help us spread the word! Share this article across all your favorite platforms now!
- Navigating the Teen Years: A Guide to Preventing Parental Burnout | Guiding Teenagers
Dive into the real talk about guiding teenagers, the rollercoaster of raising teens, and why parental downtime isn't just nice to have—it's damn necessary. Navigating the Teen Years: A Guide to Preventing Parental Burnout GT Mashup Blog: Episode 009 Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 2 /8 /2024 Relativity Rating: Everybody Under 20 What's this? The teen years are a wild ride. Get real insights and no-BS strategies for guiding teenagers and making parental downtime a non-negotiable part of life. Let's get real for a minute. Parenting teenagers is like being on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster. One second, they're sweet and loving, and the next, they're slamming doors because you asked them how their day was. It's enough to drive anyone to the brink. And let's not even start on the advice everyone seems to have about raising teens. But here's the honest truth: without some serious parental downtime, we're all just a sneeze away from losing our shit. The Tightrope Walk of Guiding Teenagers Raising teens is a balancing act between giving them the freedom to screw up and being there to catch them when they do. Like that time my daughter decided she would dye her hair pink... with permanent dye... the night before picture day. Deep breaths, right? It's in these "what the hell were you thinking?" moments that we have to remember: they're growing, learning, and, yes, making some questionable fashion choices along the way. The Emotional Whiplash is Real If you've got a teen in the house, you know the emotional whiplash I'm talking about. One minute you're the best parent ever, and the next, you're apparently ruining their life because you said no to a party on a school night. It's exhausting. And if we're not careful, it can lead to full-blown parental burnout. That's why it's so damn important to carve out some "me time." Why Parental Downtime is Non-Negotiable Here's the thing: we can't be good parents if we're running on empty. And let's be honest, trying to mediate teenage drama without a break? It's a recipe for disaster. We need downtime like we need air to breathe. Whether it's locking the bathroom door for a long soak without a phone in sight or hitting the gym to sweat out the stress, that shit is essential. Think of it this way: you wouldn't expect your phone to run without ever plugging it in, right? So why do we expect ourselves to keep going without ever taking a moment to recharge? It's not just about avoiding burnout; it's about showing our kids that taking care of yourself isn't just okay—it's necessary. The Essential Dos of Surviving the Teen Years 1) Laugh It Off. Sometimes, you've just got to laugh to keep from crying. Your kid dyed their hair green? Great, they're expressing themselves. They forgot their homework for the umpteenth time? It'll teach them responsibility... eventually. 2) Talk It Out. Keep those lines of communication open, even when it feels like talking to a brick wall. Every so often, you'll get through, and those moments are gold. 3) Claim Your Space. Seriously, take your downtime. Hide in the closet with a stash of chocolate if that's what it takes. No judgment here. 4) Ask for Help. It takes a village to raise a kid, and there's no shame in tapping out for a bit. Friends, family, or a therapist can be lifesavers. Wrapping It Up Parenting teenagers is not for the faint of heart. It's messy, it's loud, and it's filled with more drama than a reality TV show. But it's also incredibly rewarding. So let's not forget to take care of ourselves. Because at the end of the day, a happy, relaxed parent is the best kind of parent there is. Remember, it's okay to say, "Screw it, I need a break." That's not failing; it's being human. So go ahead, claim that parental downtime with all the fierceness of a teenager asserting their independence. You've earned it, and damn, it feels good. Until Next Time... Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Help us spread the word! Share this article across all your favorite platforms now!
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