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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! 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Have you been looking for advice on raising teens today? This is where we come in. Weekly blogs and other articles for you to help connect with young adults and teens. Learn essential parenting dos (and don'ts!) while guiding teenagers in today's society with all posts written by parents who have done it, even parents with a CurlyStache!

Unveil the allure of body piercings: a striking, flexible choice over tattoos. Gain wisdom on teen self-expression and make empowered decisions with our guide. Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings A Personal Experience Part I of the 2-part series In this first part of the two-part series, I will take you down the road of my teenhood, giving perspective from an 18-year-old's eye and the thought process through it all. Doing this will reveal the pros of body piercings to balance out some of the stereotypical cons associated with the body shrapnel. Looking for advice on raising teens today regarding wanting a body piercing? Check out Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings: Handling the Situation Read Article! 👉 The article covers excellent techniques, critical methods , and essential parenting dos (and don'ts!) to ensure the best possible outcome Jump to a Section : This article is a personal blog, a short story from a time when I went through this as a teen. Read on for the whole tale of this delinquent juvenile—or jump to a particular section of the post that you are looking for or find intriguing: ►Prologue: Step Back In Time For A Moment ►Stop Me - I'm 18! ▪ Today's the Day ►Thought Process ▪ Nipple Piercings ▪ More Body Piercings! ►But Why? ►Conclusion ►Comments Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings: A Personal Experience Written By Dan Currie Published: May 15, 2023 Prologue : Step Back In Time For A Moment In the blog posts, "How to properly handle your teen wanting a tattoo - part I & part II, " that I wrote five weeks ago, I discussed my opinion on tattoos and what parents can do to connect with young adults to help them make an informed, responsible decision. In the first part, I let you know my personal experience regarding my decision to get a tattoo when I turned 18. If you recall, I was adamant about not getting a tattoo because I was not confident I would like what I got when I matured, and my tastes changed. I refused to get a tattoo because I knew deep down inside my core that I was too immature for one. I realized the odds weren't in my favor and that I probably wouldn't like whatever design or placement I may have chosen back then. ~ Dan Currie, How to properly handle your teen wanting a tattoo - part I Stop Me - I'm 18! What I left out of the story a month ago was that instead of tattoos, I went for body piercings, knowing that they are only semi-permanent and would heal if I took them out. Yes, leading up to my 18th birthday, my heart was set on obtaining some body shrapnel. So within a few days after turning 18, I scheduled an appointment to get my first piercings at our local tattoo and piercing shop. Today's the Day My girlfriend, who was already 18, took me to get my body piercings. She had body piercings already, quite a few of them, so she knew what the deal was and what I was in for. We walked in; the inked-out tattoo artists greeted us, and I filled out the forms and, in no time, was getting ready to be poked with a 10-gauge needle. Thought Process Once again, as stated in the 1st part of the tattoo blog , I have a knack for thinking big picture and thinking things through when it comes to permanent or semi-permanent decisions. With body piercings, I wanted something bold that stood out, made me feel like a badass, and made my friends in awe and envious at the same time. On the flip side, I needed to make it subtle, preferably hideable, since I worked at a grocery store with conservative values- not to mention my authoritarian parents (see my post, "What THE? Parenting advice: Raise them without being overbearing - PART IV " for what authoritarian parents are like). Nipple Piercings After careful consideration, I chose two piercings. Each nipple received a 10-gauge bar horizontally—and, of course, with spikes. I was already planning for bigger and better if my plans went as predicted. My thought process was perfect. It was bold; it made girls cringe and think it was hot simultaneously, while guys thought I was a badass, and my friends were excited for me, all approving. As a bonus: not only did my employers not know (or need to know) about it, but my parents didn't either, as I always ensured I kept a shirt on. More Body Piercings! Later on, after my parents found out and I had left my job at the grocery store, I got bigger and better with the body piercings. The most notable piercings include: ♦ A Lebret piercing, specifically a spike below my lower lip. ♦ Figuring I should finally do more with my nipple piercings, I resized them from 10-gauge to 8-gauge by pushing larger-sized bars into them. And if that wasn't good enough, I dropped them from 8-gauge to 6-gauge using the same technique a few months later. ♦ The last piercing I had done, and perhaps the most unique and eye-raising of them (literally, I suppose), was the bridge of my nose between my eyes. But Why? "Why would you want to do that to your body?" So was the frequent question asked by my parents and more conservative people I knew. The answer was simple: I loved piercings. I loved how they became a part of me, the glimmer of the metal, the ability to change out the bar depending on my mood, how people looked at me, and how this was something I decided to do to my body without anybody else's influence. In Conclusion Raising teens today and guiding teenagers that are sincere about wanting body piercings is something we must seriously consider when they come to us about it. If they are 18, they have a legal right, so we must respect it. Remember, unlike tattoos, body piercings are a better option for young adults since they can heal if one day they no longer desire them - much like me. Around age 20-21, I finally removed all of my body piercings, primarily because of the industry I was working in, the beginning of my career as a cable technician. Regardless, my beliefs regarding body piercings have always been that I approve of them as long as they are well thought out and not done out of spite or peer pressure. Body piercings, like tattoos, are a distinctive form of self-expression and art and should be recognized and honored as such. Your Opinion Matters! Leave a comment. Let us know what you think! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment.

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Staying vigilant with your teen on simple cyber security measures and talking with them could mean the difference between having their digital life ruined, emotions and state of mind uprooted and put in a tailspin, and being confident and mindful of the potential threat of prying eyes. 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 | 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes EMPOWER YOU AND YOUR TEEN TO TRIUMPH OVER ABUSE & ONLINE SCAMS Unlock the untapped power with the basics Get ahead of the game with 3 ELEGANTLY SIMPLE solutions to become successful with online SECURITY AND SAFETY There are hundreds of threats today, not just in cyberspace but everywhere you turn. It is vital to ensure we keep the privacy and protection of our loved ones, particularly our children and teens. For today, though, we will concentrate on online threats, what to look for, and what to do to ensure we protect our loved ones the best we can. Written By Daniel Currie Published: October 16, 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/3-priceless-tools-to-prevent-costly-lifechanging-mistakes 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! INTRO This week's blog is a PSA for what we must do to protect ourselves regarding technology since the Internet, smartphones, computers, and tablets are undoubtedly an everyday use for our teens—whether it be for entertainment, communication, education, or work. Staying vigilant with your teens on simple security measures and talking with them could mean the difference between having their digital life ruined, emotions and state of mind uprooted and put in a tailspin, and being confident and mindful of the potential threat of prying eyes . #1 Rule to Embrace Like the Internet: 2-way Communication To begin, sitting down and talking with your teens is crucial. The younger, the better; if they use the Internet in any way, they need to know the potential dangers and how to stay sharp, watchful, and attentive to their surroundings. It is critical to ensure they are careful in what they do and the information they put on the Internet; being careless, oblivious, or even simply taking the power of the Internet for granted could be costly. Furthermore, stalkers and predators are a real threat, with absolutely no way to know if the person on the other end of the screen is who they say they are. It is vital to ensure your young teen understands that unless they know the person in "real life," they do not know them at all, regardless of the online relationship and its duration. Explain to your teen that "online only" friends have the potential to do harm. These are the stalkers and predators waiting patiently for their prey (AKA, potentially your teen). These people are perhaps the most camouflaged, discreet, and devious individuals for their craft as they search for the victim's weakness and exploit it; the worst part is that there is no way of knowing. Many stalkers and predators, despite wanting the desired outcome quickly, play the long game for weeks, months, and years to ultimately earn their victim's trust, making it much more important to stay sharp and diligent. In addition, go over scams and online shopping. There are millions of scams and two terrific ways to weed them out. The first is to confirm the purchase or offer. Verify that it comes from a reputable company or vendor like Amazon. At the very least, it should come from a reputable sales platform like eBay. Additionally, it should ALWAYS have the padlock icon, typically in the address bar, indicating that the site is secure. It is also a good sign when alternate, well-known payment options are accepted besides standard credit cards; PayPal is an excellent example of this. Secondly, and perhaps easier, if the item or service requires any type of payment, whether billed to your Apple account, your cellphone carrier, or ISP, or upfront via a credit card, simply have you, the parent, approve the purchase. It is highly recommended to do this because of the "read between the line" purchases . For example, your teen may find an ad for "FREE Ringtones!" and download it, not realizing there is an astronomical monthly fee associated with the download. Regardless, it then shows up on your credit card a month later. To assist with these situations, most devices, apps, and programs have preset settings allowing passwords or PINs to authorize purchases. In doing this, you are now ensuring that if anything happens, it is your responsibility, the mature adult, and not your teenager's. #2 Rule to Embrace Protect the Physical Stuff! After the "Cyber Talk," it is just as imperative to have all physical hands-on devices secured with a password, PIN, or pattern. Biometrics are a good option, although they can be spoofed or inaccurate sometimes; needless to say, my teen has been able to use facial recognition to get into my phone because our appearances are very similar in the right light. Password (best) : 75+ characters to choose from. The more characters and symbols, the better. The more frequently changed, the better. It is complicated to hack and has no "guesswork"; it is either correct—or not. PIN (good) : 10 characters to choose from. The longer, the better. The more frequently changed, the better. It's easier to enter than passwords and is considered a good alternative. Pattern (fair) : Connecting Points, usually 9-16 points. The more complex the pattern, the more difficult it is to crack. It is easier to enter than passwords and PINs and is suitable for swiping on touchscreens. Biometrics (not 100% reliable) : Typically face or fingerprint recognition. It is easiest but not guaranteed, so the device requires a backup method. No protection (100% vulnerable) : If any accounts or apps are active on that device, depending on the account authorization, it could be as little as ruining your high score to as damaging as fraud and stealing identities. #3 Rule to Embrace Got Internet? Armor Up! Sure, we can ensure nobody can hack into our devices with compliments of an excellent password or PIN, but what about all the data and information stored on the device? That's the thing about the Internet: it is a 2-way street as long as the device is connected to the Internet, regardless of how (i.e., hard cable, WiFi, cellular, or Bluetooth). Not only can you access whatever your heart desires, such as this blog article, but virtually anyone with the right skillset can access your device with or without the screen being on and unlocked . There are 4 primary classifications of malicious programs that you and your teen should be familiar with and why being diligent in the Internet safety department is so paramount: Malware : If it is malicious in any aspect, it is classified as malicious software, AKA Malware. Generally speaking, anything not classified as spyware, virus, or trojan horses (although they are also a form of malware). Spyware : A type of malware where malicious software allows a third party to take information off your computer without your consent or knowledge. Examples of spyware (malicious software) include AntiVirus 360, UltimateCleaner, and Windows Police Pro. Virus : Another type of malware, a piece of software or code that enters a device's operating system disguised as a program or app or attaches itself to a program or app upon its download. Its sole purpose is manipulating it into actions that damage or impede its performance. Trojan Horse : Programs or apps that appear harmless or helpful to the user, such as utilities. Once installed, the trojan horse creator, AKA the hacker, inserts malware into the operating system to achieve the hacker's desired purpose. Regardless of which type, it usually starts with the user downloading the malicious tools needed for the attacker to take control or acquire the targeted data without even realizing they did it. These downloaded, malicious codes often come in free apps or programs or from an unsecured and/or untrusted download source. In the 2-way street, this is considered the first direction, or the download, where malicious programs, viruses, and hackers download their code into the device. Typically, when a counterfeit or sketchy app or program is downloaded without safeguards, the code or virus attaches to it and gets to work on the device or waits dormant for instructions from its creator. After the malware is downloaded, on the other side of the street is upload, where the malicious program, virus, or hacker will return the personal information they seek back up to their server or computer. Once that happens and the files return to the server or computer, the successful hack of your teen's personal and private data concludes . Virus protection and device software and firmware updates are imperative to stay ahead of the game and prevent the successful closed loop of data theft from happening. For instance, the updates you see on your phone are for security updates and maintaining the most current security definitions. Think of it like an actual human virus; with vaccines and immunizations, the virus will begin to weaken but, in self-preservation, will mutate to survive and, if left unchecked, will begin to thrive again, making booster shots essential—and the same goes for cyber viruses. They frequently change appearance, looking more and more like legit code . When a new virus is found, the "legitimate programmers" update their programs and apps to ensure the new virus doesn't attack. Suppose the app, program, or even browser is not properly equipped with a bit of armor to avoid unwanted visitors—or you keep deciding not to update your phone or tablet. In that case, the potential is high for carnage to the device and to your personal and private data, which could lead to identity theft or worse . This is why protection on your devices is critical; it's like Internet password protection for your device! Conclusion No matter how you slice it, with the amount of technology we use daily, it is paramount to stay vigilant in keeping our privacy, well, private! You could literally save your teens' identity and emotional crises by ensuring they understand the importance and seriousness of the Internet. Even though the Internet is a place to educate, communicate, entertain, and get lost in its infinite possibilities, you and your teen will be just fine with a bit of understanding and protection. Read More Previous Blog Newest Mashup Is your teen lacking courage or confidence in social scenarios? Help them seize the moment and conquer obstacles with remarkable outcomes! How to Foster Positive Relations with Socially Awkward Teens Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: September 25, 2023 🫶 Read Now 👉 This Mashup article, 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. Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 11, 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 👉 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 | 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes 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

With today's generation of teens. Is there truly a guaranteed way to teach so they will do as they were told and honor what is asked? You be the judge. Learn the whole story. Staying true to the CurlyStache mission, only opinionated and 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. 004 - 10.26.23 Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens How many of you have asked yourself, "When the hell will that kid ever learn?" or "What do I have to do to make them understand?" Yeah, we've all been there. Preaching to the choir, we love our teens to death, but sometimes it feels like there is no getting through to them as they make boneheaded decisions. I'm here to tell you, don't sweat it. Besides the usual teenage growing pains, there is one way to ingrain your teachings into them, guaranteed for the better or worse. Although my personal dream of raising teens by having them hold a series of rules, morals, and ethics books and learning through osmosis will always be #1, inculcating learning is definitely a #2 for me. I'm guessing the words "inculcate" and "inculcating" are on the uppermost edge of the average person's vocabulary. I know it was mine. I won't lie; I had to look it up and double-check to ensure I used it correctly. The simple definition is to cause someone to learn or understand through repetition. Other synonyms include ingrain, infuse, implant, and instill. The critical part of the definition is "through repetition." Like us adults, teens are flawed; they have it much worse when you stop and think about it, and we, as parents, tend to become more critical when they do not learn or do it correctly. I get it. Every parent is screaming in their head, "But I've told them over and over again! They just choose not to listen or obey me!" Bear in mind three factors that make it harder for teens to do it right the first time (than, say, adults), which are often overlooked or taken for granted: Teens are pushing their boundaries, seeing what they can get away with—testing the waters per se Hormones play a part (most of the time, in the heat of the moment, they don't realize it), causing their thought process, prejudice, and emotions to dictate their actions over reasoning and obedience. They are flat-out still learning and figuring things out; remember, as a parent, you have an advantage and already have an additional generation's worth of knowledge and wisdom. You don't question what is told like your teen does because you've learned or are old enough to know it is for the best—our teens aren't there yet. Please note there are no excuses for teens not to do what they are told or whatever is asked. I never said it makes it impossible for teens to do it right the first time—only harder. The easiest way to help push along the learning process, or the learning curve, is to inculcate learning. Learn by repetition. In doing this, our teens will begin doing the essential things in life instinctively rather than consciously. Introduce your philosophies, methods, and teachings in a habit-forming way, remaining consistent every day. In doing this over time, like muscle memory, their mind will begin to institutionalize and incorporate it whether they like it or not. Before you know it, much like a sleep pattern, their body and mind will start to adjust, and one day, you'll find yourself not inculcating them. On that day, they will just do it, and you will see it and not say anything even though you want to celebrate, throw a party, and (of course) praise and thank them for a job well done. Instead, you will just sit back and enjoy that well-deserved moment; every parent needs a 5-minute triumph break. Damn, I just made that sound like even a 9-year-old could handle parenting with those step-by-step words of wisdom, wouldn't you say? Not even close. Far from it, achieving these goals takes significant time and effort. When inculcating teens, the effort you put into shaping your teen directly shows in the outcome. The harder you strive and work at it, the better the results. To be clear, this method is a process that takes time. It is like training for a marathon. After all, that is what you are doing, training your teen for the marathon of adulthood. I stand by it: if you keep at it, I guarantee you that you can inculcate your teen with any of life's lessons. Date Until next time! Thursday, October 26, 2023 Episode 004 - "Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens" (Copy Again) Copy Link Share Blog 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/inculcate 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

A torrent of metaphorical cacophony is a trademark of raising teens today, loving them, and never giving up on them. Simply put, clearing your head from all the noise and stress your teen can cause is sometimes virtually impossible. Learn how to take this anxiety and animosity and turn it into something positive, forging character, wisdom, and strength from it. 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 | Mashup: Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 008 - 12.04.23 Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head How many of you out there have a teen that makes your mind want to melt down from a cacophony of turbulence from them? Take it literally or metaphorically. I bet if you stumbled upon this blog entry, that is you. To some, a better question might be, "Umm... cacophony? Could you dumb it down slightly?" To those, I won't bull shit you. I had no idea, either. It was one of those deals where I saw it in passing and found it intriguing. Armed with my smartphone, it was worth looking it up real quick. If you haven't Googled it by now, let me save you the time: "A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds." I don't know about you, but my teens seem to effortlessly get in my head, making a helluva ruckus, literally and metaphorically. With all their complexities, wants, needs, drama, rebelliousness, attitudes, hormones, and emotions. What can I—or what can we do about it to make our lives a little easier? The straight answer without the nonsense is not much. Sure, if they are (literally) cacophonous and making sounds like nails on a chalkboard, we can have them stop. But metaphorically speaking, it's obviously not that easy. I hate to break the news to you, but we are all cursed; now we get to see how we acted when we were teenagers to our parents, guardians, or family members. Think about it. That's how we were; sometimes for the better, sometimes worse. How do we get through it? How do we pierce the deafening cacophonic stress that our teens (to put bluntly) brought into our lives that we would otherwise never have had? Again, the simple answer is there will never be a golden ticket to escape the noise our teens sometimes put in our heads. The easiest way to pierce the cacophony is to think of it as generating character and wisdom in us. Stay with me here; their poor decisions or rebellious actions that give us frequent anxiety, apprehension, and anxiousness are the same things that provide us with a greater appreciation for confidence, peace, and calmness. In most cases, this will further mold us as individuals. Many believe that as you grow up, you continue to develop your likes and dislikes, primarily by trial and error. It is ever-evolving and changing until you reach adulthood, where, for the most part, your desires and opinions are fully formed. While true, many do not realize that the mind never stops in its quest for bliss. As a parent, guardian, or family member raising teens today, we will undoubtedly see a lot of "anti-bliss" moments, adding to our character and wisdom. In addition, we will add those moments to our "let's not ever go through this again" memory bank. While raising teens today and guiding teenagers through some of their turbulent times, we are frequently reminded of the unpleasant times with the intense cacophony noises in our head from the stress and anxiety of the situation. Don't give up on them despite the noise. Keep pushing through, even if it is futile, pointless, and hopeless. The reasons for this are simple: First, obviously, if you call yourself a good parent, you need to be a good role model, being there for them. Unconditional love. Secondly, and just as important, although this typically isn't seen until later in life, it strengthens your relationship with your teen. As time passes, you and your teen will remember and recognize how you both endured, forging a bond even stronger than it may otherwise be. When you look back on it, you will realize how they were worth every stressed, anxious moment and (metaphorical) cacophonic memory. Relativity Rating What's this? Until next time! Date Monday, December 4, 2023 Share Blog Episode 008 - "Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head" (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/cacophony 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 | Mashup: Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head 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

This Privacy Policy (“Policy”) explains the information collection, use, and sharing practices of CurlyStache & CurlyStache Blogs. If you do not agree to the Policy, DO NOT use our services as outlined in this document. Guiding Teenagers Privacy Policy Updated: 3/3/2025 Guiding Teenagers ("we," "us," "our") are committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website (https://www.guidingteenagers.com ) and use our services ("Services"). By using our Services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue the use of our Services. 1 ► Summary of Key Points Monetization & Affiliate Disclosure As of the date this policy was drafted, we are a not-for-profit organization. However, we reserve the right to transition to a for-profit model where monetization policies such as affiliate marketing and ad placements would apply. Information We Collect Personal data you provide, automatically collected data, and data from third parties. How We Use Data To provide and improve Services, personalize content, marketing, analytics, and security. Sharing Information Shared with third-party service providers, legal authorities, and for business operations. User Rights Rights to access, correct, delete, restrict data, and opt out of marketing. Cookies & Tracking We use cookies, analytics, and tracking technologies. Users can adjust settings. Data Retention Data is retained for as long as necessary for services, legal, and compliance reasons. Security Measures We take security precautions but cannot guarantee 100% protection. 2 ► Monetization & Affiliate Disclosures As of the date this policy was drafted, we are a not-for-profit organization. However, we reserve the right to transition into a for-profit organization in the future. If this occurs, the following monetization practices may become applicable: Affiliate Links – Some links on our website may become affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Sponsored Content – We may accept paid collaborations or sponsored posts, which will be clearly marked as such. Advertising Networks – We may display ads from third-party networks (e.g., Google AdSense), which may use cookies for targeted advertising. Users can opt out of interest-based ads via Google Ads Settings . 3 ► User-Generated Content & Commenting Policy If you post comments, submit guest posts, or interact with our content, please be aware: Your name and email address may be collected for moderation purposes. Avoid sharing personal or sensitive information in public comments. We reserve the right to remove comments deemed inappropriate, offensive, or spam-like. By submitting content, you grant us the right to display and share your content while respecting your ownership rights. 4 ► Email Marketing & Newsletter Practices We comply with the CAN-SPAM Act. If you subscribe to our newsletter: You will receive relevant updates and communications. You may opt out anytime using the "unsubscribe" link in our emails or by contacting us at guidingteenagers@gmail.com 5 ► Data Breach Notification Protocol We take security seriously, but if a data breach occurs affecting your personal information: We will notify affected users as required by applicable laws. We will take necessary steps to secure our systems and prevent further unauthorized access. 6 ► Location-Specific Privacy Notices EU & GDPR Rights Right to access, correct, delete, and restrict processing of personal data. Right to data portability. Right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) Rights Right to know what data is collected, shared, and sold. Right to request deletion of personal data. Right to opt out of data sales (we do not sell personal data). To exercise these rights, email us at guidingteenagers@gmail.com with "Data Subject Rights" in the subject. 7 ► Do Not Track (DNT) Requests Our Services do not currently respond to "Do Not Track" signals, as there is no industry-standard approach for handling them. 8 ► Data Retention & Security We retain data as long as necessary for operational, legal, and compliance needs. Security measures are in place to protect data, but no system is 100% secure. 9 ► Third-Party Links & Services Our Services may link to third-party sites (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Their privacy policies govern data collection, and we are not responsible for their practices. 10 ► Changes to This Privacy Policy We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via our website. 11 ► Contact Us If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, contact us at: Email: guidingteenagers@gmail.com

Explore why healthy eating is key for teens, balancing nutrition with occasional indulgences for a healthy growth phase. Includes FAQs, the 80/20 model, and more! Healthy Eating for Teens: Nutrition & Treats GT Mashup Blog: Episode 012 Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 2 /29 /2024 Relativity Rating: Everyone What's this? Hey, parents! Steering your teen through these transformative years can feel a bit like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube in the dark. And when it comes to their eating habits? Well, it's like adding another layer of complexity. But here's the lowdown: helping your teen embrace healthy eating isn't about policing every bite; it's about empowering them to fuel their bodies and minds with the good stuff- while still savoring the joy of life's tastier treats. The Real Deal on Nutrition Michael Pollan hit the nail on the head: "Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants." As your teen's body morphs at a rate of knots, it craves nutrients like never before. This is your chance to be their guide, showing them how a mix of fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, and heart-healthy fats can be both delicious and satisfying. It's not about enforcing a diet of despair; it's about inspiring them to make choices that make them feel energetic and alive. The Skinny on Indulging Julia Child had it right: "The only time to eat diet food is while you're waiting for the steak to cook." A life without indulgence is no life at all, especially in the vibrant world of a teenager. The trick is teaching balance, not banning joy. Show your teen that it's okay to love food, to celebrate with it, and yes, to indulge in it—mindfully. Empowering Balance Here's how you can help your teen find that sweet spot between nourishing their body and indulging their soul: Tune Into Their Body Encourage them to listen to their body's signals. "Listening to your body is wisdom. Ignoring your body is sickness." Remind them that their body knows what it needs. Rock the 80/20 Rule Guide them to fill 80% of their plate with nutrient-dense foods, leaving 20% for those moments of indulgence. It's about enjoying the full spectrum of food. Plan Cheat Moments Together Make planning for treats a joint activity. It turns indulgence from a secret sin into a shared celebration. Stay Active Together "Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live," said Jim Rohn. Encourage an active lifestyle as a family. It makes all the difference. FAQs for the Nurturing Parent Q: How can I encourage my teen to eat healthier without nagging? A: Lead by example and make healthy eating a family affair. Involve them in meal planning and preparation to spark interest and ownership. Q: Is it okay for my teen to have fast food occasionally? A: Absolutely. It's about balance, not absolutes. Guide them to make better choices when they do opt for fast food. Q: What if my teen rebels against healthy eating? A: Don't turn it into a power struggle. Provide healthy options at home, but allow them autonomy to make their own choices elsewhere. Q: How do I handle my teen's cravings for junk food? A: Keep healthy snacks readily available at home. When cravings hit, they're more likely to reach for what's convenient. Q: Can we still enjoy family dessert time? A: Of course! Dessert isn't the enemy. It's a chance to teach moderation and celebrate the sweeter side of life together. Navigating the Journey Together Empowering your teen to navigate the world of food is one of the greatest gifts you can give. It's not just about the nutrients; it's about instilling a lifelong relationship with food that's balanced, joyful, and healthy. Remember, your role isn't to dictate their diet but to guide them towards choices that fuel their growth, happiness, and health. Here's to enjoying the journey, one delicious, balanced meal at a time. 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!

Exploring the TikTok ban’s implications for teenagers. Unpack the debate, its impact on families, and how parents can navigate this digital dilemma. TikTok Ban Debate: Guiding Teenagers Through the Digital Maze GT Mashup Blog: Episode 015 Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 3 /21 /2024 In today's digital era, where swiping up is as instinctive as breathing, the discussion about the potential TikTok ban in the U.S. transcends mere headlines; it casts a significant shadow over millions of users, particularly our teenagers who are perceptual to whatever is said, even if misconstrued, who do not miss a beat. Relativity Rating: Adolescence and Older What's this? Prelude to the TikTok Ban Debate and Guiding Teenagers With the House's recent passage of a bill targeting a TikTok shutdown unless ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, divests its ownership, we find ourselves at a pivotal juncture. This situation challenges our digital policies and the social fabric of our teens' lives, highlighting the critical role of parents and TikTok in guiding teenagers through the next generation filled with social media's strain. TikTok: A Digital Canvas for Today's Youth TikTok is more than an app; it represents a limitless canvas of creativity. Whether it's perfecting a lip-sync battle or heart-breaking emotional stories, TikTok provides a vast spectrum of self-expression for its diverse user base. It serves as a digital stage where marginalized voices find a community, resonating deeply with users. For businesses, both small and large, TikTok acts as a vibrant marketplace, promoting everything from the latest fashion trends to cutting-edge gadgets, thereby spinning a revenue wheel that benefits creators and bolsters the economy. The Flip Side: A Closer Look at the Concerns However, the platform isn't without its challenges. The phenomenon of "TikTok Rot" spotlights the darker side of excessive use, where productivity and real-life connections suffer. Moreover, national security concerns loom large, spurred by fears that TikTok data could be compromised, a concern amplified by Chinese privacy laws. This situation invites us to really ponder the security of data in a globally interconnected landscape. The Long Road to a Ban: A Glimpse Ahead Transitioning from a bill to a law presents numerous obstacles. Despite the House's stance, the Senate, the president, and potentially the judiciary system still have roles to play. The possibility of intervention by high-profile buyers or the economic implications of a TikTok ban in the U.S. adds complexity to the future of TikTok. Nevertheless, the resilience of TikTok users and alternative access methods, such as VPNs, hint at the platform's enduring presence, albeit in an altered form. Guiding Teenagers Through the TikTok Ban Maze At the core of this debate is a crucial task for parents: to steer their teenagers through the murky discussions surrounding the TikTok ban. This journey isn't about imposing strict regulations; it's about embarking on a collaborative exploration of the digital landscape's highs and lows. With the looming threat of TikTok becoming banned in the U.S., initiating open, candid discussions about its repercussions is essential. This scenario offers a unique opportunity to balance online engagement with real-life interactions and to foster critical thinking about digital content consumption. Through thoughtful guidance and dialogue, we can empower our teenagers to not only navigate but also flourish in a world where digital platforms significantly influence their self-expression and social connections. Steering the Ship Together The discourse surrounding the TikTok ban transcends legal disputes, serving as a catalyst for mindful digital interaction. As TikTok parents, our role is to navigate these digital waters with our teenagers, fostering an environment ripe for open discussion, critical analysis, and conscientious use. When guiding teenagers through the intricacies of TikTok and the broader digital realm, we ensure they not only survive but also thrive, enriched by their experiences. Conclusion Ultimately, regardless of TikTok's fate, the insights we share and the conversations we engage in will profoundly influence our teenagers' perceptions and interactions with the digital world. Let's seize this opportunity to dive deep into the digital maze, not with apprehension but with the assurance that, together, we can confront and overcome the challenges and opportunities it unveils. 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!

Suppose we can understand the reasons why our tweens and teens have the desire to get high, drunk, or anything else. If we can do that, we can begin to pull back the veil and peer into their mindset and what is causing them to be rebellious. It's necessary to recognize, though, that every teen is different and unique in their own right, and there are no two identical situations as to why each tween or teen does drugs. This makes it vital to understand why they choose to use drugs & alcohol. 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 Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us Tweens & Teens Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital Guiding teenagers who gravitate to their drug or alcohol of choice In this blog: In this blog: Raising teens today and maneuvering through drug & alcohol abuse Top 13 reasons WHY tweens & teens use or abuse long after experimentation Suppose we can understand the reasons why our tweens and teens have the desire to get high, drunk, or anything else. If we can do that, we can begin to pull back the veil and peer into their mindset and what is causing them to be rebellious in doing what we've most likely preached against for their entire life. When and if we can accomplish this, we can nip the problem in the bud and potentially additional related issues. It's necessary to recognize, though, that every teen is different and unique in their own right, so there are no two identical situations as to why each tween or teen does drugs. This means you must really focus and pay attention to the littlest details to understand the why. Written By Daniel Currie Published: November 27, 2023 Relativity Rating What's this? Drugs are bad*. I am pretty sure if you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or simply a sensible, caring human being with a tween or teenager in your life, you know this. There are thousands of blogs and websites out there that will tell you this, with hundreds of ways to prevent drug abuse and misuse while encouraging healthy decision-making. Although the CurlyStache stance is that we strongly agree with those statements, this article will not dwell on it. Instead, let's try to understand why tweens and teens make those decisions. How come they choose to continue down the rabbit hole even when (and especially when) they know it is wrong, unhealthy, and usually carries the potential of life-threatening risks. Remember, this article talks less about trying something for the first time . I have tailored this entry toward those who use drugs recreationally or worse. Nevertheless, understanding why tweens and teens begin down this road is half the battle and, critically, often gets overlooked. Suppose we can intimately understand their attraction to the drug or drugs and its appeal. In that case, we can empathize and understand their position, allowing us to custom-fit a regimen to help them. Additionally, it will enable us to see through to them on a deeper level, encouraging them to engage and reach out. Furthermore, by doing this, they become more comfortable confiding in you when asking for help and guidance in these tricky times. It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: ◄ Previous Next ► Remember, most of the time, there are multiple reasons. For example, little Peter, 13 years old, has been caught stealing his parent's beer and drinking it in the past. Since then, Mom and Dad started counting the cans and watching them closely to ensure Peter doesn't continue. A year later, Mom and Dad catch him again, realizing he is still stealing their beer, but only waiting until they are drunk and not paying close attention to the count anymore. He is clearly consuming by choice now, with the only reason he couldn't use is "out of curiosity." This is when it becomes necessary to start understanding his mindset, "this" being the second time getting caught, presuming the first time was for experimental or curiosity reasons. Nevertheless, since he was caught red-handed for the second time, his Mom and Dad must take a unique stance with distinctive action when talking with him. They must discipline Peter for breaking the rules and doing something illegal. Mom and Dad's attitude and demeanor become paramount at this point. How they come off will directly impact his reaction, how he responds, and potentially their relationship after the fact. Despite their disappointment and anger in Peter, Mom and Dad should remain as calm, relaxed, and collected as possible—even if they need to take a break and talk later. They mustn't fly off the handle, much like an authoritarian would. Conversely, completely blowing it off, becoming permissive or neglectful , is irresponsible and not good parenting either. Instead, Mom and Dad must be firm yet compassionate, remembering he is doing what makes him feel good too (parents are the same way—they just have the wisdom and "big-picture" understanding!). They must respect, listen without interruption, and be patient with their teen. The goal is to become more authoritative while being sensitive toward Peter's feelings and ensuring openness and presence for the teen. During their talk about drinking, they gave Peter the floor, allowing him to explain his actions with his own reasonings, without interruption or interjection. Although his parents disagreed with his explanation, and there was no excuse, it improved the chances of Peter returning the same respect after they attentively listened, allowing Peter to explain himself. Once Peter laid it all out for them and was given ample opportunity to say what he needed without anyone intervening, it was Mom and Dad's turn. Knowing they were getting the best version of Peter in a bad situation now, they began asking questions in hopes of understanding why he was still drinking. In this thought experiment, some of the questions (and answers) during their sit-down were: Why? But why alcohol and not something else? I'm thankful it wasn't drugs, though; I'm just curious. At y our age, drinking is just as bad as drugs. Where did you see that drinking was cool? How long has this been going on for? Do you honestly plan on stopping? Do you feel this 'urge' to NEED to drink even if you want to do something else? —"It makes me feel weird. But good." —"Drugs scare me, and both of you drink, so I thought it can't be as bad as weed or something like that." —"Well, none of my friends drink, I don't think, but stuff like that shows up on Insta and Twitter sometimes, sometimes Snapchat stories. But I promise, really, I don't have that stuff set as my interests/favorites or following or anything like that. It just shows up occasionally." —"I dunno. Let's just say it isn't the first time... Sorry." —"Yes and no. I would like to because it kind of seems stupid since I've drunk a few times, but I like the feeling, too." —"No, I only stole a few beers when you stopped paying attention. Otherwise, I wouldn't have cared and just figured out a way to get them if I felt like I NEEDED it- like I do ice cream!" After asking the proper questions and trying to figure out why Peter was doing it, they found it was most likely 3-parts "boredom and instant gratification," 2-parts "social media," and 1-part "family history," with the father's side having a history of abuse. With this information, Mom and Dad, after talking about it and not rushing to judgment, found the best form of punishment was giving him 1 hour of Internet per day. The thought process was that they would allow Peter one chance to clean up his actions on his own before seeking professional help, with family history being put into question. Limited Internet would force him to budget his time for online homework and other "essential" online needs, leaving little time for social media since that was a key factor. While that example was pretty detailed and in-depth, knowing there is more to it is important, too. For instance, your tween or teen's body language plays a role, knowing when a lie is being told and knowing that perhaps only half the truth is being told. In addition, it is essential to keep a vigilant eye out afterward for changes—good or bad. A misnomer that you will often hear when it comes to drug or alcohol abuse is "watch for attitude or behavior issues." Why is that a misnomer? Isn't it true? Sure, 95% of the time, your tween or teen's attitude or behavior will have issues and worsen. However, in the case of an undiagnosed health condition, it could become the opposite, where the adverse or negative happens. For example, if your tween or teen started showing symptoms of what would become OCD if left untreated and then began smoking marijuana around the same time. While under the influence, their behavior or mindset may improve via, in essence, self-medicating. In contrast, if they abruptly stop, the symptoms of OCD would become far more prevalent, causing them to appear to be under the influence or dependent on a drug. An involved, caring parent who wants nothing but the best for their tween or teen must constantly, without rest, keep a sharp eye out on their teen's surroundings. Half the battle in most cases when raising teens today is understanding the why, not just how to deal with it. Your tween or teen will continue to grow, making their own decisions. Our primary job as parents, grandparents, guardians, or whatever the relationship is is to ensure we do the best we can for them and guide them down the straight and narrow so that they become successful in life one day. More CurlyStache Blog Posts! 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