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Teens and piercings are more than just a phase. Navigate their desires for body piercings with wisdom and the essentials for dialogue and understanding. ◄ Body Piercings Start Here! Blogs More More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings Handling the Situation Part II of the 2-part series In the second and final installment of Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings, I will walk you through crucial actions to ensure the best possible outcome for you and your young adult. Missed the first part? Check out Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings: Personal Experience 👈 Read Article! The article reveals life as a teen with a passion for body art and a parent who had to handle the situation. Jump to a Section : Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings: Handling the Situation ►Sustain or Subdue? ▪ Reality Check: Their Age ▪ Don't Add Insult To Injury ▪ Limited Options ▫ Let's go over our options ▫ Boils down to options A or B ►Option C ▪ Middle Ground ▪ Be Humble: Think Back, Don't React ►Essential Parenting Dos (and Don'ts!) ►Spite or Serious? ▪ Spite ▪ Serious ►Raising Teens & Body Piercings: It's NOT the End ►Conclusion ►Comments Written By Dan Currie Published: May 22, 2023 Sustain or Subdue? We as parents should always have a say in our young adult's decisions, especially if they still live in our homes and school. So what should we do when they turn 18 and are adamant about getting a body piercing, and we aren't comfortable with that idea (or downright disapprove)? Let's look into our options and what we can do in this situation: sustain the idea and let it flourish- or subdue it, killing the thought of body shrapnel. Reality Check: Their Age First, it is imperative to remember that they are 18 years old and have a legal right to make their own decisions regarding their bodies. I get it. It's hard letting go sometimes, but they grow up, and we must let them do what they think is best- even if we know better and have the wisdom that comes with maturity and age. All we can do is be there for them, giving comfort and advice as necessary, hoping we have raised them the best they can be. Don't Add Insult To Injury Whatever age your child is, we should NEVER subdue our children and their thoughts, opinions, or preferences- no matter how foolish it may seem to us as parents with wisdom. Remember, this makes them unique and fosters emotional growth and self-esteem. If you attempt to completely quash their idea without listening to them first, they will feel denigrated and disparaged, shattering their self-worth. Limited Options Let's go over our options But I still don't approve of them getting a body piercing, so what should I do? Without sugarcoating it, the brutal truth is that there is nothing. No form of legal action (in typical circumstances) will prevent it. Screaming matches and arguments generally do not work. Faulting your teen and making them feel their preferences and tastes will not work either. Imposing punishments is an option; however, whether they believe it is worth the consequences remains their choice. Boils down to Options A or B There is no golden ticket answer without forcing and threatening your young adult into something else that could make them feel belittled or hamper their self-esteem. Unfortunately, this is one of those deals where you can go to other sites (even the ones claiming a guarantee) where you can legally do nothing without either (A) obtaining a court order or (B) throwing out all morals scorning and vilifying your child. Option C As stated, without becoming a vile parent yourself or jumping through a ton of hoops (or both!), if your child wants a body piercing, they ultimately can get one. What we should be doing as good, responsible, nurturing parents is opening the lines of communication with them- Option (C). Let's not try dismissing their ideas and thought processes; instead, try understanding them. Be direct, sit down with them, and express yourself and reason for your feelings. We do not want them to feel that parents are always in control; otherwise, they will see us as puppet masters pulling all the strings, and they are just going through the motions at that point. So instead, show that you respect their decision and are willing to listen and offer input, gently steering them in a direction where both of you can meet in the middle. Middle Ground Finding the middle ground is the best solution, even if we may disagree with the body shrapnel or what it represents in some cases. We must think objectively and with an open mind, briefly removing the parenting hat. The best way to do this is by putting yourself in their shoes. Be Humble: Think Back, Don't React Take a minute, be humble, and put yourself in your child's shoes. Pretend for a moment you had your heart set on a particular piece of metal you could wear, much like earrings, but only in other parts of the body. Then, as you become excited, you take the high road and run it past your parents rather than trying to hide it or make them upset and just come home with it. What would you hope your parents would say about it when you came to them? If you are honest with yourself, you would want your parents to a least hear you out and respect your opinions rather than ridicule you. Furthermore, the last thing you want to hear is your parents deciding for you even though you now have a legal right to the decision—a tough pill to swallow. Essential Parenting Dos (and Don'ts!) Instead, have a real heart-to-heart conversation with them. Take them out to lunch, the batting cage, the mall, or whatever brings each of you close and gives you a chance to hash it out. When you talk with them, show that you are sincerely listening and be involved in the conversation without hijacking it. For example, have them explain why they find it so attractive, what made them choose that particular location, and their plans after the piercing. In doing this, your child will think highly of your opinions and be more receptive to your thoughts and advice on the piercing. As a bonus, they will surely think much more carefully about it before running off hellbent on doing it. Spite or Serious? As their parent, you probably know whether your child is serious about a body piercing. That said, one of two things will happen. Spite If your teen is coming to you about thinking about a piercing, saying they are going to get one, but their body language or something else screams otherwise, allow your parental panic alarm to sound. For example, once you realize they want one out of spite, because it is the newest fad, or even because of peer pressure, you will want to reach into the bag of tricks to get them to think twice and hopefully not go through with it. Remember, as parents, we only want to subtly assist in making sure they make an informed and correct decision. Under no circumstance do we want to force a decision or add to their stress and pressure them. So instead, give your child the facts, laying them out to allow them to see it clearly and lean on you for advice. Serious On the flip side, if your teenager is adamant about some body shrapnel, and they have come to you with a well-thought-out and organized plan, then it is a safe bet they are mentally and emotionally ready for it. In addition, if your child can answer any questions you may throw at them regarding your concerns about getting a body piercing, you can be sure they are mature enough to have thought it through in depth. Furthermore, that is also an excellent sign that it is not a spur-of-the-moment decision or a spontaneous "you only live once" fling. At that point, and their intent is evident, the only thing left is to let them come to you for support and advice, even if we disapprove of the decision. However, if you respect their decision, they may allow suggestions if it merits them since they can see you are trying. Even if the ideas fall on a deaf ear or there is no room for recommendations, at the very least, you don't end up with the strain of a choppy relationship over differences in opinions. Raising Teens & Body Piercings: It's NOT the End Raising teens today is challenging, especially regarding topics like this. I bring good news, though: as mentioned in the previous article, Raising Teens Today Who Want Body Piercings: Part I , Personal Experience, body piercings are only semi-permanent. That means they come out and heal with a minimal scar. It comes out even quicker and with less effort than going in if your child realizes they do not like it, whether a week or a decade later. Body piercings make an excellent alternative to something much more permanent such as a tattoo, so yes, it could be worse! In Conclusion As stated in the previous post, I agree with body piercings; they are an elegant art form that is not entirely permanent. Much like all art forms, it is in the eye of the beholder. What may be horrifying and disgusting to one may be a marvel or wonder to another. We must always respect each other's opinions regarding body piercings, even if they are our children. To allow them to grow and build self-esteem and individuality, they must be free to make their own decisions when the time comes. All we can do is be there and hope we raise them well. comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment 생각을 공유하시겠습니까? 첫 번째 댓글을 작성해보세요. Your Opinion Matters! Leave a comment. Let us know what you think! ▲ 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

In this raising teens blog article, we cover the pros and cons of video games and how to overcome issues you may have regarding them utilizing the VASE chart and Precise Umbrella methods. The article contains essential parenting dos and don'ts to ensure you get the desired results when guiding teenagers through their growth to adulthood. Start Here! Blogs More More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Find us on Social! >>> Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Raising Teens Today: Help Deciding the Proper Video Games For Their Age Screens are a HUGE part of society and our teens' daily lives , even if we wish it weren't the case. Nearly all people under the age of 20 end up in front of a screen multiple times a day , whether it's to socialize, listen to music, watch a video or a show— or even perhaps what has become one of the most popular options that encompasses socializing, entertainment, riddles, hanging out with friends, or even remaining anonymous : VIDEO GAMES . In this raising teens blog article, we will cover the pros and cons of video games and how to overcome any issues you may have involving them with essential parenting dos and don'ts to ensure you get the desired results! Jump to a Section : Raising Teens Today: Help Deciding the Proper Video Games For Their Age ► Intro (top of page) ► Types of Video Games ► Find Your Moral Video Game Compass ► V-A-S-E Chart ♦ Subscribe to CurlyStache Blogs ! ♦ ► ESRB vs. FRB ► Find Your Precise Umbrella └ What About Other Negativity Not Covered In My Precise Umbrella ? └ I Need TWO Precise Umbrellas ► Do Video Games Help or Hurt ? ► Emotional Impact ► Positive Gaming Impacts ► Conclusion ♦ Follow Us, Share, & Comment ♦ ► FREE Blank VASE Chart to print ! ► Comments Written By Dan Currie Published: August 7, 2023 Types of Video Games What could be described as a video game exactly? A video game is a form of objective or puzzle played on a screen against a computer or other players locally or online. Let's face it: we all love video games to some extent, whether it's Super Mario Brothers, Candy Crush, Madden, online Poker, Call of Duty, Soduku, or even Chess. Most games are entirely benign and fun, exactly what we think of when we say "games": a program played on a screen with an objective or puzzle experienced with others or alone. This article is NOT about the innocent games we've all learned to love throughout time but rather the morally unsettling ones . I Need Help Raising Teens Today & Video Games Where can I get some insight? Isn't "Video Games" such a broad term? I'm worried my tween thinks it's ok to hurt. Should I control everything? What qualifies as a video game? Read on for everything you need to know to make informed decisions ! Every family is different in their values, and that's OK! Some families are conservative and refrain from allowing any violent or explicit influence, including some sporting games such as "Undisputed" (boxing), only allowing for adventure, puzzle, and strategic games or online board games such as the popular "Monopoly Go." On the flip side, other families do not put merit on the impact of video games and the potential influence they may have on their impressionable teens. Find Your Moral Video Game Compass V-A-S-E Chart I O L E N C E B U S I V E E X U A L X P L I C I T That said, you need to ask yourself your family's stance and how intensely you feel video games impact your tween or teen's moral outlook. It is crucial to do this because it helps set base rules for your children and allows you to remain consistent when the time comes to approve (or deny) a new video game. The good idea is to create a V.A.S.E. (Violence, Abusive, Sexual, Explicit) Video Game chart , as shown below, to help you stay on track with your family's rules and values. As you can see in the VASE example, the parents immediately grayed out columns that are not allowed in the house based on their beliefs, so if a video game intersected, it was instantly banned. Likewise, the parents highlighted (oranged out) one column they would allow if they felt their child/teen was ready . To ensure the parents stayed on track and remained fair with their child's request to play the five games, they researched and checked off the boxes for which the game was known. This allows them to quickly identify the video game as a potential problem or not . FREE blank printable V.A.S.E. Sheet at the bottom! ESRB vs. FRB ESRB is the corporation that rates all video games and stands for Entertainment Software Rating Board. They are the guys that stamp the big "E," "T," or "M" (or whatever!) on the games, so you know if it is age-appropriate. Their thought process and logic in rating games are sound but not concrete. ESRB knows what they are doing, but make sure you compare it to and trust the FRB . What is the FRB? FAMILY Rating Board. Every family is unique in their background and perspectives on life. One family may find a game they rated via their FRB a 10+, whereas their neighbors deem it unacceptable until their child reaches high school— ALL WHILE the ESRB rates that same game as "M" (mature, 17+). It is all the more reason to take time, fill out a VASE chart, add additional columns or notes if necessary, and thoroughly evaluate the video games. Most of all, once you have established what type of games with what content you allow (or deny), stick to it regardless of what the ESRB or other families say because it is your family, not the ESRB or others! image credit: ESRB Precise Umbrella Find Your Nowadays, if you try to shield your child or teen from every game with questionable influence, there would be very little to play— because everything is open to interpretation and can become twisted. The solution is NOT to watch them play the game, and the moment something violates the condition of allowing them to have the game (i.e., swearing), you tell them they cannot play anymore. Instead, ask yourself what is the number one subject above all others that you disapprove of and cannot tolerate under any circumstance. Have you got your answer? Good. Take that answer and let that be the first rule and primary reason for having or not having a video game. That cringe-worthy subject is your PRECISE UMBRELLA . It's a precise topic, or matter, that you cover over your home, like an umbrella, to ensure it does not get in. In other words, there is no way in hell you will allow that one topic to be on a screen in your home. Take your VASE chart and gray that section out like nobody's business, or add it to the VASE chart if it's not there, or note it if needed- whatever it takes to make it the golden rule for video games. For example, sexual assault and sexual abuse are the Precise Umbrellas in the CurlyStache household. If a game (video game or any other material) with sexual abuse or sexual assault makes its way into the home, there will be severe consequences of biblical proportions. Therefore, if my wife or I get asked or see a new game played in our house, we know we can count on each other to vet the game for sexual assault while our children know what to expect. What About Other Negativity Not Covered In My Precise Umbrella? Need some truth? Let everything else fall by the wayside. Take one letter from the VASE chart (or a 5th letter if it's not on there) and concentrate on that letter explicitly as your Precise Umbrella. Whether it is racism, sexual abuse, violence, explicit gestures or materials, swearing, or whatever causes you the most grief and heartache, concentrate on that. All the other negativity in a video game should not make or break being able to have or play the game. The reason for this is because you are a great parent! You've already taught them your family's viewpoints, beliefs, morals, and rights from wrongs. By the time they are asking to play [insert game], chances are they already know that all four letters in VASE are wrong, illegal, or immoral in real life; you are just going to take the one topic you find the most concerning and drive it home by telling them "Not even in a video game can I allow this." I Need TWO Precise Umbrellas As stated in the beginning, every family is different, making all families unique. Some families may feel very strongly about two letters in VASE (or an additional 5th letter) needing to be covered, whether it is because they have personal experiences with one matter or another, religion plays into it, behavioral issues, or any number of reasons. If you feel it is necessary to add a second Precise Umbrella, please do; only you know what's best for your family and teen . Nevertheless, I strongly recommend using as few Precise Umbrellas as possible to help mature them as they prepare for the real world— after all, this world can be ugly if you don't prepare for it. Lastly, the big question is: "Even though my teen wants to play video games, shouldn't they be outside like I was as a kid?" The answer is YES! That's optimal; let them get the fresh air, be social (in-person vs. virtual), play sports, and get involved with nature. Unfortunately, despite all that, screen time is still up there, so are video games good for your teen? The answer to that is also a resounding YES! Do Video Games Help or Hurt? Emotional Impact It is important to remember that even though we may disagree with some of the content in the games, it doesn't mean their brain processes that content in the way we see it . In a hypothetical game, for example, as a parent, we see their character picking up a gun, shooting another player, and getting awarded 50 points. This situation can be horrifying because it shows they were rewarded for killing someone. To flip things around, the child/teen is NOT thinking about using a gun and killing anybody. They are thinking objectively . They know the game's objective is to get from point A to point B with a man in the way. They are not thinking, "Oh yeah, awesome! Look at that GUN! I'm gonna pick it up, and YES! I can SHOOT somebody! I'm going to try it out now!" They know that per the game rules, the only thing that can defeat another player or man is the gun in front of them. The 50 points may seem like a reward to a concerned parent, but to a child/teen, the 50 points make it that much closer to an achievement or something they can get with the points. The result is that the gamer usually sees it as problem-solving, solving the equation instead of focusing on the objects used and what was done with it . The sad truth is, it just makes sense: Men block paths and are gatekeepers, and guns kill men, so that's what we see in video games. Positive Gaming Impacts Video games not only encourage problem-solving but offer an array of other valuable essentials in life. Hand and eye coordination significantly improve as your child or teen plays intensely. Along with doing two things at once and working together, their multitasking skills become exceptional the more they play. One of the best consequences of playing video games is the improved cognitive skills that the player develops. Conclusion There are many benefits to video games, whether it is Solitare or Final Fantasy XVI. It is up to you and your family to determine how beneficial each video game is based on your family's outlook and core belief system. Using the VASE chart and your Precise Umbrella, you can have a good foundation with essential parenting dos and don'ts when guiding teenagers today and video games. With this as your guide, your teens will be able to play the games they love, knowing there are certain lines they cannot cross while respecting your decisions regarding the approval of video games, knowing it's coming from an unmoving set of views. Please be sure to leave a comment in the posts! This helps many parents see YOUR perspective on the topic too! CurlyStache Raising Teens Blog is a safe place for everybody's opinion, so WE can all walk away with the best philosophies and practices when it comes to how we handle and raise our young loved ones. Like the article or think it could help somebody else? Please share it ! All pages include the Facebook , X Corp (formerly Twitter ), and Pinterest share icons. Follow us on social media for updates with the newest blog releases, website news, and a place to get amusing memes regularly , sure to get you through the day with a smile on your face! FREE blank printable VASE chart ! Your Opinion Matters! Leave a comment. Let us know what you think! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Partagez vos idées Soyez le premier à rédiger un commentaire. ▲ 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

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.

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

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! 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 * While this article is designed with illegal drugs (for all ages) and alcohol for those under the legal age in mind, many aspects of this blog can pertain to issues regarding 18+ or 21+ age "drugs," such as smoking or vaping and prescription/OTC drugs. Notes 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 | Tweens & Teens Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital 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

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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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Several partners advertise on our behalf, and we use affiliate tracking cookies to determine the number of our customers that visit the site through each of our partner sites to credit them appropriately. Where applicable, these cookies allow our affiliate partners to provide any bonus they may provide you for making a purchase. (future use) We use cookies to track and understand the statistics about the number of visitors who purchase our products. This allows us to make informed business and market predictions accurately that monitor our advertising and product costs to ensure the best equilibrium price. (future use) We rely on advertisements to offset the running costs of this site and generate revenue for further development. We use behavioral advertising cookies to ensure that we provide you with the most relevant adverts where possible by anonymously tracking your specific interests and presenting similar interests. To learn more about cookies, their impacts, and benefits, check out these useful sites: www.allaboutcookies.org www.aboutcookies.org Cookie Partner List Below are the companies that use cookies and other technologies on our platform for advertisements and analytics to improve the user experience. Please visit each to review their privacy policies and terms. You also agree to be legally bound to their privacy policies and terms by continuing to access and use this website and its services as we have agreed upon their use and any terms they may have provided to Guiding Teenagers. Google - Marketing, Analytics OneSignal - Marketing, Analytics Wix - Essential, Marketing, Analytics Facebook - Marketing, Analytics Instagram - Marketing, Analytics X (formerly Twitter) - Marketing, Analytics Pinterest - Marketing, Analytics TikTok - Marketing, Analytics Reddit - Marketing, Analytics Amendments and Modifications Guiding Teenagers reserves the right to modify this Policy and its terms as they relate to this website and services at any time, effective and in full force upon posting the updated version on the website. Please check this page regularly for updates. The continued use of the website and its services after that shall constitute your consent to such amendments and modifications. Policy Acceptance You hereby acknowledge that you have read this Cookies Policy and agree to all its provisions, terms, and conditions. By continuing to access and use this website and its services, you also agree to be legally bound by this Cookies Policy. If you do not agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Policy, you are not permitted to continue to access or use this website and its services. More Information We trust that you have gained clarity concerning our use of cookies. For further information about our cookies policy, please email us at guidingteenagers@gmail.com and include "Cookies " in the subject.

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