Teachers, mentors, and parents are asking, “Who is raising these irresponsible, rude, and disrespectful children?” Is culture to blame? School? Parents? Raising kids is challenging, and there’s no “one size fits all” method. After a full day at work, coming home to care for children and take care of chores leaves a parent emotionally spent. It’s easy for parents to lose control and lash out at their children, making quick, irrational decisions about punishment. Anyone who has

Prom is right around the corner, and when I see photos and video clips of the dresses worn this year, a sympathetic grimace creeps over my face. I remember all too well the dilemma of finding the perfect prom dress. People spend over four billion dollars on prom each year, and advertisers and department stores are not about to lose out on that opportunity. The dresses are incredibly revealing this year and that has nothing to do with fashion. What’s hot in Italy right now is

It’s spring break and you’re stuck at home with your kids. It’s not exactly the situation you may have anticipated for your family, but with work, activities, and family responsibilities, you simply can’t leave town. However, a week at home with your kids can be the greatest parenting opportunity. Seize the week by spending time together and really talking to your kids. During a typical week, you probably see your child in the morning and evening; both times are rushed and fu

There are certain things teenagers really need to hear from their parents. You cannot say these things when they would be most apropos. However, you can say them at night when the child is relaxed and going to sleep. They offer less resistance at night just before bedtime. They will remember what you said, and they will reflect on it when you least expect it. Having a teenager is one of the most challenging times in a parent's marriage - as well as their life. It is scary, fr

Teen yeas are a difficult passage for parents and teens. Teenagers are fighting for independence, dealing with peer pressure, and learning responsibility for homework assignments, relationships, and career plans. For parents, there’s additional worry and concern for their child’s safety. A recently released movie (Before I Fall) addresses the teen years through a teens’ poignant narration and exposed choices. The main character, Sam, experiences a continuous cycle of reliving

From the age of twelve to at least eighteen, a girl is under constant scrutiny about her body, looks, and sex appeal. We have advanced technologically, but girls still go through the same judgment and peer pressure that their mothers did. Recent evidence suggests that depression increases in teens that are frequently engaged with Facebook. It can create also anxiety with a constant discussion of, “Am I pretty enough? Am I prettier than her? Am I more popular?” It is not appro

This week, two teens ran away after school and did not come home that evening. Although they were found the next day, one of the teenagers cited overwhelming stress as the reason she ran away. Like many, my heart was grateful that they were safe, but the teenagers remind us of the important role parents play in helping their children deal with stress. Stress is part of life; though it seems to be hitting kids younger and younger, there is no way to eliminate it completely. Re

Preparing for the school year begins at home prior to the first day of school. Kids get excited to shop for new clothes and meet up with friends, but their worries and concerns often go unnoticed in the excitement. Parents are a powerful influence on their child’s school year experience because a parent’s attitude directly affects their child’s. It’s important to talk with your child about their concerns prior to the first day of school and work as a team to help them feel co

It’s beach time and body image as well as body awareness is on every woman’s mind as she shops for a swimsuit or summer fashion. Women are bombarded by billboards, television, social media and magazine ads with body shapes and sizes that don’t represent them or the majority of society. Recently, plus size models were featured in WorldLifestyle depicting beautiful women who don’t fit the classic type of model many women grew up aspiring to be like. These plus size models rival

Every generation raises their children with the idea of being a great parent. You remember what you didn’t like about your childhood and told yourself you wouldn’t do the same to your kids. But, you didn’t grow up in the society your kids are trying to survive in now. Social media, iPhones, and Snap Chat, along with school activities, homework and the lifestyle of many families are putting excessive stress on kids. In parent’s best efforts to make it easier and less stressful