Is your child billing you for tech support?

Your child may know more than you do about technology, but you know what’s best for your child. While it may feel awkward when your teen provides your tech support, it doesn’t mean you relinquish your parenting role. Research shows that the style of parenting you use really matters in these situations. It’s your role […]

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When the cat’s away, the mice will play.

Keeping tabs on your teen can be challenging as they spend more time away from home and away from your watchful eye. Yet monitoring your tween has never been more important! Getting to know the parents of your tweens’ friends is one easy way to keep tabs on your child’s activities and behaviors even when you are […]

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Don’t “unfriend” me. I’m your Mother!

Getting to know your teen’s friends will help you gain insights on how your teen handles different aspects of his or her life. Be an eParent®! An easy way to get to know your tween better is to “friend” her and her friends on Facebook. Three-fourths of American teens are on Facebook and even though […]

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Is it teenaged angst, moodiness, hormones, or something else?

Just about all kids in America are immersed in media-related activities. Television, social media, video games, movies, radio, music, the Internet, books, magazines, and newspapers can all be accessed through their handheld devices. Excessive access to these resources or an inability to self-monitor can prove harmful to some teens. Take care to watch for warning […]

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Grumpy child? Might be sleep deprived.

  Extracurricular commitments, homework, and friends can quickly subtract from tweens time to sleep. This can be especially difficult for middle school students who need 9-10+ hours of sleep. Be an eParent®! Help your child get a good night’s sleep by minimizing screen use two hours before bed. The bright light, especially from tablets that […]

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Do you feel like 007 or is it more like Mission Impossible?

Monitoring your tween’s activity is important for his or her well-being (and your peace of mind). As tweens becomes more independent, ask where they are going, what they will be doing and who they will be with when they leave the house. Help your tween understand that these questions aren’t intended to be an invasion […]

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Don’t be the “missing link”… stay connected!

Avoid gaps in communication with your tween. Track your teen’s activities. Whether it is an organized event or a social outing, knowing where they are, who they are with, and when they will be home helps ensure their safety and wellbeing. Be an eParent®! Set up an online calendar, such as Google calendar, for the family […]

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What to do when a hug becomes uncool.

Although your tween may no longer be looking to you for hugs (at least in public), your continued relationship and communication with your teen is still very “cool” (and important)! One reason many teens find hugs to be “uncool” is because teens are busy seeking their own independence. Public hugs can make a teen feel like […]

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It takes a village.

There are many adults that interact with your child on a daily basis. These other adults are the key to knowing how your child is adjusting and what’s going on. Fostering relationships and keeping communication open with these other adults helps you be prepared and responsive to your child. Be an eParent®! Create groups and […]

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