“You aren’t the boss of me!” “I can take care of myself.”

Independence and autonomy are critical to healthy teen development. One of the most important tasks for all adolescents is learning the skills that will help them make healthy choices and manage their own lives. As your young teen becomes more responsible, increase his or her options for independence. Be an eParent®! Work with your child to register […]

Read More...

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 […]

Read More...

Were you born digital?

If you’ve known a digital world since birth, then you were “born digital.” Your child, who was “born digital,” is using (and developing) words and symbols that did not exist when we were their age! For instance, #momdadareancient may pop up on their Twitter feed. Conversations with your teen will begin to feel much different […]

Read More...

“To be or not to be, that is the question.”

Believe it or not, your teen is thinking about what it means “to be” in life and their place in the world. One way for your child to achieve success is to become a life-long learner. Talk about how everyone is continually growing and learning. Ask your teen about an older adult they admire and […]

Read More...

Speak no, see no, hear no evil.

The hear, see or speak no evil approach might be humorous, but not effective with pre-teens. Your role as a parent requires you to use as many senses as possible to pick up on the concerns of your child. Digital media has opened up new ways you can use to listen and learn about your […]

Read More...

Hey, I had to turn a dial AND was connected to a cord on both ends!

You heard it when you were young. “I had to walk uphill both ways!” Now your kids are hearing it from you. Although you may feel as though you are speaking a foreign language when you and your teen talk about technology, thoughtfully incorporate new technologies into your family life and talk about how it […]

Read More...

Do you always lose Fruit Ninja or Words with Friends to your teen?

Teens were born into a digital world so they have the upper hand in being comfortable using technology but they don’t always know how to control their frustration or gloating when they lose or win a game. Teach coping skills and emotional control as you play with your teen. Be an eParent®! Model being a “good loser” […]

Read More...

Does a phone call with you remind your teen of Charlie Brown’s teacher?

  Charlie Brown’s teacher was famous for her “whaaa-whaaa-whaaa” method of communication, which teens masterfully tune out. Adding a visual component to family communications helps teens be more present in phone conversations while observing healthy relationship and communication skills. Be an eParent®! Model healthy relationship skills by establishing a regular Google Hangout or Skype night with […]

Read More...