An average teen typically experiences the negative effects of stress on a daily basis. Teens can feel as if they are literally being bombarded with pressure. School, work, sports, friends, family, relationships—all are potential stressors. Plus, continuous advancements in technology can make it hard for a teen to “unplug” and unwind. With cell phones and the Internet being relied on more and more for schoolwork and especially for social interaction, there is a lot of pressure to be constan... Read more

When addressing groups of adults about helping their children deal with grief, we ask, "Do you like being lied to?" Of course, not one hand goes up. Then we ask, "How many of you, when asked how you feel, have said ‘fine,’ when you were feeling lousy?" Every hand goes up. So, nobody likes being lied to, yet everybody lies about your feelings." How do you think that sits with your children, who are experts at reading your non-verbal body language? Children learn to lie about their feeling... Read more

Becoming self-aware and sharing our discoveries about ourselves is a skill that takes practice.  It is also an essential skill to building and strengthening one’s sense of self-esteem.  Parents are the perfect helpers to assist their daughters and sons in mastering this vital life skill, and journaling is a perfect and powerful activity to help children become more self-aware and self-confident. Shortly I will outline a journaling activity based on my award-winning Journal Buddies b... Read more