By Susan Kurlander, Health Educator “Summertime. . .and the living is easy” — or so thought my teenage daughter. She planned to sleep until noon every day and then just hang out with friends during the summer of her junior year of high school. It was a rude awakening for both of us when I … More »
Blog Posts Tagged ‘teens’
Finding Teachable Moments in Tragic News
By Susan Kurlander, Health Educator Tragically, we have recently been bombarded with news of drug and alcohol related deaths. The media have focused graphic and in-depth attention on the death of singer Whitney Houston, who struggled with drug addiction even at the pinnacle of her career, and on the trial of George Huguely, University of … More »
When Your Teen Begins Driving: Nightmare or Opportunity?
By Susan Kurlander, Health Educator I had gone out shopping while my husband took my daughter out for her first driving experience. I thought I would come home to find my husband feeling successful and my daughter feeling elated as this eagerly awaited new stage in her development was getting under way. Instead, I came … More »
I Thought I Was Doing The Right Thing!
By Joan Grayson Cohen, Esq., LCSW-C Bill Burnett, parent and professor at Stanford University, and his wife thought they were doing all the right things when they recently allowed their teenage son to have a party at their home. Put yourself in their position. You decide to allow your teen to host a party in … More »
Senior Moments (High School, that is) for Parents
By Jacki Post Ashkin, LCSW-C So, your child is entering his senior year in high school. Top dog. Big man on campus. The finish line is in sight. Congratulations. Now hold on to your proverbial hat. This year is a rollercoaster ride of milestones, deadlines and transitions that will test your nerves and your relationship … More »
Parents, Kids and Alcohol – A Good Mix?
By Susan Kurlander, Health Educator Teens who drink with adult supervision have more drinking-related problems than their peers whose parents don’t allow them to drink. Surprised? This is the finding of a University of Washington study of 1,945 teens from grades 7-9 in the state of Washington and in Australia. The researchers chose to include … More »
Do I Need a Drug Sniffing Dog in My Home?
By Howard Reznick, LCSW-C Many parents have a generalized worry that their adolescent may start drinking or using drugs. But how can you tell if your teenager really is using these substances? This is a challenge. Several adjustment and hormonal changes in adolescence mimic the changes that are on any “check list” for drug abuse. … More »