Raising a teenager can be difficult. There are so many new issues that arise and each generation faces different problems than their parents did. With new online resources however, it is easier than ever for parents to find sources of information on the web from schools, other parents, counselors, and experts in teenage behavior. Below is a collection of a variety of issues that face parents of teenagers, from school issues to body image and peer pressure.
Homework and Study Habits
Homework Tips for Parents – From the United States Department of Education, this handy guide covers the basic questions parents can ask about homework, including how much is enough, whether or not to help, and general homework tips.
Parents’ Positive Attitude Can Help Kids Get Homework Done – From U.S. News, this article emphasizes a study that shows it’s important for parents to have the right attitude when trying to get their children to do their homework for their children to get the most benefit from it.
Study Skills for High School Students – This well organized online document lists the top ways high school students can improve their study skills, along with helpful resources for students and parents under each topic.
Part-time Jobs
Making Sure your Teen’s Job is Safe – This six part article emphasizes the importance of parents to be involved with their teenager’s job beyond the initial granting of permission. Learn about job safety, common jobs for teens, and how to help them start the job hunt.
Teenagers and After-School Jobs – From the University of Rochester Medical Center, this article provides tips for parents to help their teen stay on top and signs of burnout to notice.
Make Sure That Your Child’s First Credit Card Isn’t A Disaster – From the National Endowment for Financial Education, this combination of factual studies and general advice helps parents educate their teens about credit management.
Alternative Education
Alternatives to High School – The Berkeley Parents Network answers common questions regarding options available to teens who are having trouble in the traditional public school system.
What Parents Need to Know About Recognizing and Encouraging Interests, Strengths, and Talents of Gifted Adolescents – This document provides great information about how to encourage and motivate teenagers to achieve their best.
Is Online School Right for My Teen? – These three considerations for parents help identify the feasibility of online education, how to continue to motivate the teenager, and determine whether socialization would be negatively affected by online school.
Self-Image
Body Image and Your Kids – From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, this article helps mothers identify what in their own behavior is negatively affecting their impressionable daughters.
Teen Self Esteem – How Parents Can Help Them – This article lists the consequences of poor self-esteem and the steps parents can take to help their teen overcome poor body image and self-doubt.
Eating Disorders: What Families Need to Know – From the University of Michigan Health System, this guide to teen eating disorders provides information about common disorders, causes, and signs to look for.
Peer Pressure
Helping Your Teen Make Responsible Choices – From the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, this article includes quick facts about what teenagers today face, tips for parents to help them make the right choices, how to show respect for teenager’s decisions, and how to deal with peer pressure.
Sex and Drugs
Young People and Sex: Parents, Can We Talk? – National Public Radio presents a short show about how many teens are no longer having “the sex talk” with their parents, content with the distorted information they glean from TV or the Internet.
Info For Teens – Planned Parenthood presents a variety of topics that young adults have questions and concerns about, including relationships, pregnancy, and LGBTQ.
Peer Pressure and Drug Use – The University of Michigan explains how peer influences have been found to be among the strongest predictors of drug use during adolescence.
Bullying
Teen bullying: What parents need to know – From the Mayo clinic, this site considers features of teen bullying and practical strategies for preventing and responding to teen bullying.
Bullying Frequently Asked Questions – The State of California Department of Education answers some of the most prominent questions to educate parents and teens about effective measures to prevent bullying and respond to it.
Parent Guide to Cyberbullying and Cyberthreats – This guide provides parents with insight into cyberbullying, ways to help prevent children from being victimized, and also provides guidance on things parents can do if cyberbullying does occur.
*Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
