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Talking About Drugs and Alcohol

Talking to your teen about drugs and alcohol is a very tough thing for many parents. If this is your first child, it can be that much more difficult, because you may not know what to say to them. Unfortunately for all parents out there, this is a topic that must be discussed for the well being of your child and your family. There are some things to keep in mind when you are talking to your teen about drugs and alcohol.

Think About Your Beliefs

Though this may include religious beliefs, it also includes your personal thoughts on drugs and alcohol. If you feel that they are, in no uncertain terms, wrong, then this is something that you should convey to your child. On the other hand, if you feel that, for example, alcohol when used in moderation is perfectly fine for adults, this is something that should be said.

Don’t be Confrontational

Accusing your child of something, or even just having a tone of voice that makes them think you are accusing them, can be extremely detrimental to the conversation. Even if you are concerned that you child is drinking alcohol or doing drugs, it is something that should be approached cautiously. Don’t start the conversation with an accusation – it will just go downhill from there.

Talking to a child about drugs and alcohol can rival the sex talk, in the eyes of many parents. It is not always a comfortable situation, but it is something that should be discussed. Talk about rules and consequences, so that your child fully understands what may happen.

Filed Under: Counseling, Tips Tagged With: Alcohol, Child, Parent

Helping Your Teen with Money Management

Teens often have the mentality that if they have money, they need to spend it. This is something that usually goes away with age, but it can be a problem as you are trying to teach them how to spend their money more wisely and save for the future.

There are lots of things you can do to help your teen with money management. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Have them do chores to earn an allowance to pay for their own things. This is a lot better than giving them money every time they request it.

Give them a Tom Joyner Reach Card and load small amounts of money on to it. This is a great idea because your teen can start to build credit without being at risk of going into debt.
Help them create a budget. Everyone does better with their money when they are keeping track of where it is going.
Make it mandatory that your teen save at least half of their paycheck for college or some other large expense in the future.
Encourage your teen to get a job. This way you won’t have to keep giving them money for every little expense.
Help your teen learn the difference between a need and a want. The biggest problem is that teens always want the latest and greatest thing, and they could save a lot of money by waiting for it to go on sale.

These are just a few ideas to help your teens with money management. Just remember that every teen will need a different approach.

Filed Under: Education, Parenting, Tips Tagged With: Adolescence, Money management, Personal Finance

Surviving the Day He Gets His Drivers License

There were days when you probably look forward to the time when one if the kids would be the person that ran to the grocery store for the last minute ingredients for dinner. The though probably seemed like it would make your life so much easier. Then, the day comes when you are in the car with him on the way to take the driving test and there is panic catching in your throat. You are going to make it through this day and it will get a little easier to let them just jump in the car and head out to school, the store or even to meet up with some friends.

You kids safety comes first. You might be a little overprotective at the beginning. They are itching to get behind the wheel and you are just worrying about where they are going, what they are doing, and how they are going to drive on the way. Let you kids know how you feel. They might interpret your care and concern for a lack of trust in them. Talk to them and let them know that this is a big step for you too and you just want them to be safe. It can be just another reminder to your child of how important they are to you.

Parents worry about losing touch with their kids. Once they are able to drive they end up with more freedom and may not be spending as much time at home. You are normal. You are at the in between stage that comes from wanting your teenager to take on responsibility and be independence and the part of you that wants to hang on. Do the best that you can. The more that you communicate the better the entire situation is going to be. It will get easier to see them walk out the door.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Driver's license, Driving test, Grocery store

Things to Get in Order When Your Teen Goes to College

It seems like yesterday you were changing your child’s diaper, and now your teen is getting ready to head off to college. The transition to independence is a huge step, and you want to make it as smooth as possible for your teen. Here are some things you might want to do to prepare.

* Placement Testing. Sign up your teen for placement testing according to their college’s policy.

* Attend Orientation. Even if you’ve already taken 20 tours around the campus, it’s important to attend an orientation session. This is where your teen will meet other incoming students, and they can begin developing friendships. This is also most likely when your teen will determine what classes they plan to take.

* Financial Aid. Get your taxes done, and apply for financial aid as soon as possible. The earlier you get your applications in, the more help you will most likely receive. Don’t forget to have your teen apply for as many scholarships as possible.

* Figure Out Housing. Some student will live on campus, and some prefer to live off campus in places such as Virginia Beach apartments. Find the best housing for your teen’s situation, and place a deposit as soon as possible to hold the spot.

* Pack. Consider the space in your teen’s housing arrangement before packing up the teen’s belongings. Moving into a dorm room is different from moving into an apartment. Make a list of all the school items, living items and cleaning items your teen will need and pack accordingly.

* Medications. Discuss medications with your teen, and visit your doctor if necessary. If your child has a condition such as severe asthma or diabetes, keep copies of prescriptions, remind your teen to keep medication in original bottles, and keep school medical contact information easily accessible.

Filed Under: Counseling, Tips Tagged With: Adolescence, Education, Student financial aid in the United States