“Children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority and show disrespect for their elders. They contradict their parents, and tyrannize their teachers.” This was written by Socrates 2000 years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock. Problems with teens aren’t new, but things have obviously changed. Today’s youth, especially young women, face… Continue reading Top 5 Warning Signs Your Teen is Becoming ‘At Risk’
Category: Parents
Exploitation: ALERT!
Teen and pre-teen girls have never been more at risk! It is a tragic sign of our times. Parents must be aware– don’t think it cannot happen to your daughter! The average age of entry into the U.S. sex industry is 12 years of age, with children as young as 10 years of age. In Portland, Oregon the… Continue reading Exploitation: ALERT!
How we can help: Children of Divorce
Children of divorce often pay the highest price when families find themselves in the unfortunate position of dissolution or even possible reconciliation of marriage. For over a decade, the Academy at Sisters has provided expert care and educational services to teen girls who find themselves in the throws of their parent’s problems. You can help… Continue reading How we can help: Children of Divorce
The Anti-Social Child
In an effort to provide some perspective on problematic behavior I want to provide for you some guidelines on anti-social behaviors and understanding what you’re seeing. You will see some familiar terms here because we strive to address any antisocial traits when we see them. A truly anti-social youngster approaches the world with a sense… Continue reading The Anti-Social Child
The U.S. Department of Justice on Child Abuse and Neglect
In their longitudinal studies, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Institute of Justice found some daunting statistics on child abuse and neglect. Their “findings strongly indicate the relationship between abuse and neglect and delinquency and adult criminality and violent behavior.” Although no single factor is likely to account for development of criminal behavior,… Continue reading The U.S. Department of Justice on Child Abuse and Neglect
How We Help Children Change
First and foremost our number one goal for kids we work with, all kids we work with, is to produce “self-efficacy”. By that we mean, “self-reliance”, “persistence”, “courage to endure adversity”, “resilience”, and “confidence”. In order to achieve this we believe we must focus on certain aspects of a child’s makeup. Primary in our focus… Continue reading How We Help Children Change
Normal Adolescent Development
Throughout history parents have been troubled by the behavior of their teens. When both teens and parents are prepared and aware of these commonly known hallmarks of adolescents, it makes the “transition years” much easier to cope with: Adolescence is a time of pronounced changes in… • Body • Emotions • Attitudes and values •… Continue reading Normal Adolescent Development
Basic Parenting 101
A parent’s basic job is to meet your child’s needs in the following 4 categories: Physical: Doing all you can to keep your child safe and healthy Keeping them safe Good nutrition Rest and exercise Medical care Emotional: Showing love, encouragement, providing security Intellectual: Help your child enjoy learning, provide learning tools, games. Involvement in… Continue reading Basic Parenting 101
Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting
DON’TS: (Most overriding rules) Don’t apologize for parenting; it’s an obligation you must carry out and do your best. Don’t feel guilty when you must say no, it’s presumed the decision is well reasoned and thought out. Don’t make promises you don’t intend to keep. Don’t be inconsistent with the standards you’ve chosen to raise… Continue reading Do’s and Don’ts of Parenting
Learning Communication: Offering and Accepting Feedback
Often people choose not to offer feedback even though it would be useful in communicating with others. Instead, they avoid or overlook confrontations. They don’t want to make waves, or out of a lack of concern, don’t want to get involved. Even though we may not be aware of it, we are all capable of… Continue reading Learning Communication: Offering and Accepting Feedback