Parent Forum
I’m a parenting expert and family coach. Our 21st century tweens and teens are so savvy about pop culture, technology and social media, they may believe they’ve got the emotional and interpersonal part of life figured out too. They don’t. Middle and high school kids need their parents to teach them how to be good people who do the right thing, online and off. Because home is where kids learn the most about love, respect, empathy and resilience, you need 21st century parenting advice you can count on.
Welcome. You’re in the right place.Letters from Parents & Teens
Getting over a broken heart:
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Abusive relationships:
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Dear Annie, My daughter went away to college and got involved with her boss, an older man. The affair lasted six months. Because of working together their relationship wasn't a normal dating relationship. When she pressed him for a commitment he kept giving her mixed messages which really confused her. As a... |
Hey Terra, My daughter is 16 and two of her very best friends have become very close themselves. Now they are leaving my daughter out and saying mean things, like talking about their plans in front of her. They know this is hurting her. One of their mothers is clearly jealous of my daughter being more... |
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| Read Terra’s Answer » More letters from Teens » |
Annie’s Blog:
I want a boyfriend but I'm not good at flirting!
March 24, 2019
I wish I had a boyfriend...
I just got an email from a girl who's never had a boyfriend and she really wants one. We've all been there, right? Everyone deserves to be loved. Being loved by someone you love is an amazing feeling that nurtures your spirit and opens your heart and mind to the beauty of life. If you aren't in a relationship and you want to be, you may feel frustrated and/or impatient. But you know what they say? You can't hurry love. You can, however, prepare yourself to be a good partner by learning about yourself, what you want, and what you need.
Teen: I'm a 16 year old girl who never had a boyfriend before but I really want one. The thing is, I'm kind of shy so I'm not that good at flirting!
Annie: It might be helpful for you to think about what kind of boyfriend you™re looking for. How about if you fill in the blank in this sentence?
I want a boyfriend who is __________________________________________.
Keep brainstorming until you run out of things that are true for you.
Teen: I want a boyfriend who is: loyal, friendly, kind, respects boundaries, a good listener, and willing to try new things.
Annie: That™s a very thoughtful list of qualities. Good work. So tell me, do you already know someone with any or some of those qualities?
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