Adolescents in middle school (How to discuss sex)

Discuss definitions of sexual behaviors, puberty, physical changes,  oral sex. •Help your child to be responsible so they can make a decision. •Help them understand what their feelings about sex are. •Are they ready for sex and how do they know what that means or feels like? •Help them make up their own mind about […]

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Adolescents in middle school (How to discuss drugs and alcohol)

Encourage choice •Allow your child plenty of opportunity to become a confident decision-maker. An 8-year-old is capable of deciding if she wants to invite lots of friends to her birthday party or just a close pal or two. A 12-year-old can choose whether she wants to go out for chorus or join the school band. […]

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Adolescents in middle school (Drugs and alcohol statistics)

Experimentation is a often a part of a middle schooler’s life in today’s society. Let’s take a look at 2007 drug and alcohol statistics from Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: –Children start drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes earlier than they use other substances. –Some students report use as early as the fifth grade (1.6% […]

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Adolescents in middle school (Signs and symptoms of teen depression)

Teenagers face a host of pressures, from the changes of puberty to questions about who they are and where they fit in. The natural transition from child to adult can also bring parental conflict as teens start to assert their independence.  With all this drama, it isn’t always easy to differentiate between depression and normal […]

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Is it sadness or depression? How to tell the difference (Part 2)

Another factor is separating out sadness and depression. Sadness (or grief) is a natural response to loss and the symptoms may seem the same as depression. The major difference with depression is that the person feels that there is something wrong with themselves, “no one likes me, there is something wrong with me.” That usually […]

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Is it sadness or depression? How to tell the difference (Part 1)

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager“ Tip #36: If you are concerned, call a professional, such as ACS, to get an opinion. Professionals can help you because of their experience and because they are more removed from the problem than you as a parent. Commentary from Margaret Murchan, LCSW: Teenage depression is […]

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Warning signs

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #79- Watch for any danger signs such as alcohol on your child’s breath, the smell of marijuana, paraphernalia, severe drop in grades, extreme friendship changes. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Seek support and guidance for yourself in dealing with the changes in a […]

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Help your adolescent move toward independence

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #27: Begin to shift your role from parenting to coaching. Ask questions like, “Have you considered…?” or , “Is there another option?” or, “If you try A versus B, what will happen?” Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Help your adolescent move toward independence. […]

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