Limits and boundaries (Part 1)

Healthy structure is one of the most important gifts parents can provide for their teens.  Growing up in a house with structure will help teens to predict consequences, learn from their mistakes and improve healthy relationships between parents and teens. Many adolescents will act as if they don’t like limits being placed on them; however, […]

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Current events and community involvement

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #18: Share current news stories as an entry into discussions about relevant teen topics such as good driving, safety issues, substance abuse, etc. Teens are more receptive to information that comes from the news than to lectures from you. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe […]

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You love your child

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #37: Remember you love your child even if you do not always like or approve of his or her behavior. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Continue to provide all of your children with positive feedback and opportunities to grow. Reflect on what you […]

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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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Reality Check

Commentary from ACS Executive Director Dr.Philippe Rey: Teach your adolescent about the joys and troubles of life and ways to revel in the good times and cope with the bad. The myths that life is always easy or fair or that one should always be happy can lead to frustration for young people dealing with […]

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Bridging the gap

Commentary by ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Intergenerational incomprehension — perhaps akin to the “”generation gap”” of earlier decades — makes figuring out what teens are talking about, listening to, wearing and why like reading a foreign language. What can parents do to bridge today”s gap? Here are some guidelines we have found helpful in […]

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Laugh

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #72: Many teens develop a keen sense of humor. Laugh with them when you can. Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Raising an adolescent is no easy task.  It is a rollercoaster ride filled with ups and downs that often leave you worried, frustrated, […]

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Admit your mistakes

Excerpt from “99 Tips for Talking with Your Teenager:” Tip #89: Always be willing to admit your mistake and say, “I am sorry.” Commentary from ACS Executive Director, Dr.Philippe Rey: Accept that you have feelings too. You may feel frustrated, angry, discouraged, or sad during difficult times with your adolescent. Being a good parent doesn’t […]

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