Category: Parentally Speaking

Why Communication Is One of the Most Powerful Protective Factors Many caregivers worry they need the “right” rules, the strictest limits, or the perfect consequences to keep their teen safe. That desire makes sense, especially when adolescence can feel unpredictable. But in many families, what makes the biggest long-term difference is not control. It is…

Peer Pressure Doesn’t End When Kids Go Home Peer pressure used to feel more contained. It showed up at school, at practice, or during a hangout, and then kids came home to a break from the social noise. Today, that “off switch” is harder to find. Group chats keep going after dinner, photos and comments…

It’s common for a parent to think, “That doesn’t sound like my child,” after hearing what happened when their teen was with friends. Maybe your child went along with a prank, stayed out later than planned, tried something risky, or made a comment they wouldn’t normally make at home. When teens make choices around peers…

Peer pressure is a powerful motivator for adolescents who desperately want to be accepted. Here are 7 ways you can help kids combat peer pressure.

By Blake Birenkrant, Manalapan High School  In the past, smoking used to be the norm in society for people of all ages, when its effects on health were mostly undiscovered. Today, smoking addiction, while still prevalent, has been taken over by addictions to vaping and other nicotine-related products. Teen vaping and youth nicotine use have…

Research shows an undeniable link between social media use, negative mental health, and low self esteem. Learn about teen social media use.

What parents should know about stress and drug use to prevent teens from turning to drugs to cope with their everyday stresses.

Every September we acknowledge National Recovery Month to educate that substance use treatment can enable those with disorders to live healthily.

Here are some back-to-school tips for parents looking to help their children prepare for the new school year.

Parenting is a mix of big, life-changing decisions as well as tiny, daily ones. The parenting style you take on will have long-term consequences for your family’s future. Learn more about the four types of psychologist-accepted parenting styles to determine which would be the best option for your family. 

The purpose of Alcohol Awareness Month is to point out the stigma that still surrounds alcoholism and substance abuse in general.