Parenting

• Stepfamily Problems

  With the high incidence of divorce and changing patterns of families in the United States, there are increasing numbers of stepfamilies. New stepfamilies face many challenges. As with any achievement, developing good stepfamily relationships requires a lot of effort. Stepfamily members have each experienced losses and face complicated adjustments to the new family situation.

• Understanding Violent Behavior In Children

  Children as young as preschoolers can show violent behavior. Parents and other adults who witness the behavior may be concerned, however, they often hope that the young child will “grow out of it.” Violent behavior in a child at any age always needs to be taken seriously. It should not be dismissed as “just a phase they’re going through!”

• Children With Oppositional Defiant Disorder

  Oppositional behavior is often a normal part of development for two to three year olds and early adolescents. However, openly uncooperative and hostile behavior becomes a serious concern when it is so frequent and consistent that it stands out when compared with other children of the same age and developmental level and when it affects the child’s social, family, and academic life.

• Helping Your Teen Become A Safe Driver

  A driver’s license is one of the biggest status symbols among high school students. Getting a driver’s license is not only a social asset but it makes the adolescent feel more independent than ever before. Parents no longer have to do the driving – the teen can get places on his or her own.

• Tobacco and Kids

  Children’s addiction to nicotine from cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco (chew), and cigars is a major public health problem.

• Teens: Alcohol And Other Drugs

  Teenagers may be involved with alcohol and legal or illegal drugs in various ways. Experimentation with alcohol and drugs during adolescence is common. Unfortunately, teenagers often dont see the link between their actions today and the consequences tomorrow. They also have a tendency to feel indestructible and immune to the problems that others experience.

• Gay and Lesbian Adolescents

  Growing up is a demanding and challenging task for every adolescent. One important aspect is forming one=s sexual identity. All children explore and experiment sexually as part of normal development. This sexual behavior may be with members of the same or opposite sex. For many adolescents, thinking about and/or experimenting with the same sex may cause concerns and anxiety regarding their sexual orientation. For others, even thoughts or fantasies may cause anxiety.

• Preparing For Adolescence

  Parenting can be the most rewarding work of adult life. Nothing brings more joy and pride than a happy, productive, and loving child. Each age and stage of a child’s development has specific goals and tasks. For infants, it is to eat, sleep, and explore their world. For adolescents, it is to become their own person with their own group of friends.