Sue Scheff: Teens that Shoplift and Steal

It doesn’t matter what your economic status is, it seems some teens from all financial backgrounds will try their “hand” at shoplifting. Why? Peer pressure? Is it cool? Part of the crowd?
What constitutes shoplifting? It doesn’t have to be only stealing, shoplifting can include changing price tags (which is harder to do now with the [...]

Sue Scheff: Teen Substance Abuse and Sibling Influence

Teen substance abuse is an issue many parents deal with, however are they aware of how it is effecting the other children in their family?  Is your at risk teen influencing their siblings?  Peer pressure, whether at home or at school, can lead to trouble and as a parent, we need to be aware of [...]

Sue Scheff: High School Diploma vs GED

Speaking with parents regularly, I hear this story frequently. Teenagers are dropping out of High School and getting a GED.  This has become more and more acceptable, however is it recommendable?  Personally, I believe there are some cases that it is the only way a person can finish school, but I think parents need to [...]

Sue Scheff: Parenting Cookbook – The BIG Book of Parenting Solutions

The BIG Book of Parenting Solutions is your recipe to parenting kids today.  This tremendous book is similar to a cookbook  of extra special, proven results for parenting!  This book is not only for today’s parent, it is a perfect baby shower gift, holiday gift, or simply to give to a parent today raising kids.  [...]

Sue Scheff: Teen Suicide Prevention Month

As you have probably heard before, talking to your teen about suicide is one of the most important things you can do in helping to prevent a suicide attempt. Many times parents are unsure of what to say and instead say nothing. Here are some suggestions of how you can open the channels of communication [...]

Sue Scheff: Teens and the Pressure to Be Thin

Source: Connect with Kids
Pressure to be Thin
“My friend thinks that people who are thin are smart and popular.”
– Hannah, 8 years old
What makes a 10-year-old girl happy?  Dolls?  Brightly colored dresses?  A new puppy?  According to a study of over 400,000 Canadian children, the answer is being thin.
“My friend thinks that people that are thin [...]

Sue Scheff: Tip Sheet for Today’s Teen Girl

Source: Dove Self Esteem Fund
Every Parent’s Back-to-School Tip Sheet for Today’s Teen Girl
How to Avoid a Back-to-School Breakdown

1. Body Image Breakdown: When girls feel bad about their looks, more than 70%, ages 15-17,avoid normal daily activities such as attending school.
o TIP: Your daughter’s body image starts with you! Show her each and every day how [...]

Sue Scheff: Teens and Sex Education

Recently I discovered an interesting and fantastic Blog/Website by Sarah Burningham.  She offers straight talk about teens – including those sensitive subjects that many parents will cringe with.  I love her blunt and direct advice and parenting tips.  Be sure to check it out – Sarah Burningham  is an Author and writes a column for [...]

Sue Scheff: Youth Gangs and Teen Gangs

As summer is here, teens, if not kept busy, could potentially find peer groups that are not what you would want him/her to hang with.  Teen Gangs can prey on kids that are not only followers, but have low self worth and want to belong – even if it is a negative peer group.  Learn [...]

Sue Scheff: Learn to Communicate with your Teenager

Learn to Communicate Effectively with Your Teen in 5 Days
By Denise Witmer, About.com
Parents have the same goal, to successfully parent their teen into happy and healthy adults. The most important parenting skill you will need to do this is effective communication. If you can effectively communicate with your teen, you can move mountains – or [...]