There is a lot to be said for changing perspective. Observing an object or issue from a point of view that differs to our normal frame of reference can completely alter our perception. We might discover previously unseen facets, have our perceptions altered, or be challenged to think in new and fresh ways. Recently I […]
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This weeks statement of the obvious: Teenagers don’t like doing housework! (Who does?) If the previous statement is true, then it would appear that teenagers may be getting their own way more and more. A recently released Australian study found the amount of time teenagers spend contributing to household chores has dropped significantly over the […]
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Can you remember the first time your were offered drugs? Maybe it was a cigarette down behind the toilet block, a swig of whiskey at a your friends house, or trying a joint at a high school party? Whatever the occasion, do you remember why you did it? If you can think of that reason, […]
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Teenagers want independence. For many nothing symbolises independence more than obtaining their drivers license. It is one of the clear modern day rites of passage to adulthood. I can still remember the feeling elated at being able to drive myself to and from places without a parent in the car. The only thing better than […]
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One of life’s great reality checks is parenting or caring for young people. The process of trying to protect them and prevent them from making bad choices reminds all who try that we have very limited power. We may think we can control the world and people around us, but the reality is we have […]
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Are today’s teenagers so immersed in a culture where porn defines the contours of mainstream pop culture, that they are not even aware why adults would be concerned? Teenagers have always been, and will always be interested in sex. It is a natural curiosity associated with growing up. I am sure all of us have […]
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When you think of the current generation of teenagers, what do you imagine they value? For some time we have known that Gen Y were more conservative than Xers and definitely more conservative than the Baby Boomers. The conservative trend seems to be continuing and accelerating with the emerging generation. Recent research conducted in Europe […]
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What do you do when confronted by a distressed teenager who is certain their life is ruined? Recent events have destroyed their hopes of a meaningful and enjoyable existence. During adolescence teenagers are a mix of massive insecurity, fluctuating hormones, rapidily changing brains, increasingly sophisticated thinking abilities, and terrifying new levels of self-awareness. All of […]
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On a few occasions in recent weeks I have been reading criticisms of the current generation of teenagers and found myself continually asking the same question – “Is it really the fault of teenagers?” I found myself asking that question because it occurred to me that there was only one side of the story being […]
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I am sure there are many out there who read the title of this post and thought twice about wasting your time reading further (if that was you – thanks for getting this far). You hardly need advice about how to annoy or anger your teenager. They already tell you they hate you, wish you […]
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