Author:Colleen

I Want My Life Back

Last week, Sara came to see me in my private practice. Sara had that spaced-out, frazzled look. She said, "I want my life back. It's only the first week of summer, and I'm ready for school to start." Sara really didn't want school to start; what...

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# 316 Dread or Dream: Teens and Family Vacations:

Are you dreaming of a peaceful family vacation but dreading the inevitable teen drama? Have you ever come home from a trip feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation? In this episode of Power Your Parenting: Moms of Teens, Colleen O’Grady sits down with...

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How to Get My Teen to Exercise

There are physiological reasons why exercise decreases drama. I know when I exercise consistently I am more patient and pleasant to be around. The same is true for your teenager. Consistent exercise, especially cardio, decreases stress and therefore will decrease drama. The Problem is current trends...

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# 314 What’s Behind Their Screens? Interview with Emily Weinstein and Carrie James

3500 TEENS ・ 2 RESEARCHERS ・ 1 QUESTION What are adults missing about teens and technology? A lot. Harvard University Project Zero researchers, Common Sense Media collaborators, and real-life parents Emily Weinstein and Carrie James are the authors of BEHIND THEIR SCREENS: What Teens are Facing (and Adults are Missing). In their book, James and...

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Signs of Growth in Your Teen

The sky was deep blue, no humidity, and the temperature was 60 degrees. I decided to take advantage of this beautiful day in Houston. Days like these are rare in Houston, and I wasn't going to miss them. The red buds were out and some...

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How Do You Define a Successful Teenager?

Defining success is a tricky, especially when it comes to your teenager. Would you say your teen is successful?  Would you say your teen was successful? These are uncomfortable questions for both you and your teen. Here's why. This culture defines success in terms of ranking from the...

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