Author:Colleen

“13 Reasons Why” is a Wake Up Call to Parents

By now, most of you are familiar with the Netflix series “13 Reasons Why.” Psychologists and school counselors have contacted parents across the country, warning them about this controversial series. But to the surprise of many parents, their tweens and teens, that they’ve done their best...

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The Six Ways Moms Escalate Drama

Yes, teen girls can be drama queens, but mom's can be drama mamas. "How? Our disrespectful, moody, entitled and defiant daughters can push our buttons. And what happens when they push our buttons? We get angry and frustrated very quickly. We fire words right back at our daughters...

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How to Decrease Stress in Your Family

I can't tell you how many times I have heard this in my private practice. Why is it, that families (and couples) who fight all the time at home, can enjoy each other on vacations? The answer is STRESS. The Conspiracy of Stress When you were a teenager...

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What is a Successful Teenager?

Defining success is a tricky, especially when it comes to your teenager. If I asked you if your daughter or son was successful what would you say? Would your daughter say she is successful? These are uncomfortable questions for both you and your daughter. Here's why. This culture...

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“She Won’t Listen To Me?”

It seems so simple. In your head it's super clear. All you need her to do is clean her room. That's not asking too much. It's the least she can do. You are having guests over and you are cleaning the rest of the house, plus...

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Why We Need Space

I am taking an online defensive driving course. I could say I am taking the course because I wanted to lower my car insurance, which is partially true. But the truth is, I was speeding and got a ticket. There you have it. The secret...

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028 How Teens Can Get Parents to Hear Them

Do your teens need better communication skills---especially when they are wanting something from you? In this podcast I interview Laura Lyles Reagan who is a family sociologist with more than 30 years of experience in practical youth development and parenting coaching. She holds a Masters in...

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What a Mother’s Heart Needs

It's all about the heart. This is what enabled me to see my daughter as an "An Amazing Treasure." 'A Mother's Heart' is not talked about in the parenting books. Most parenting books focus on giving you tools and techniques to get through the teenage...

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What’s Good About Teens?

I love being around teenagers. They have an energy and joy that's contagious. When you can get past the drama, you can see the teenager's wonderful attributes and qualities, many of which we have lost as adults. Yes, teens can be emotionally reactive but they can...

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