tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79521662206924798682024-02-20T21:22:54.037-08:00Sue Scheff - About meFounder of Parents Universal Resource Experts, Inc. (P.U.R.E.)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-52397810594604003472009-05-07T11:20:00.000-07:002009-05-07T11:23:01.660-07:00Sue Scheff: Prevent Teen Pregnancy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02Wu6eLb6PQ-Xw4ap7SMiJKANapcsyK7Y4uFUtaa7clSoUeD5TXwnJzQDT7TI8SXoYDsS_8usvUGPg78zQoUK-YR_TFkw_eFng7rtcQS-cD83JXOzs0N1JJuuaqbXZVWByvq-4I97izSu/s1600-h/prevteenpreg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333148895293332002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 116px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 80px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02Wu6eLb6PQ-Xw4ap7SMiJKANapcsyK7Y4uFUtaa7clSoUeD5TXwnJzQDT7TI8SXoYDsS_8usvUGPg78zQoUK-YR_TFkw_eFng7rtcQS-cD83JXOzs0N1JJuuaqbXZVWByvq-4I97izSu/s320/prevteenpreg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/">National Campaign To Prevent Teen Pregnancy</a></div><div> </div><div>Hundreds of thousands of teens nationwide are expected to participate in the eighth annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 6, 2009. The purpose of the National Day is straightforward. Too many teens still think “It can’t happen to me.” The National Day helps teens understand that it can happen to them and that they need to think seriously about what they would do in the moment.</div><br /><div><br />Why a National Day? Since the early 1990s, the teen pregnancy rate has declined 38 percent and the teen birth rate has declined 32%. In fact, few social problems have improved quite as dramatically over the past decade plus. The most recent news on this front, however, has not been positive. According to data released in March 2009 by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), the U.S. teen birth rate increased for the second year in a row since 2005. These increases follow 14 years of continuous decline in the teen birth rate. That is, after declining 34% between 1991 and 2005, the teen birth rate has now increased 5% between 2005 and 2007.</div><br /><div><br />“Clearly a renewed focus on preventing teen pregnancy is needed,” said Sarah Brown, Chief Executive Officer of The National Campaign. “We hope that – in some modest way – the quiz will help teens think carefully about sex and contraception, the possibility of pregnancy, and the lifelong challenges of being a parent.”</div><br /><div><br />About the National Day. On the National Day and throughout May, teens nationwide will be asked to go to The National Campaign’s teen website—<a onclick="stayteen();" href="http://www.stayteen.org/" target="_blank">StayTeen.org</a> —and take a short, scenario-based quiz (available in English and Spanish). The quiz challenges young people to consider what they would do in a number of sexual situations.</div><br /><div><br />In 2008, more than 300,000 people took the National Day Quiz—up from 75,000 in 2002. Participants were able to take the quiz online or download a print version in <a onclick="stayteen();" href="http://www.stayteen.org/quiz/assets/2008_ND_quiz_english.pdf" target="_blank">English</a> or <a onclick="stayteen();" href="http://www.stayteen.org/quiz/assets/2008_ND_quiz_spanish.pdf" target="_blank">Spanish</a>. National Day Quiz discussion guides for <a href="http://stayteen.org/quiz/assets/2008_ND_parent_guide.pdf" target="_blank">parents</a> and <a href="http://stayteen.org/quiz/assets/2008_ND_teen_guide.pdf" target="_blank">teens</a> were also available and were downloaded thousands of times.</div><br /><div><br />Over 1,000 teens who took the National Day Quiz took part in a post-quiz evaluation survey. Among the findings:</div><br /><div><br />73% said the Quiz made them think about what they might do in such situations;<br />54% said the Quiz made the risks of sex and teen pregnancy seem more real to them;<br />50% said they’d learned something new from the Quiz about the consequences of sex;<br />55% said they’d talk to their friends about the situations described in the Quiz;<br />51% said the Quiz made them think about things they hadn’t thought about before;<br />54% said they’d encourage others to take the Quiz;<br />57% said some of the situations in the Quiz were things that they or their friends had faced; and<br />48% said they’d talk to their parents or other adults about the situations described in the Quiz.<br />Additionally, 56% reported taking the quiz as part of a school activity and 31% said they took the quiz at home. About one-third of teens (32%) learned about the quiz from a parent, teacher, or another trusted adult and another one-third (30%) of teens learned about the quiz from one of our online media partners.<br />Partnerships. The National Campaign works with a variety of partners to make the National Day a success year after year.<br />National Partnerships. National Day partners include a diverse group of media outlets, health sector leaders, education leaders, businesses, youth-serving groups, groups representing elected officials, fatherhood and male involvement groups, faith-based groups, and other prominent national organizations. These groups promote the National Day to their members, affiliates, customers, audiences, and contacts in ways the National Campaign could never have afforded or accomplished on its own. For an up-to-date list of this year’s National Day Partners, <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/partners2009.aspx">visit our Partners page</a>.<br />Media Partnerships. Each year, The National Campaign works with a variety of online and traditional media partners to spread the word about the National Day. Among this year’s partners are ABC, ABC Family, NBC, The N, Seventeen, CWtv.com, Maury, and many others. For more information about our National Day media partnerships, <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/media2009.aspx">visit our Media Partners page</a>. </div><br /><div><br />State and Local Partnerships. The National Day continues to be a remarkable organizing event for states and communities nationwide. To help these state and local promotional efforts, the National Campaign develops and distributes a variety of teen-friendly materials—such as National Day wristbands and pens—to help raise awareness of the National Day among teens and adult professionals who work with teens. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />Outside information:<br />More information about <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2009/01/sue-scheff-teen-pregnancy-on-the-increase/">teen pregnancy</a>.<br /><a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2009/01/sue-scheff-hiv-testing-for-teens/">HIV Testing for Teens.</a><br /><a href="http://sue-scheff.org/">Teen Pregnancy Website</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-265776923642573902009-04-27T08:46:00.000-07:002009-04-27T08:48:06.247-07:00Sue Scheff: Teens and Self Defense<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE8qMp3RI6b5hVS9R3ouImt3bho7fyrJp0H_5DkfYosfgkkKV86PAMW3oG_vhhxyfrETPYaySXg5Q306fx1k3_xJkEcwr5lzqeoYcbK13Z6RQxqgyaAwdNhv1B1OtgCrzQRmeq1T5PnI-/s1600-h/teenselfdef.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329398347065246754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 119px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 129px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPE8qMp3RI6b5hVS9R3ouImt3bho7fyrJp0H_5DkfYosfgkkKV86PAMW3oG_vhhxyfrETPYaySXg5Q306fx1k3_xJkEcwr5lzqeoYcbK13Z6RQxqgyaAwdNhv1B1OtgCrzQRmeq1T5PnI-/s200/teenselfdef.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Summer is coming, many teens will have lots of spare time -hanging at malls, walking around town etc. We can turn on the TV and hear about teen violence, rapes, kidnappings, beatings and worse - take the time to educate your teens and offer self defense resources.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://teenshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/self_defense.html#">TeensHealth</a></div><br /><div><br /><strong>SELF DEFENSE</strong></div><strong><br /><div><br /></strong></div>You’ve seen it in movies: A girl walks through an isolated parking garage. Suddenly, an evil-looking guy jumps out from behind an SUV. Girl jabs bad guy in the eyes with her keys — or maybe she kicks him in a certain sensitive place. Either way, while he’s squirming, she leaps into her car and speeds to safety.<br /><div><br />That’s the movies. Here’s the real-life action replay: When the girl goes to jab or kick the guy, he knows what’s coming and grabs her arm (or leg), pulling her off balance. Enraged by her attempt to fight back, he flips her onto the ground. Now she’s in a bad place to defend herself — and she can’t run away.</div><br /><div><br />Many people think of self-defense as a karate kick to the groin or jab in the eyes of an attacker. But self-defense actually means doing everything possible to avoid fighting someone who threatens or attacks you. Self-defense is all about using your smarts — not your fists.</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Use Your Head</strong></div><br /><div><br />People (guys as well as girls) who are threatened and fight back “in self-defense” actually risk making a situation worse. The attacker, who is already edgy and pumped up on adrenaline — and who knows what else — may become even more angry and violent. The best way to handle any attack or threat of attack is to try to get away. This way, you’re least likely to be injured.<br />One way to avoid a potential attack before it happens is to trust your instincts. Your intuition, combined with your common sense, can help get you out of trouble. For example, if you’re running alone on the school track and you suddenly feel like you’re being watched, that could be your intuition telling you something. Your common sense would then tell you that it’s a good idea to get back to where there are more people around.</div><br /><div><br /><strong>De-Escalating a Bad Situation</strong></div><br /><div><br />Attackers aren’t always strangers who jump out of dark alleys. Sadly, teens can be attacked by people they know. That’s where another important self-defense skill comes into play. This skill is something self-defense experts and negotiators call de-escalation.</div><br /><div><br />De-escalating a situation means speaking or acting in a way that can prevent things from getting worse. The classic example of de-escalation is giving a robber your money rather than trying to fight or run. But de-escalation can work in other ways, too. For example, if someone harasses you when there’s no one else around, you can de-escalate things by agreeing with him or her. You don’t have to actually believe the taunts, of course, you’re just using words to get you out of a tight spot. Then you can redirect the bully’s focus (”Oops, I just heard the bell for third period”), and calmly walk away from the situation.</div><br /><div><br />Something as simple as not losing your temper can de-escalate a situation. Learn how to manage your own anger effectively so that you can talk or walk away without using your fists or weapons.</div><br /><div><br />Although de-escalation won’t always work, it can only help matters if you remain calm and don’t give the would-be attacker any extra ammunition. Whether it’s a stranger or someone you thought you could trust, saying and doing things that don’t threaten your attacker can give you some control.</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Reduce Your Risks</strong></div><br /><div><br />Another part of self-defense is doing things that can help you stay safe. Here are some tips from the National Crime Prevention Council and other experts:</div><br /><div><br />Understand your surroundings. Walk or hang out in areas that are open, well lit, and well traveled. Become familiar with the buildings, parking lots, parks, and other places you walk. Pay particular attention to places where someone could hide — such as stairways and bushes.<br />Avoid shortcuts that take you through isolated areas. </div><br /><div><br />If you’re going out at night, travel in a group. </div><br /><div><br />Make sure your friends and parents know your daily schedule (classes, sports practice, club meetings, etc.). If you go on a date or with friends for an after-game snack, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. </div><br /><div><br />Check out hangouts. Do they look safe? Are you comfortable being there? Ask yourself if the people around you seem to share your views on fun activities — if you think they’re being reckless, move on. </div><br /><div><br />Be sure your body language shows a sense of confidence. Look like you know where you’re going and act alert. </div><br /><div><br />When riding on public transportation, sit near the driver and stay awake. Attackers are looking for vulnerable targets. </div><br /><div><br />Carry a cell phone if possible. Make sure it’s programmed with your parents’ phone number.<br />Be willing to report crimes in your neighborhood and school to the police. </div><br /><div><br /><strong>Take a Self-Defense Class</strong></div><br /><div><br />The best way — in fact the only way — to prepare yourself to fight off an attacker is to take a self-defense class. We’d love to give you all the right moves in an article, but some things you just have to learn in person.</div><br /><div><br />A good self-defense class can teach you how to size up a situation and decide what you should do. Self-defense classes can also teach special techniques for breaking an attacker’s grasp and other things you can do to get away. For example, attackers usually anticipate how their victim might react — that kick to the groin or jab to the eyes, for instance. A good self-defense class can teach you ways to surprise your attacker and catch him or her off guard.</div><br /><div><br />One of the best things people take away from self-defense classes is self-confidence. The last thing you want to be thinking about during an attack is, “Can I really pull this self-defense tactic off?” It’s much easier to take action in an emergency if you’ve already had a few dry runs.<br />A self-defense class should give you a chance to practice your moves. If you take a class with a friend, you can continue practicing on each other to keep the moves fresh in your mind long after the class is over.</div><br /><div><br />Check out your local YMCA, community hospital, or community center for classes. If they don’t have them, they may be able to tell you who does. Your PE teacher or school counselor may also be a great resource.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-87318720955480179112009-04-15T06:16:00.000-07:002009-04-15T06:19:25.362-07:00Teenage Back Acne and Self Esteem Issues<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEpbtNjU0EwftSUqXbNXWGwoE4Ezm2SUZem2esn61GA_tsWjRjCnX-zAnxYIM3mPFDKGx0MYRmL0b6drjyaXr-O_xjjXQrC036zM-nRN8zXA1QsacnQC-oB0gc5qXH2ONFJSBZDEaOJqX/s1600-h/acneback.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324906853944915234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 95px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 126px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEpbtNjU0EwftSUqXbNXWGwoE4Ezm2SUZem2esn61GA_tsWjRjCnX-zAnxYIM3mPFDKGx0MYRmL0b6drjyaXr-O_xjjXQrC036zM-nRN8zXA1QsacnQC-oB0gc5qXH2ONFJSBZDEaOJqX/s200/acneback.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>By <a href="http://teenage-acne/aboutme">Johanna Curtis</a></div><div> </div><div><a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">Back Acne Treatment</a> Helps Teens with Self Esteem Issues<br /><br />As parents we are all aware at how fragile a teenager’s self esteem can be sometimes. Hormones at the onset of puberty don’t do much to help with that. As hormones rage, often times so does acne. Acne occurs frequently in teenagers to varying degrees and typically occurs on the face and back. For active teenagers, this can be a cause of embarrassment. But <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">back acne treatment</a> can do wonders in alleviating the self esteem issues caused by excessive acne on the back.<br /><br />Teenage boys are often active in sports and have to deal with their peers in the locker rooms and while competing. Having back acne can be highly embarrassing and make someone feel self conscious. Teenage girls have an equal number of problems pertaining to back acne. Imagine getting ready for a high school dance, picking out a fashionable dress and being appalled by the back acne that is visible. Of course, acne in general is something that all teenagers go through to some extent. But we do want our kids to be confident and healthy so it is important to understand the <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">causes of back acne</a> as well as the <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">cures for back acne</a>.<br /><br />If a teenager is embarrassed by their back acne, they will have a tendency to avoid situations where it may be visible. This can be really unhealthy for a teenager. Avoiding sporting events, social activities and friends can lead to depression. But there is good news regarding the causes of back acne. We know what causes are real and what are myths. Because of this, we also know ways in which back acne treatment can benefit the self conscious teenager.<br /><br />Amazingly, many people still buy into the myths associates with the causes of back acne. We know, though that food, clothing, dirt and sweat do not cause acne. In some cases one or all of those issues may exacerbate acne to a small degree but none of them actually cause it. So, in order to effectively find cures for back acne, the root cause of it should be examined and there is basically one main cause of acne in the face, back and body.<br /><br />The culprit is hormones. Yes, a hormonal imbalance is the reason the skin breaks out and why so many teenagers are afflicted with acne problems. So in order to treat it, two things must occur: The hormonal imbalance must be addressed and a proper skin care regimen must be started. The truth is both of these issues can be controlled with skin care products, diet and vitamins.<br /><br />With <a href="http://teenage-acne.net/rid-yourself-body-chest-back-acne-for-good.html">back acne Retin A</a> is often used and touted as a cure. However, many Retin A products are very expensive and often do not cure the back acne completely. High cost advertising programs are what draw consumers to these products and while some may work, they are not addressing the complete picture so they can not stop the back acne from occurring.<br /><br />Instead, there are a few products that are recommended because of the testing that was conducted and the means to which a complete system of hormonal cures as well as skin care treatments are used. The reason they work is that they address back acne from the inside out and do not leave anything out of the picture.<br /><br />There are many products on the market today but often the reason they are popular is due to expensive advertising campaigns as opposed to actual positive results. It is important to start off with a topical treatment to clean the skin and protect it. These may include a body wash, body cream and scrubs. Getting into the habit of cleaning the face regularly will instill a sense of responsibility and self respect in a teenager also.<br /><br />Not only should the topical skin treatment be addressed but the hormonal imbalance should also be treated with natural supplements. The hormonal imbalance is addressed with the use of the supplements and acne issues are washed away with the topical products. The results include fewer blemishes and a restored balance to the hormones. This allows the skin to naturally go back to its intended condition, free from acne.<br /><br />Choose products that are independently tested and rated for its effectiveness in treating back acne. Also choose all inclusive solutions. They all have one thing in common. They each address all the issues regarding back acne and its root cause. They provide a topical acne wash and cream to help maintain the skin’s appearance but they also include a dietary supplement intended to help restore the proper hormonal balance.<br /><br />Hormonal imbalances can go well into adulthood but teenagers are especially prone to it. Back acne can be embarrassing and can greatly affect a teenager’s self esteem. However, with proper treatment, the self consciousness from back acne can be eliminated. Your teenager can be confident knowing he or she is acne free.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-42775956443704257742009-04-02T07:20:00.000-07:002009-04-02T07:22:07.496-07:00Sue Scheff: Teens Cheating Drug Tests<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdgNVdlITenVpwysk6YJMy_pmctEnGAa3DMhuUvufY9rktlUPkKYBxjJJI9cMZ67o1NryrdeLMswj9jLxT57eDdkwxDnHVEE1bgQGsk6p3C8jtr9InCcCcCKWIonv6ND5dmlBnR9on3AY/s1600-h/DrugTest.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320099047903375314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 143px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdgNVdlITenVpwysk6YJMy_pmctEnGAa3DMhuUvufY9rktlUPkKYBxjJJI9cMZ67o1NryrdeLMswj9jLxT57eDdkwxDnHVEE1bgQGsk6p3C8jtr9InCcCcCKWIonv6ND5dmlBnR9on3AY/s200/DrugTest.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html">US News & World Report</a></div><br /><div><br /><strong>These tricks are out there on the Web, so parents need to be informed</strong></div><br /><div><br />Google “beat drug test,” and the search engine spits out page upon page of ploys and products that can make incriminating urine seem drug free. All it takes is a computer-savvy teen to access them. The ease of cheating, in fact, is one of at least <a href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/7-reasons-parents-should-not-test-kids-for-drug-use.html">seven reasons parents shouldn’t try to test their kids for drug use.</a> Instead, experts say, they should seek out a professional assessment.</div><br /><div><br />“Cheating remains the Achilles’ heal of drug urine testing in all settings,” says Robert DuPont, president of the Institute for Behavior and Health Inc. and former director of the National Institute on <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2009/03/sue-scheff-parents-learning-more-about-teen-medicine-abuse/">Drug Abuse</a>. With increasing opportunities for testing—by prospective employers, schools, and <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html#" target="_new">parents</a>—experts worry that teens may have more impetus than ever to try. Last week, at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., toxicologist Amitava Dasgupta of University of Texas-Houston medical school demonstrated various ways that employees try to beat workplace drug tests—and how experts foil these schemes in the laboratory. There’s nothing to stop kids from using the same tricks, and there’s no guarantee that parents will be able to catch them at home.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are five ways—some of them downright dangerous—that teens may try to cheat drug tests. They’re all described elsewhere on the Internet, so parents should be aware of them.</div><br /><div><br />1. Tampering. A sprinkle of salt or a splash of bleach, vinegar, detergent, or drain cleaner is all that’s needed to muck up a urine specimen. These and other household substances are all too often smuggled into the bathroom and used to alter the composition of urine, making the presence of some illegal substances undetectable, says Dasgupta. Same goes for <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html#" target="_new">chemical</a> concoctions sold all over the Internet. Sometimes these additives or “adulterants” will cloud or <a class="healthline" href="http://usnews.healthline.com/adamcontent/urine-abnormal-color?utm_medium=usnews&utm_campaign=article&utm_source=hlinks&utm_term=discolor-urine">discolor urine</a>, easily casting suspicion on the specimen, but others leave the sample looking normal. Laboratory toxicologists employ simple tests to catch these cheats. For example, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide will turn urine brown if it’s been mixed with pyridinium chlorochromate, an otherwise-imperceptible chemical designed to foil drug tests.</div><br /><div><br />2. Water-loading. Gulping fluids before providing urine, a long-standing tactic, is still the most common way that teens try to beat tests, says Sharon Levy, a pediatrician and director of the Adolescent <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html#" target="_new">Substance Abuse Program</a> at Children’s Hospital Boston. Whether cheats use salty solutions to induce thirst, flushing agents that increase urine output, or just plain old H20, their aim is to water down drugs so they can’t be detected. Some testing facilities may check urine for dilution and deem overly watery samples “unfit for testing.” But consuming too much fluid too quickly can occasionally have dire consequences. “Water intoxication” reportedly killed a woman following participation in a radio show’s water drinking contest, says Alan Wu, a professor of laboratory medicine at the University of California-San Francisco.</div><br /><div><br />3. Switching drugs. Perhaps most alarming, says Levy, is that teens bent on defeating drug tests will sometimes switch their drug of choice to an undetectable (or harder to detect) substance that’s considerably more hazardous. Inhalants, for example, include numerous types of chemical vapors that typically produce brief, intoxicating effects. “You don’t excrete [inhalants] in your urine,” says Levy, but “inhaling is acutely more dangerous than marijuana.” Indeed, inhalants can trigger the lethal <a class="healthline" href="http://usnews.healthline.com/adamcontent/heart-disease?utm_medium=usnews&utm_campaign=article&utm_source=hlinks&utm_term=heart-problem">heart problem</a> known as “sudden sniffing death” in otherwise <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html#" target="_new">healthy</a> adolescents, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. <a href="http://www.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/7-reasons-parents-should-not-test-kids-for-drug-use.html">The tragic case of young David Manlove is an example.</a></div><br /><div><br />4. Popping vitamins. Perhaps it’s because <a class="healthline" href="http://usnews.healthline.com/multumcontent/niacin?utm_medium=usnews&utm_campaign=article&utm_source=hlinks&utm_term=niacin">niacin</a> (aka <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink0" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,0);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,0);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,0);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html?PageNr=2#" target="_new">vitamin B3</a>) is known to aid metabolism, or perhaps it’s because Scientologists are said to take it in excess to flush their bodies of toxins. Whatever the reasons, some teens got the idea that extreme doses of this vitamin would erase any trace of their illicit drug use. Instead, it almost cost them their lives. In two separate incidents, emergency <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink1" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,1);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,1);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,1);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html?PageNr=2#" target="_new">physician</a> Manoj Mittal of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia has found adolescents who downed at least 150 times the daily recommended dose of <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink2" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,2);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,2);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,2);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html?PageNr=2#" target="_new">niacin </a>(15 mg) to cheat drug tests. (He described the cases last year in the Annals of <a class="kLink" id="KonaLink3" onmouseover="adlinkMouseOver(event,this,3);" style="POSITION: static; TEXT-DECORATION: underline! important" onclick="adlinkMouseClick(event,this,3);" onmouseout="adlinkMouseOut(event,this,3);" href="http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/2008/08/06/5-ways-teens-might-cheat-on-drug-tests8212and-how-to-catch-them.html?PageNr=2#" target="_new">Emergency Medicine</a>.) Both kids were vomiting, had <a class="healthline" href="http://usnews.healthline.com/adamcontent/hypoglycemia?utm_medium=usnews&utm_campaign=article&utm_source=hlinks&utm_term=low-blood-sugar">low blood sugar</a>, and had “significant” <a class="healthline" href="http://usnews.healthline.com/galecontent/liver?utm_medium=usnews&utm_campaign=article&utm_source=hlinks&utm_term=liver">liver</a> toxicity when they arrived at the ER. And the niacin didn’t even do what they’d intended; both tested positive for illicit drugs. “People might think that since [niacin] is a vitamin it’s harmless,” says Mittal. “But these cases suggest that our bodies have limits.”<br /><br /><br />5. Swapping urine samples. Whether they use a friend’s clean urine, synthetic pee, or even freeze-dried urine purchased online, some teens try to pass off foreign samples as their own, says Levy. The biggest tip-off is temperature. “Anything significantly lower than body temperature is suspicious,” says Dasgupta, which is why some have tried to shuttle samples in armpits or taped to thighs to keep them warm. Possibly the oddest trick of all is a device marketed to those trying to beat witnessed drug collections, says Wu: a sort of prosthetic penis called the “Whizzinator” that claims to come equipped with clean urine “guaranteed” to remain at body temperature for hours, with the help of special heat pads. “Believe it or not, [the prosthesis] comes in different colors,” says Wu.</div><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-45602811516584800762009-03-29T07:09:00.000-07:002009-03-29T07:12:17.685-07:00Sue Scheff: Teen SAT Prep - Do your homework<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstWvcM78KVCu0Mz9IirFGRK9RHmrmlgN46NiYVt_AOkTKecJZ5fDTFtI7wt2q49sQr26WEIB39NFI4X7AqmmefZ3myCumv_cWlZ-0ThD0jaKynD0YFXhdpPleG7L2zlfn0nDyUz-GGkco/s1600-h/satprep.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5318612050244485378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 50px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstWvcM78KVCu0Mz9IirFGRK9RHmrmlgN46NiYVt_AOkTKecJZ5fDTFtI7wt2q49sQr26WEIB39NFI4X7AqmmefZ3myCumv_cWlZ-0ThD0jaKynD0YFXhdpPleG7L2zlfn0nDyUz-GGkco/s200/satprep.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Study, study, study - college applications, campus tours and major decisions! What do I want to be when I grow up? What do I want to study? Do I want a large campus, small? Close to home or out of state? Choices, choices, choices - but most will begin with your SAT scores. Be prepared, no one says you have to know what you want to be, but what you do need to know is you have to do your best on your test scores. With this, many doors will be open for you and chances are greater will find what will be your brightest future.<br /><br />Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a> </div><div><br />“Some students will see huge differences. [Some] students don’t improve at all. Students get out of it what they put into it.”<br /><br />– Wendi Deen Johnson, Kaplan Score Prep<br /><br />In just a few weeks 17-year old Caroline will take the SAT for the first time.<br /><br />“Well I know it’s like a really important test and I am really kind of concerned about that because I want to go to a really good college,” says Caroline. To prepare for the college entrance exam, Caroline enrolled in an SAT prep course where she learned some useful strategies.<br /><br />“For instance, she says, “What kind of questions are going to be asked and timing- it speeds me up so that I can get through more questions and hopefully get more answers right. “<br />But how will that prep course affect her score?<br /><br /><br />“Some students will see huge differences- we’ve had students who’ve increased 300-points. We also have students who don’t improve at all. Most of the time, students get out of it what they put into it,” says Wendi Deen Johnson, a spokesperson with the Score Prep division of Kaplan, Inc. a national test preparation company.<br /><br />According to the College Board which administers the SAT, on average, SAT coaching increases verbal scores by eight points and math scores by eighteen points. In other words, coached students are likely to get one to three more questions right when compared to non-coached students.<br /><br />If parents do opt to enroll their children in professional prep courses, even some in the test prep industry say it can be a mistake to start too early.<br /><br />“If it’s a kid who’s really anxious about test-taking, then probably preparing them early wouldn’t be the best thing. You’d want to give them some time to mature and grow and learn some more skills,” says Johnson.<br /><br />Commercial prep courses can cost hundreds of dollars, but experts say parents can help their kids prepare for less money by purchasing study guides, surfing the net for information, or enrolling in independent study courses.<br /><br />That is exactly what Caroline did. Soon she’ll find out how well it worked.<br /><br />“I’m hoping for a 1400 on the SAT,” she says. A near perfect score.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong><br />Anxiety stemming from standardized tests is not uncommon among today’s teens. In fact, a poll conducted by Public Agenda showed that 73 percent of surveyed students said they get nervous before taking a test, while 5 percent said they become too nervous to even take the test.<br /><br />The University of Illinois Extension says that most students experience some level of anxiety during an exam, and this anxiety is due to a variety of reasons:<br /><br />Poor time management<br />Failure to organize information<br />Poor study habits<br />Negative test-taking experience<br />Low self-confidence<br />Negative attitude about school<br />According to the State University of New York at Buffalo, children who frequently experience test anxiety also worry about the future and become extremely self-critical. Instead of feeling challenged by the prospect of success, they become afraid of failure. This makes them anxious about tests and their own abilities. And ultimately, they become so worked up that they feel incompetent about the subject matter or the test.<br /><br />The National PTA says that it does not help to tell your child to relax, to think about something else or stop worrying about standardized tests. But you can help your child reduce test anxiety and prepare for tests like the SAT by encouraging the following actions:<br /><br />Space studying over days or weeks. (Real learning occurs through studying that takes place over a period of time.) Understand the information and relate it to what is already known. Review it more than once. By doing this, your child should feel prepared at exam time.<br />Don’t “cram” the night before – cramming increases anxiety, which interferes with clear thinking. Get a good night’s sleep. Rest, exercise and eating well are as important to test taking as they are to other schoolwork.<br />Read the directions carefully when the instructor hands out the test. If you don’t understand them, ask the teacher to explain.<br />Look quickly at the entire examination to see what types of questions are included (multiple choice, matching, true/ false, essay, etc.) and, if possible, the number of points for each. This will help you pace yourself.<br />If you don’t know the answer to a question, skip it and go on. Don’t waste time worrying about it. Mark it so you can identify it as unanswered. If you have time at the end of the exam, return to the unanswered question(s).<br />As a parent, you can be a great help to your child if you observe these do’s and don’ts about tests and testing from the U.S. Department of Education:<br /><br />Don’t be too anxious about your child’s test scores. If you put too much emphasis on test scores, this can upset your child. </div><div><br />Do encourage your child. Praise him/her for the things he or she does well. If your child feels good about himself or herself, he/she will do his/her best. Children who are afraid of failing are more likely to become anxious when taking tests and more likely to make mistakes.<br />Don’t judge your child on the basis of a single test score. Test scores are not perfect measures of what your child can do. Other factors might influence a test score. For example, your child can be affected by the way he/she is feeling, the setting in the classroom and the attitude of the teacher. Remember also that one test is simply one test. </div><div><br />Meet with your child’s teacher as often as possible to discuss his/her progress. Ask the teacher to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and improve your child’s understanding of schoolwork. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit students.<br />Make sure your child attends school regularly. Remember, tests do reflect children’s overall achievement. The more effort and energy your child puts into learning, the more likely he/she will do well on tests.<br />Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.<br />Make sure that your child is well rested on school days and especially the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.<br />Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.<br />Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. By reading new materials, your child will learn new words that might appear on a test. Ask your child’s school about a suggested outside reading list or get suggestions from the public library.<br /><br />References<br />College Board<br />National PTA<br />Public Agenda<br />State University of New York at Buffalo<br />University of Illinois Extension<br />U.S. Department of Education </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-30004880430389342492009-03-11T09:50:00.000-07:002009-03-11T09:52:50.811-07:00Sue Scheff: Stop Bullying Now!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxt5j0IGs-hFKJUzYq9EoRQHp_kpXWRI2YfDdA4Tyt5hHjRryFx_97uKFyl9Q0F5sY1_I8X-expsq5K9BzTSdZk8xZyjAJgnRgBXYAANteAeO67lyRG6mkfzIPE7frrk-mBNXTkx1Qj0H/s1600-h/stopbully.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311973889978499858" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 85px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxt5j0IGs-hFKJUzYq9EoRQHp_kpXWRI2YfDdA4Tyt5hHjRryFx_97uKFyl9Q0F5sY1_I8X-expsq5K9BzTSdZk8xZyjAJgnRgBXYAANteAeO67lyRG6mkfzIPE7frrk-mBNXTkx1Qj0H/s200/stopbully.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Kids today, both teens and pre-teens, can be extremely mean and cause emotional issues to their target. What can parents do? Read more about how you can help stop bullying. .</div><div><br />Source: <a href="http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/index.asp?area=main">Stop Bullying Now</a>!</div><br /><div><br /><strong>What Can Adults Do?</strong></div><br /><div><br />Welcome to the Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now! adult pages. As an adult, one of best ways you can help stop or prevent bullying is to be educated about, and sensitive to, the issue. Bullying is NOT a rite of passage - an undesirable, but sometimes unavoidable, reality of growing up. Rather, bullying is a serious public health issue that affects countless young people everyday. Further, research shows that the effects of bullying can last well into adulthood. Whether you are a concerned parent, an educator or school employee, a health and safety professional, or someone else who works with children, <a href="http://www.suescheffblog.com/wp-admin/indexAdult.asp?Area=howyoucanhelp">there are many things you can do to help</a>.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-1376964377060213792009-03-04T10:30:00.001-08:002009-03-04T10:34:37.419-08:00Sue Scheff Launches New Book - Google Bomb!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mob5KnAYpaDEF__R_GdRC3Sm4eJVlsml8r4rpN5U88ErXuEYHzQpHesJcOxdsmwnKFk3GOVecP643_vY1C4WNozuc3_f2_K-TBGOE0f38ixwXY2bo7KvNLGhwsuLK1lRYiAyhnjHhVjz/s1600-h/googlebomb.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309401878761330754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 115px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 52px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mob5KnAYpaDEF__R_GdRC3Sm4eJVlsml8r4rpN5U88ErXuEYHzQpHesJcOxdsmwnKFk3GOVecP643_vY1C4WNozuc3_f2_K-TBGOE0f38ixwXY2bo7KvNLGhwsuLK1lRYiAyhnjHhVjz/s200/googlebomb.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong><em>“GOOGLE BOMB”</em></strong> Take Cover! by <a href="http://cybertriallawyer.com/">John Dozier</a> and <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Sue Scheff</a><br /><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Do you know what Google is saying about you?</strong></div><br /><div><br />Oh yes, it is almost here, my second book! This time around, I am honored to have co-author and Internet Specialist Attorney, <a href="http://cybertriallawyer.com/">John Dozier </a>.</div><br /><div><br />As my story of my landmark case of <strong>$11.3M jury verdict</strong> for damages unravels - many questions answers, John Dozier will bring us the legal landscape of today’s Cyber World - how to protect your online image and maintain a profile you are proud of! Have you thought about <strong>Internet Gossip vs Internet Fact</strong>? How do you know the difference? Don’t get caught in the web - read Google Bomb!</div><br /><div><br />To compound our dynamic and explosive upcoming best seller - <strong>Michael Fertik</strong>, CEO and Founder of <a href="http://reputationdefender.com/">ReputationDefender</a> will be writing the foreword! ReputationDefender is one of the pioneers in <a href="http://reputationdefender.com/myedge">managing online reputations </a>and helping keep your <a href="http://reputationdefender.com/mychild">kids privacy</a> safe online.<br />This timely book will offer you tools and remedies as well as a very compelling story that will keep you turning those pages! Remember, a 20 year reputation today can be destroyed within 20 minutes of vicious keystrokes.</div><br /><div><br /><strong><em>Monkeys Don’t Fly? Do they?</em></strong> Ahhhh, just wait and you will see - the Internet has become its’ own animal. The Internet can be an educational tool - but - it can also be a lethal weapon! </div><div><br />Published by <a href="http://hci-online.com/">Health Communications Inc. </a>(HCI) -<strong> Google Bomb</strong> will be released in Fall 2009.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-11459831658569275072009-02-23T13:55:00.000-08:002009-02-23T13:57:47.757-08:00Sue Scheff: Teen Health - Sexual Orientation<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6jpOfqaAGIsfuHfTr29VTtkvSsMTO-UPkYqvch4aoMJ4HzQelOLj-ajusuqzo6jS9mqh_TvebrjLtalf9BlYKyc4jlCDUlJ880k2PIsi9H6cpv2vdbRQhD_FQuo2zsnMtbO0BMlHCByr/s1600-h/kidshealth.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306115402587975698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 88px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6jpOfqaAGIsfuHfTr29VTtkvSsMTO-UPkYqvch4aoMJ4HzQelOLj-ajusuqzo6jS9mqh_TvebrjLtalf9BlYKyc4jlCDUlJ880k2PIsi9H6cpv2vdbRQhD_FQuo2zsnMtbO0BMlHCByr/s200/kidshealth.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This topic is brought up frequently with parents today. It seems many teens have questions that parents need to be prepared to answer and more importantly, prepared to understand this sensitive subject. Without getting into religious beliefs, parents needs to recognize that kids today are more exposed to many subjects that were taboo years ago - generations ago! However, it doesn’t make them less important. I believe that parents need to take the time to try to understand all concepts of today’s generations, although it has probably been in previous times too - living in the past won’t help us today.<br /><br />Source: <strong><a href="http://kidshealth.org/">KidsHealth<br /></a></strong><br />It’s a natural part of life to have sexual feelings. As people pass from childhood, through adolescence, to adulthood, their sexual feelings develop and change.<br /><br />During the teen years, sexual feelings are awakened in new ways because of the hormonal and physical changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind, and teens tend to wonder about new — and often intense — sexual feelings.<br /><br />It takes time for many people to understand who they are and who they’re becoming. Part of that understanding includes a person’s sexual feelings and attractions.<br /><br />The term sexual orientation refers to the gender (that is, male or female) to which a person is attracted. There are several types of sexual orientation that are commonly described:<br /><br />Heterosexual. People who are heterosexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of the opposite sex: Heterosexual males are attracted to females, and heterosexual females are attracted to males. Heterosexuals are sometimes called “straight.”<br />Homosexual. People who are homosexual are romantically and physically attracted to people of the same sex: Females who are attracted to other females are lesbian; males who are attracted to other males are often known as gay. (The term gay is sometimes also used to describe homosexual individuals of either gender.)<br />Bisexual. People who are bisexual are romantically and physically attracted to members of both sexes.<br />Teens — both boys and girls — often find themselves having sexual thoughts and attractions. For some, these feelings and thoughts can be intense — and even confusing or disturbing. That may be especially true for people who are having romantic or sexual thoughts about someone of the same gender. “What does that mean,” they might think. “Am I gay?”<br /><br />Thinking sexually about both the same sex and the opposite sex is quite common as teens sort through their emerging sexual feelings. This type of imagining about people of the same or opposite sex doesn’t necessarily mean that a person fits into a particular type of sexual orientation.<br /><br />Some teens may also experiment with sexual experiences, including those with members of the same sex, during the years they are exploring their own sexuality. These experiences, by themselves, do not necessarily mean that a teen is gay or straight.<br /><br />Do People Choose Their Sexual Orientation?<br />Most medical professionals, including organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Psychological Association (APA), believe that sexual orientation involves a complex mixture of biology, psychology, and environmental factors. A person’s genes and inborn hormonal factors may play a role as well. These medical professionals believe that — in most cases — sexual orientation, whatever its causes, is not simply chosen.<br /><br />Not everyone agrees. Some believe that individuals can choose who they are attracted to — and that people who are gay have chosen to be attracted to people of the same gender.<br /><br />There are lots of opinions and stereotypes about sexual orientation. For example, having a more “feminine” appearance or interest does not mean that a teen boy is gay. And having a more “masculine” appearance doesn’t mean a girl is lesbian. As with most things, making assumptions just based on looks can lead to the wrong conclusion.<br /><br />It’s likely that all the factors that result in someone’s sexual orientation are not yet completely understood. What is certain is that people, no matter their sexual orientation, want to feel understood, respected, and accepted — particularly by their family. That’s not always easy in every family.<br /><br />What’s It Like for Gay Teens?<br />For teens who are gay or lesbian, it can feel like everyone is expected to be straight. Because of this, some gay and lesbian teens may feel different from their friends when the heterosexual people around them start talking about romantic feelings, dating, and sex. They may feel like they have to pretend to feel things that they don’t in order to fit. They might feel they need to deny who they are or that they have to hide an important part of themselves.<br /><br />These feelings, plus fears of prejudice, can lead teens who aren’t straight to keep their sexual orientation secret, even from friends and family who might be supportive. Kids and teens who are gay are likely to face people who express stereotypes, prejudices, and even hate about homosexuality.<br /><br />Some gay or lesbian teens tell a few accepting, supportive friends and family members about their sexual orientation. This is often called coming out. Many lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens who come out to their friends and families are fully accepted by them and their communities. They feel comfortable about being attracted to someone of the same gender and don’t feel particularly anxious about it.<br /><br />But not everyone has the same feelings or good support systems. People who feel they need to hide who they are or who fear rejection, discrimination, or violence can be at greater risk for emotional problems like anxiety and depression.<br /><br />Some gay teens without support systems can be at higher risk than heterosexual teens for dropping out of school, living on the streets, using alcohol and drugs, and even in some cases for attempting to harm themselves.<br /><br />These difficulties are thought to happen more frequently not directly because they are gay, but because gay and lesbian people are more likely to be misunderstood, socially isolated, or mistreated because of their sexual orientation.<br /><br />This doesn’t happen to all gay teens, of course. Many gay and lesbian teens and their families have no more difficulties during the teen years than anyone else.<br /><br />The Importance of Talking<br />No matter what someone’s sexual orientation is, learning about sexuality and relationships can be difficult for a teen to come to terms with. It can help a teen to talk to someone about the confusing feelings that go with growing up, whether it’s a parent, another family member, a close friend or sibling, or a school counselor. It’s not always easy for a teen to find somebody to talk to, but many of them find that confiding in someone they trust and feel close to, even if they’re not completely sure how that person will react, turns out to be a positive experience.<br /><br />In many communities, resources such as youth groups composed of teens who are facing similar issues can provide opportunities for people to talk to others who understand. Psychologists, psychiatrists, family doctors, and trained counselors can help teens cope — confidentially and privately — with the difficult feelings that go with their developing sexuality. These experts can also help teens to find ways to deal with any peer pressure, harassment, and bullying they may face. They can also help parents manage any complicated feelings they may be having as they come to terms with their teen’s sexuality.<br /><br />Whether gay, straight, bisexual, or just not sure, almost all teens have questions about reaching physical maturity and about sexual health (for example, avoiding sexually transmitted diseases). Because these can be difficult topics, it’s especially important for gay and lesbian teens to find someone knowledgeable who they can trust and confide in.<br /><br />Parents can help by becoming more knowledgeable about issues of sexuality — and learning to be more comfortable discussing them. Parents also can help their teen gain access to a doctor or health professional who will provide reliable health advice. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/sexual_orientation.html">http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/sexual_orientation.html</a></div><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-78318033454081409692009-02-12T08:08:00.000-08:002009-02-12T08:09:36.097-08:00Sue Scheff: Power Moms Unite<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycfFFn-lmCV4ak7NJx6x8Y97U5cl7mbSWz2XdqU-ylhSPFDL11sFpH4mpRbEupY1ea61KxenZhysVonCdF_16bk87DI728g-P8F9_K_mb_TyigNJhvWnhw6QfkL41qnbGPGL2a09F9__w/s1600-h/powermomsunite.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5301943565416287362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 46px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycfFFn-lmCV4ak7NJx6x8Y97U5cl7mbSWz2XdqU-ylhSPFDL11sFpH4mpRbEupY1ea61KxenZhysVonCdF_16bk87DI728g-P8F9_K_mb_TyigNJhvWnhw6QfkL41qnbGPGL2a09F9__w/s200/powermomsunite.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I love stumbling over great new parenting websites - and what a name - <a href="http://www.powermomsunite.com/">Power Moms Unite </a>- Founder, <a href="http://www.powermomsunite.com/about/">Candace McLane </a>offer a wide variety of articles, thoughts, tips, parenting resources and more on ADHD. As a mother of an ADHD son, I really enjoy this site. Check her <a href="http://www.powermomsunite.com/">Blog</a> out too - great up to date info!</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://www.powermomsunite.com/what-is-a-power-mom/">What is a Power Mom??</a></div><br /><div><br />Power Moms are moms working to successfully balance the needs of child, family, and self. Some work outside the home, balancing a career with the needs of their child, family and personal self. Other moms are working from home, managing families while managing a small home-based business or managing large families and a homeschool. There are a wide range of us- all power moms- looking to do our best at our many hats as mom- be that nuturer, coach, educator, cheerleader, psychologist, disciplinarian, party arranger, role-model, etc. The roles are vast and numerous, the balance often difficult to strike. This site hopes to empower these moms by providing timely, valuable and informative resources for celebrating family life and successfully managing ADHD.</div><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-16363733455185577502009-02-03T06:05:00.000-08:002009-02-03T06:07:29.003-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Drinking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5QLBS_e7gdapYbBZU-3EbObCELhZSXw0f3_2mqOnK7nnGYq0zWdq4rr7zoLDRMVcETZOurcFkjQVu7fQcznZgBvgbGXKthM2SpqeLpBQJ_tzTHeK_Lh-PCikc3StbR885rmw0u5stKeC/s1600-h/teensdrinking.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298572305983383746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 223px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 105px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq5QLBS_e7gdapYbBZU-3EbObCELhZSXw0f3_2mqOnK7nnGYq0zWdq4rr7zoLDRMVcETZOurcFkjQVu7fQcznZgBvgbGXKthM2SpqeLpBQJ_tzTHeK_Lh-PCikc3StbR885rmw0u5stKeC/s320/teensdrinking.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Are you concerned about your teen or tween drinking? Do you smell alcohol on their breathe? Maybe they experimented for the first time - maybe they will get really sick and promise never again. Or maybe they really enjoyed it! Parents need to step up and educate their pre-teens and teens of the dangers of alcoholism, especially if there is a family member that suffers from this. Many believe this is a genetic disease, but I encourage all parents to whether this runs in the family or not, to be aware of this peer pressure. Much of this <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-inhalant-abuse-and-teens-substance-abuse/">substance abuse </a>can be started by <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-teen-peer-pressure/">peer pressure </a>- a desire to fit in. To be cool. Well, be a <a href="http://sueschefftruth.wordpress.com/2008/12/28/sue-scheff-parenting-what-your-kids-are-doing-shouldnt-be-a-mystery/">cool parent </a>and learn about this and talk to your kids about it before it becomes a problem.</div><br /><div><br />Source: <a href="http://www.dontserveteens.gov/dangers.html">We Don’t Serve Teens</a></div><br /><div><br />Teens Don’t Just Drink. They Drink to Excess.</div><br /><div><br />More than 10 percent of eighth graders, 22 percent of sophomores, and 26 percent of seniors report recent binge drinking (5+ drinks on the same occasion).</div><br /><div><br />Statistics show that the majority of current teen drinkers got drunk in the previous month. That includes 54 percent of the high school sophomores who drink and 65 percent of the high school seniors who drink.<br /><br />Reducing underage drinking can reduce drinking-related harm.</div><br /><div><br />Brain Development and Alcohol Abuse</div><br /><div><br />Research indicates that the human brain continues to develop into a person’s early 20’s, and that exposure of the developing brain to alcohol may have long-lasting effects on intellectual capabilities and may increase the likelihood of alcohol addiction. </div><br /><div><br />The age when drinking starts affects future drinking problems. For each year that the start of drinking is delayed, the risk of later alcohol dependence is reduced by 14 percent.<br />Drinking and Driving</div><br /><div><br />Car crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 20. About 1,900 people under 21 die every year from car crashes involving underage drinking.<br />Young people are more susceptible to alcohol-induced impairment of their driving skills. Drinking drivers aged 16 to 20 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal crash as drinking drivers who are 21 or older. </div><br /><div><br />Suicide</div><br /><div><br />Alcohol use interacts with conditions like depression and stress, and contributes to an estimated 300 teen suicides a year. </div><br /><div><br />High school students who drink are twice as likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide, as compared to nondrinkers. High school students who binge drink are four times as likely to have attempted suicide, as compared to nondrinkers.</div><br /><div><br />Sexual Behavior</div><br /><div><br />Current teen drinkers are more than twice as likely to have had sexual intercourse within the past three months than teens who don’t drink. </div><br /><div><br />Higher drinking levels increase the likelihood of sexual activity. </div><br /><div><br />Adolescents who drink are more likely to engage in risky sexual activities, like having sex with someone they don’t know or failing to use birth control. </div><br /><div><br />Other Risks</div><br /><div><br />Teens who drink alcohol are more likely than nondrinkers to smoke marijuana, use inhalants, or carry a weapon. </div><br /><div><br />Binge drinking substantially increases the likelihood of these activities. </div><br /><div><br />Academic Performance</div><br /><div><br />A government study published in 2007 shows a relationship between binge drinking and grades. Approximately two-thirds of students with “mostly A’s” are non-drinkers, while nearly half of the students with “mostly D’s and F’s” report binge drinking. It is not clear, however, whether academic failure leads to drinking, or vice versa. </div><br /><div><br />For further information on the risks of adolescent alcohol use, visit the <a href="http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh283/toc28-3.htm" target="_blank">National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism</a>.</div><br /><div><br />Don’t serve alcohol to teens.</div><br /><div><br />It’s unsafe. It’s illegal. It’s irresponsible.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-83047473534594886372009-01-22T08:10:00.000-08:002009-01-22T08:11:44.542-08:00Sue Scheff: Teen Birth Rates Up<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDySfYT_qoD4tJH-vbQrDQDJ2-fq-TU3hh9LvO-Zz4rMj9pvcpzer5uFb9hE3kST5ev3KdTSYxxoV8ZmL1mEnVjg0p6CjSHfHQQ3E6cfQHxJfNh_Fnb635cToKTvMXK2fDusd7pg1fY6w/s1600-h/teenpregnancy.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5294151403980011938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEDySfYT_qoD4tJH-vbQrDQDJ2-fq-TU3hh9LvO-Zz4rMj9pvcpzer5uFb9hE3kST5ev3KdTSYxxoV8ZmL1mEnVjg0p6CjSHfHQQ3E6cfQHxJfNh_Fnb635cToKTvMXK2fDusd7pg1fY6w/s320/teenpregnancy.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>“It does give them another way to look at themselves, and to look at their bodies as a powerful force and not just sort of ornamental.”<br /><br />– Laura Mee, Ph.D., Child Psychologist.<br /><br />One girl gives birth to a baby. Another plays basketball with her brother. What’s the connection?<br /><br />Studies show girls who play sports are less likely to have sex and less likely to get pregnant. One reason may be these athletes gain confidence and respect for their bodies.<br /><br />"It does give them another way to look at themselves, and to look at their bodies as a powerful force and not just sort of ornamental," explains child psychologist, Dr. Laura Mee.<br /><br />Experts say experiencing pressure on the court gives them the strength to resist pressure from a boyfriend. And, in their free time, it gives them something else to focus on besides how they look, “Their hair, their clothes, their, like reputation... mostly all they want to do is impress the boys," says 12-year-old Claire.<br /><br />What’s more, studies have found that athletic girls have higher self-esteem, better grades and less stress.<br /><br />So, experts say, encourage your daughters to get involved in sports and then cheer them on. "Make it as important that your daughters have sporting events as you would for your son that you treat them as equally as you possibly can, that you support and encourage and that the other children, whether they are male or female, support and encourage each other in their sports activities," says Mee.<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong> </div><div><br />Sex is something parents should constantly discuss with their teens, but you should really give your teens “the talk” before summer and Christmas vacation. According to one study, teens are much more likely to lose their virginity during the months of June and December than any other time of the year. Almost 19,000 adolescents in grades seven through twelve participated in the survey, which identified the month they had sexual intercourse for the first time. The survey also asked if the act was with a romantic partner or was more “casual.”<br /><br />The findings, published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, show June as the most popular month, followed closely by December. Summer and Christmas vacations are believed to be the cause with school out and teens with time on their hands. More events are also planned in June, including high school proms, graduations and summertime parties. The “holiday season effect” makes December the second highest month for teen sex. Experts explained that during the holidays, young females in relationships are more likely to have sex. The holidays usually bring people together and make them closer. The same is true with teenagers.<br /><br />All studies indicate messages from parents regarding sex are extremely important to teens (Washington State Department of Health). In fact, teens state parents as their number one resource for information on the topic. This talk may be uncomfortable for many parents, so the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) has provided the following tips for parents:<br /><br />Practice. It may take practice to feel comfortable talking about sex with your kids. Rehearsing with a friend or partner can help. Be honest. Admit to your child if talking about sex is not easy for you. You might say, "I wish I'd talked with you about sex when you were younger, but I found it difficult and kept putting it off. My parents never talked to me about it, and I wish they had."<br />Pay attention. Often parents do not talk to their teens about sex because they did not notice they wanted or needed information. Not all teens ask direct questions. Teenagers are often unwilling to admit they do not know everything. Notice what is going on with your child and use that as a basis for starting a conversation about sexual topics.<br />Look for chances to discuss the sexual roles and attitudes of men and women with your child. Use television show, ads and articles as a start.<br />Listen. When you give your full attention, you show that you respect your child's thoughts and feelings. Listening also gives you a chance to correct wrong information they may have gotten from friends. As you listen, be sensitive to unasked questions. "My friend Mary is going out on a real date," could lead to a discussion of how to handle feelings about touching and kissing.<br />Parents can also share their feelings on the topic through words and actions. The best way is to talk to teens. Even though it may seem like they are not listening – they are. To have a healthy and effective discussion on sex, the Advocates for Youth Campaign encourages parents to:<br /><br />Educate yourself and talk with your children about issues of sexuality. Do not forget about discussing the importance of relationships, love, and commitment.<br />Discuss explicitly with preadolescents and teens the value of delaying sexual initiation and the importance of love and intimacy as well as of safer sex and protecting their health.<br />Encourage strong decision-making skills by providing youth with age-appropriate opportunities to make decisions and to experience the consequences of those decisions. Allow young people to make mistakes and encourage them to learn from them.<br />Encourage teens to create a resource list of organizations to which they can turn for assistance with sexual health, and other, issues. Work together to find books and Web sites that offer accurate information.<br />Actively support comprehensive sexuality education in the schools. Find out what is being taught about sexuality, who is teaching it, and what your teens think about it.<br />Actively voice your concerns if the sexuality education being taught in local public schools is biased, discriminatory, or inaccurate, has religious content, or promotes a particular creed or denomination.<br />Demonstrate unconditional love and respect for your children.<br />References<br />Advocates for Youth Campaign<br />Journal of Marriage and Family<br />National Parent Teacher Association<br />Washington State Department of Health </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-88070721465925658512009-01-12T15:07:00.000-08:002009-01-12T15:08:37.358-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Gangs and Teen Cults<strong>Teen Gangs and Teen Cults</strong><br /><br />Gangs prey on the weak child that yearns to fit in with a false illusion they are accepted into the “cool crowd”. With most Gangs as with Teen Cults, they can convince your child that joining “their Gang or Cult” will make them a “<a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-teen-peer-pressure/">well-liked and popular</a>” teen as well as one that others may fear. This gives the teen a false sense of superiority. Remember, many of today’s teens that are acting out negatively are suffering with extremely low self confidence. This feeling of power that they believe a gang or cult has can boost their esteem; however they are blinded to the fact that is dangerous. This is how desperate some teens are to fit in.<br /><br />In reality, it is a downward spiral that can result in damage both emotionally and psychically. We have found <a href="http://suescheff.info/">Teen Gangs</a> and Teen Cults are sometimes hard to detect. They disguise themselves to impress the most intelligent of parents. We have witnessed Gang members who will present themselves as the “good kid from the good family” and you would not suspect their true colors.<br />If you suspect your child is involved in any Gang Activities or any Cults, please seek local therapy* and encourage your child to communicate. This is when the lines of communication need to be wide open. Sometimes this is so hard, and that is when an objective person is always beneficial. Teen Gangs and Teen Cults are to be taken very seriously. A child that is involved in a gang can affect the entire family and their safety. Take this very seriously if you suspect your child is participating in gang activity or cult association.<br /><br /><a href="http://suescheff.info/">Learn more click here.</a><br /><br />Need help - visit <a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">www.helpyourteens.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-81263340989056303842009-01-04T06:46:00.001-08:002009-01-04T06:47:30.854-08:00Sue Scheff - Parents Universal Resource Experts - Internet Safety<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX6Bn505634ysDrQZLRzO0ChlJqxyMpNJ0b-xsO49wfOnCiztyeyexXo6f54YcskJdRFszZAsj2fqzpsg3dVUEEHko2KTzY-_fwSO1AJeS_gBfjaqJ4V_JFMUo3OBuMPpzBPLVzOcQeVh/s1600-h/ikeepsafe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287450110859999074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 119px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQX6Bn505634ysDrQZLRzO0ChlJqxyMpNJ0b-xsO49wfOnCiztyeyexXo6f54YcskJdRFszZAsj2fqzpsg3dVUEEHko2KTzY-_fwSO1AJeS_gBfjaqJ4V_JFMUo3OBuMPpzBPLVzOcQeVh/s200/ikeepsafe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>2009 will be here, as parents, making a resolution to learn more how to keep your child safe online should be a priority. With the ever expanding cyberworld - social networking - texting etc. the time is now to learn more.</div><br /><div><br />Source: <a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/">http://www.ikeepsafe.org/</a> </div><br /><div><br />You don't have to be a computer expert to keep your child safe online.As parents, we want our children to be safe and responsible while using technology. We will have succeeded when each child can recognize and minimize the three main risks associated with all connected technology (i.e., iPods, instant messaging, chat, computer games, game consoles, cell phones, text messaging, webcams). <a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/#3risks">Read More</a></div><br /><div><br />For more information:</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/topics/">Hot Topics</a><a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/videotutorials/">Videos & Tutorials</a><br /><a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/FamilyFun/">Family Fun Lessons</a><br /><a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/DARE.php">DARE Activity Center</a><br /><a href="http://www.ikeepsafe.org/PRC/dailydigest/">Online Safety Digest</a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-69577127374446722032008-12-18T07:54:00.001-08:002008-12-18T07:55:45.879-08:00Sue Scheff - Teen Eating Disorders<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbppy9JMZw2Fm_aEaQj04BwXCYNmVhFi8KbkzYZbHkpS0_U40713jNf2W8LuJ0UkHUi_Y-l0OwpnchhOCPbfhia8UeY-9biyNqS-3lrf_LHpFpv7M0xWvihcCe8wSMde6H0_u6Vc8XbGAS/s1600-h/eatingdisorder.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281159183424023746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 111px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbppy9JMZw2Fm_aEaQj04BwXCYNmVhFi8KbkzYZbHkpS0_U40713jNf2W8LuJ0UkHUi_Y-l0OwpnchhOCPbfhia8UeY-9biyNqS-3lrf_LHpFpv7M0xWvihcCe8wSMde6H0_u6Vc8XbGAS/s200/eatingdisorder.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As the holidays are here, parents should be aware of their teens and tweens concerns with <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/12/sue-scheff-teen-body-image-and-parenting-teens/">body image</a>. Today’s <a title="Teen Peer Pressure" href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/11/sue-scheff-teen-peer-pressure/">peer pressure </a>compounded with <a href="http://suescheffblog.com/2008/12/sue-scheff-teen-sex-social-networking-and-parenting/">Internet Images</a> of what a teen should look like, can add stress and frustration to a young teen (both girls and boys). </div><br /><div><br />Eating Disorders can sometimes be hard to recognize. As a parent, it is important to be informed and know the warning signs.</div><br /><div><br />Here is a great article from <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids </a>from this week’s parenting articles and tips:</div><br /><div><br />“I would never want to look at one. I think that would be really depressing to tell you the truth.”<br />– Mary Hardin, 14 years old</div><br /><div><br />What Mary doesn’t want to see, to millions others is just a few key words and mouse clicks away.</div><br /><div><br />“Who’s the skinniest and how can they stay the skinniest (or) here’s how you can have only one thing to eat all day or how you can survive on water and gum,” explains Bryna Livingston, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in eating disorders.</div><br /><div><br />Livingston is referring to pro-anorexia websites – where girls are applauded for losing weight and surviving hunger – that are emerging on the Internet. On many such sites, anorexics journal thoughts and feelings and even post pictures of their thin celebrity idols.</div><br /><div><br />“It’s a pseudo-support group, and the problem is you’re not really getting support,” says Livingston. “You’re feeding a competition. You’re feeding a disease, and you’re feeding what you want to hear so you don’t have to make any changes.”<br />For Mary Hardin, change was hard. She struggled with anorexia for three years. These websites, she says, spell danger. “I think (the websites) could have really made me worse and (made me) fall more into my eating disorder and encouraged me more,” she says. “That’s the last thing I needed was to be encouraged to be in an eating disorder.”</div><br /><div><br />Experts say parents of anorexics have to show tough love, especially if their child is being enticed by these Internet sites. “I’d turn off the computer. I’d get it out of the house,” says Livingston.</div><br /><div><br />Mary’s advice: “Listen to who you trust. Do you trust your family and your friends, or do you trust these people (on the Internet) that you don’t even know that are trying to give you lessons about your life?”<br />Luckily, Mary avoided the lure of anorexia websites when she was struggling with her illness. After years of therapy and family support, she says she is now healed. “It is possible to recover and to be a healthy girl with a happy life after it all,” she says. “There is hope to get through it.”<br /><a id="references" name="par"></a><br />Tips for Parents</div><br /><div><br />Many dangerous places exist in cyberspace, especially for those with body image difficulties. A quick, easy Google search can produce a long list of pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia websites – places where those who suffer from eating disorders (ED) support each other and establish a sense of community. There are at least 100 active pro-anorexia and pro-bulimia sites. Some statistics state that several of these sites have accumulated tens of thousands of hits. Many sites treat eating disorders as lifestyle choices, rather than the illnesses they truly are. Most personify anorexia (“Ana”) and bulimia (“Mia”) into companions – individuals one can look to for guidance and strength.</div><br /><div><br />The medical community classifies eating disorders as mental illnesses. Experts say girls with eating disorders focus on their bodies in a misguided bid to resolve deeper psychological issues, believing that they can fix their inner troubles by achieving a perfect outside. Eating disorder specialists say pro-anorexia sites are particularly dangerous since those suffering from the disease are usually in deep denial and cling to the illness to avoid dealing with its psychological underpinnings. Websites that glorify eating disorders make treatment increasingly difficult.</div><br /><div><br />Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness. </div><br /><div><br />There are an estimated 7 million females and 1 million males suffering from eating disorders in the United States. </div><br /><div><br />The Harvard Eating Disorders Center estimates that 3 percent of adolescent women and girls have anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorders. </div><br /><div><br />Four-of-five 13-year-old girls have attempted to lose weight. </div><br /><div><br />One study showed that 42 percent of first- through third-grade girls want to be thinner. </div><br /><div><br />About 1 percent of females between 10 and 20 have anorexia nervosa. Between 2 percent and 3 percent of young women develop bulimia nervosa. Almost half of all anorexics will develop bulimia or bulimic patterns.Without treatment, up to 20 percent of people with serious eating disorders die. With treatment, the mortality rate falls to 2 to 3 percent. The recovery rate with treatment is about 60 percent. Alas, only 10 percent of those with eating disorders receive treatment.</div><br /><div><br />Pro-ED sites are just one reason why parents need to monitor children’s online behavior. In the web journals or logs (blogs) of these sites, users share near-starvation diets, offer tips for coping with hunger and detail ways to avoid the suspicions of family members. They post “thinspiration” – images from the media of their ideal celebrities, such as supermodel Kate Moss and the Olsen twins. They discuss extreme calorie restriction and weight loss through laxatives, diet pills and purging (self-induced vomiting).</div><br /><div><br />Between the ages of 8 and 14, females naturally gain at least 40 pounds. </div><br /><div><br />More than half of teenage girls are – or think they should be – on diets. </div><br /><div><br />Websites were changing the very culture surrounding eating disorders, making them more acceptable to girls on and off the Internet. </div><br /><div><br />Pro-ED sites thrive off the denial aspect of the illnesses while promoting the perceived benefits of having an eating disorder.<br /><a id="references" name="ref"></a><br />References</div><br /><div><br />Anorexia Nervosa and Related Eating Disorders, Inc.<br />Harvard Eating Disorders Center<br />The National Institute of Mental Health<br />Reuters<br />Socialist Voice of Women<br />South Carolina Department of Mental Health </div><br /><div><br />I also recommend you visit a survivor of Eating Disorders, <a href="http://www.lori-hanson.com/">Lori Hanson’s </a>website at <a href="http://www.lori-hanson.com/">http://www.lori-hanson.com/</a> and check out her book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Started-Pop-Tarts-Alternative-Approach-Winning/dp/0980012805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1229613797&sr=1-1">It All Started with Pop-Tarts</a>.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-24733450866251167512008-12-05T13:52:00.001-08:002008-12-05T13:54:31.042-08:00Sue Scheff - Parent Training<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMR8-lDYgf4kJyPJdWGEwal_D-ug24WSh_1TZObBEwGoUCASZahLB1tPSEwlLLZg0hZmIA8K2CCmlQsZrP8Ix-jOGPooeItS7ZnI6nVW_kLOWlgSkLexcxyt3FcudElwbXzMVBsqrdrz5/s1600-h/parenttrain.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5276427373247140914" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 67px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 50px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRMR8-lDYgf4kJyPJdWGEwal_D-ug24WSh_1TZObBEwGoUCASZahLB1tPSEwlLLZg0hZmIA8K2CCmlQsZrP8Ix-jOGPooeItS7ZnI6nVW_kLOWlgSkLexcxyt3FcudElwbXzMVBsqrdrz5/s320/parenttrain.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://connectwithkids.com/">Connect with Kids</a></div><div> </div><div>“If we can help parents do a better job at parenting, then you’ll see less and less of children acting out because … acting out is really a symptom usually of what’s happening in the home.”<br /><br />– Alesia Brooks, area director for Community Solutions, Inc.<br /><br />Fighting, stealing, lying, cruelty- some psychologists call all of this a “conduct disorder” and according to the American Academy of Adolescent Psychiatry, one in 10 teen girls suffers from the disorder. What’s more, some experts say many of these girls share one thing in common: parents who resist being a parent.<br /><br />“If we can help parents do a better job at parenting, then you’ll see less and less of children acting out because … acting out is really a symptom usually of what’s happening in the home.”<br />-- Alesia Brooks, area director for Community Solutions, Inc.<br /><br />One approach to treating violent teens is gaining popularity across the country. It’s called multi-systemic therapy. The goal is to change the teen – by starting with the parent.<br /><br />Last year, during a fight with her older sister, 16-year-old Angela pulled a knife. Angela says, “I wasn’t going to hurt her or nothing. I guess I was just threatening her with it.”<br /><br />Angela was arrested and a judge recommended multi-systemic therapy. A therapist came to the house for five months. But instead of counseling Angela, he focused on her mom.<br /><br />“Mom had no rules, so Angela didn’t know left from right, right from wrong,” says Alesia Brooks, an area director of home-based services for Community Solutions, Inc., a licensed provider of multi-systemic therapy. “She just did whatever she wanted to do. And if there was a conflict, then the conflict was managed through yelling and screaming.”<br /><br />First, the counselor helped Angela’s mom Cecilia write a list of rules. Cecilia says, “Well, it was kind of, I had to get used to it myself, to enforcing the rules. And I noticed [having] the rules was much better.”<br /><br />“If we can help parents do a better job at parenting,” says Brooks, “then you’ll see less and less of children acting out because the children acting out is really a symptom, usually of what’s happening in the home.”<br /><br />“I was just kind of used to arguing,” adds Angela, “like kind of like how a child would throw a tantrum and get what they want. That’s kind of like how I was doing it when I was 13, 14, 15. And then when [the therapist] came in, he kind of made it that I couldn’t do it no more!”<br /><br />The idea? Change the parent – and you will change the child.<br /><br />Brooks says, “We don’t want to be the agent for change because we’re gone, we are not going to be there for the lifetime, the parent will be.”<br /><br />Cecilia says the therapist helped her listen more, and yell less. “He taught me to communicate, calm down. We talk and try to solve the problem.”<br /><br /><strong>Tips for Parents</strong> </div><div><br />When parents run into problems with a cranky toddler or a difficult teen, they now have a new place to turn for help – a parent coach. According to the Parent Coaching Institute, these individuals are trained with a broad background of education and experiences. Making themselves available by phone, they ask key questions, provide information and offer specific suggestions to help parents address challenges and develop new strategies for dealing with problems at home.<br /><br />How do you know if parenting coaching is right for your family? Heritage Communications, which offers support and coaching services to families, cites the following types of parents who could benefit from hiring a parent coach:<br /><br /><br />Parents of older adopted children<br />Parents of challenging children<br />Parents dealing with adoption adjustment issues<br />Parents of children with RAD (reactive attachment disorder)<br />Parents looking for new parenting techniques to use with their children<br />Parents who don’t have a support system that truly understands the issues<br />Parents feeling overwhelmed </div><div><br />Parents taking their children to therapy but in need of parent support </div><div><br />Power struggles with teens are not uncommon. Whether or not you have a parent coach for support, as a parent, it is your responsibility to diffuse the situation in a calm manner. Jane Nelson, author of Positive Discipline, offers parents the following advice for reducing power struggles within the home:<br /><br />After realizing you may be actually promoting the power struggles with your teen, you can decide to not fight and to not give in. Disengage from the fight and try to remain emotionally cool and calm. Without anger, the power struggle will diminish because your teen will have no one to fight against. </div><div><br />Give up the concept that you can make your teen do anything. Instead, inspire, teach, influence, lead, guide, motivate, stimulate and encourage your teen to positive, cooperative behavior. Catch him or her being good!<br />When disengaging, you need to act, not speak. For example, a temper tantrum becomes ineffective and silly if you withdraw to the other room – with slamming of doors. </div><div><br />Later, during a cooled-down period, you can talk about what you want from your teen. You can say, in a loving, accepting tone, “Son, after school, would you prefer to do your homework in the office or at the kitchen table?” If your teen feels personal power through choices, then he or she does not feel the need for power through conflict. </div><div><br />References<br />Community Solutions, Inc.<br />Heritage Communications<br />Multisystemic Therapy Services<br />Parent Coaching Institute<br />Positive Discipline </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-45074328796335790672008-11-25T13:27:00.000-08:002008-11-25T13:28:36.329-08:00Sue Scheff on Parenting Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidQ4Vd4cmqOOiLbqSWGXzDOd7THm8-ZGlh_exe0rRCzyyEnSSnk__C8DaNJpro2MKTjWqjiAZ56l1UuxfO_hthArR_6OUcEIVwkRL8weQr_ZbIdEOoBwZpFfHV87Ua201L97jPZcRmlIY/s1600-h/aboutcom.gif"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272710064209713842" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 194px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 30px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgidQ4Vd4cmqOOiLbqSWGXzDOd7THm8-ZGlh_exe0rRCzyyEnSSnk__C8DaNJpro2MKTjWqjiAZ56l1UuxfO_hthArR_6OUcEIVwkRL8weQr_ZbIdEOoBwZpFfHV87Ua201L97jPZcRmlIY/s320/aboutcom.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>About.com: Teens by Denise Witmer offers a wealth of information for parents dealing with today's teens. Take a moment to learn more! </div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://parentingteens.about.com/mbiopage.htm">Denise D. Witmer</a> has been a "professional parent" at the Masonic Childrens Home in Elizabethtown, Pa. She worked in the adolescent buildings from May 1988 - September 1997 and again from May 2003 - July 2006. She was very active in the teen development and independent living programs.</div><br /><div><br />She is the author of the book, <a onclick="zT(this,'1/XJ')" href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1593370431/qid=1108734391/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/002-5670941-8076865">The Everything Parent's Guide to Raising a Successful Child: All You Need to Encourage Your Child to Excel at Home and School</a>. Her advice has also been featured in US News and World Report, Better Homes and Garden's Raising Teens Magazine, and USA Today online and has been referenced in several books for parents of teens, including Surviving Ophelia. </div><br /><div><br />Check out her Blog at <a href="http://parentingteens.about.com/b/2008/11/17/parenting-teens-blog-round-up.htm">http://parentingteens.about.com/b/2008/11/17/parenting-teens-blog-round-up.htm</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-68365346096374492332008-11-19T11:06:00.000-08:002008-11-19T11:09:26.865-08:00Sue Scheff: PE4Life - Parenting Teens<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jV9SwJEoLqExbO6Q5MCrNFaRZJPY6vQqIHqSivymVobgUDiMepw-oF0PSUqDcdgo8wn4RtkLHzY4zJRinCDkN3ncYYqeYiC_cr5Z3nBxih5i-xgR6RsQMuY-iutmcsfjQwzmNzfQP4z/s1600-h/PE4LifeLogo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5270447546467822338" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 68px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92jV9SwJEoLqExbO6Q5MCrNFaRZJPY6vQqIHqSivymVobgUDiMepw-oF0PSUqDcdgo8wn4RtkLHzY4zJRinCDkN3ncYYqeYiC_cr5Z3nBxih5i-xgR6RsQMuY-iutmcsfjQwzmNzfQP4z/s320/PE4LifeLogo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Parents are busy with a full workday, helping their children with homework, engaging their children in after school activities, and so on. This doesn't leave a whole lot of time for physical activity in your own lives. Do you realize that schools have devalued and cut physical education to the point that the majority of children get one day of PE per week? Children today have a shorter life expectancy than their parents for the first time in one hundred years because of the epidemic of obesity, according to Dr. William Klish, Professor of Pediatrics and Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology at Baylor College of Medicine. Lack of PE at school is a disservice to your child's health. Speak up. Demand that your school offers daily quality physical education. Use PE4life as a resource partner to enhance your school's PE program. A recent study revealed that 81% of teachers and 85% of parents favor requiring students to take physical education every day at every grade level. As parents, you can rally people in your community to get involved by ordering a <a href="http://www.pe4life.org/sub/GetInvolved/index.cfm?pageID=36">PE4life Community Action kit</a> video and show it to the PTA, the school board and other community groups. The next step is to invite PE4life to make a presentation to your school leaders, bring a team of people to train at a PE4life Academy, or invite PE4life to do an in-service for your school staff. As your resource partner, PE4life can provide these and many other services to your school as you work to get children more active and healthy.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.pe4life.org/">http://www.pe4life.org/</a></div><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-60311944225507100902008-11-11T05:57:00.001-08:002008-11-11T05:58:28.765-08:00Sue Scheff: Teen Internet Addiction<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7aQhdvJI9ZdsuEtWyNnB1c4ByLELjc5rTEfwlHynXz74b5Eqsfxh5JEBVePFiIxVeVdbG1krSBSmCbw6WyqK1WJKwiIRYlgzVOvY8yQdr_u1Ieknqj-RCZGLTsjijISJYbLjJhv9k_LO/s1600-h/teeninterkids.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267398866832915506" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 140px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 91px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7aQhdvJI9ZdsuEtWyNnB1c4ByLELjc5rTEfwlHynXz74b5Eqsfxh5JEBVePFiIxVeVdbG1krSBSmCbw6WyqK1WJKwiIRYlgzVOvY8yQdr_u1Ieknqj-RCZGLTsjijISJYbLjJhv9k_LO/s320/teeninterkids.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><strong>Introduction</strong></div><br /><div><br />In today's society, the Internet has made its way into almost every American home. It is a well-known fact that the web is a valuable asset for research and learning. Unfortunately, it can also be a very dangerous place for teens. With social networking sites like Myspace and Friendster, chat rooms, instant messaging, and online role-playing video games, our children are at access to almost anyone. <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Sue Scheff</a>, along with <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Parent's Universal Resource Experts™, </a>is tackling the dangers of the web.</div><br /><div><br />Keeping tabs on our teens' online habits doesn't just keep them safe from online predators. More and more parents are becoming wary of the excessive hours their teens spend surfing the web, withdrawing from family, friends and activities they used to enjoy. Internet Addiction is a devastating problem facing far too many teens and their families. While medical professionals have done limited research on the topic, more and more are recognizing this destructive behavior and even more, the potential mental effects it can have.<br />Though the web is a great place for learning and can be safe for keeping in touch, it is important that families understand the potential risks and dangers to find a healthy balance between real and virtual life.</div><br /><div><br /><a href="http://sue-scheff.net/">Click here and learn more</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-23784868987730487292008-10-30T05:21:00.001-07:002008-10-30T05:22:56.864-07:00Sue Scheff: ADHD School Behavior<strong>How teachers and parents can inspire better ADHD school behavior with help from these impulse-controlling exercises for children with attention-deficit.</strong><br /><br />by <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/authorID/22.html">ADDitude Editors</a><br /><br />The problem: The student with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1973.html">interrupts the teacher and classmates</a> by calling out answers or commenting while others are speaking.<br /><br />The reason: Children with ADHD have difficulty controlling their impulses. Scientists believe that a problem with <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/784.html" target="_self">dopamine</a>, a brain chemical, causes them to respond immediately and reflexively to their environment — whether the stimulus is a question, an idea, or a treat.<br />That’s why they often seem to act or talk before thinking, and <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd-school-behavior.html">ADHD school behavior</a> suffers as a result.<br /><br />The obstacles: Children with ADHD may not be aware that they are interrupting. Even if they are, they have difficulty understanding that their behavior is disturbing or disruptive to others.Simply telling them their behavior is wrong doesn’t help. Even though they know this, their impulsivity overrides their self-control. Many ADHD children can’t understand nonverbal reprimands, like frowning, either.<br /><br />Read entire article here: <a href="http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1977.html">http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1977.html</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-81506090185070860182008-10-15T16:08:00.000-07:002008-10-15T16:09:30.752-07:00Sue Scheff - Parenting Book - Wit's End!With peer pressure and social influences at all-time highs, many good teens are making bad choices, placing intense emotional and financial strain on parents and families. Lack of motivation, substance abuse, negative peers and gang affiliation are just some of the common challenges facing kids today.<br /><br />To help address these and other issues, parent advocate Sue Scheff has announced the release of her new book, “Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen.”<br /><br />Scheff’s book chronicles her painful journey with a struggling teenage daughter and also offers advice, resources and help to mothers and fathers forced to make tough choices regarding their children.<br /><br />“In the MySpace generation, kids are under more pressure than ever before,” says Scheff, author and founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an organization that assists families with at-risk children.<br /><br />“This book will be an invaluable resource and allow parents to learn from my past mistakes,” she adds.<br /><br />As a single mother in the ‘90s, Scheff struggled to raise her teen daughter, who embraced disturbing friends, beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, Scheff was forced to utilize a residential treatment facility as a way to instill discipline and structure.<br /><br />What happened next was chilling -- stories of beatings, sexual abuse, forced starvation and neglect all surfaced from the very facility that was supposed to be protecting and rehabilitating Scheff’s daughter.<br /><br />In the years following her ordeal, Scheff championed for safe alternatives for at-risk teens and began helping other parents who were facing similar challenges as she once did.<br /><br />Published by Health Communications, Inc., “Wit’s End” is an extension of the assistance Scheff has been able to provide to families over the years.<br /><br />“Parents need to know that they’re not alone,” says Scheff. “This book is a much-needed guide to avoid the pitfalls and will ultimately help expedite the healing process.”<br /><br />For more information, visit <a href="http://www.witsendbook.com/">http://www.witsendbook.com</a> .<br /><br />About the Author<br /><br />Sue Scheff is the founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts<br /><br />(<a href="http://www.helpyourteens.com/">http://www.helpyourteens.com</a>) and is a sought-after interviewee and speaker on topics such as Internet abuse, struggling teens, cyberbullying and defamation. She has been featured on 20/20, CNN Headline News, ABC News, Fox News, The Rachael Ray Show, Lifetime Television, NPR, BBC Talk Radio and has appeared in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald and San Francisco Chronicle.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-3886413595913069542008-10-07T05:28:00.001-07:002008-10-07T05:29:39.601-07:00Sue Scheff: Stressed Out Students' Guide to Saying No to Cheating<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-fxpch3-IKkpMOPm-kJImlKGavMJ3eqGUfVWIsDuuBHumoOFp2WXIvJt8aILZI1EVeDgDoHnN65SGYdfRLRjw7FnV2fNnJgU1wTuTXu5SqKFhVaJw360f4ZZkVqHwWwew_OscOx43gJ6/s1600-h/bookcheating.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5254388015235103666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc-fxpch3-IKkpMOPm-kJImlKGavMJ3eqGUfVWIsDuuBHumoOFp2WXIvJt8aILZI1EVeDgDoHnN65SGYdfRLRjw7FnV2fNnJgU1wTuTXu5SqKFhVaJw360f4ZZkVqHwWwew_OscOx43gJ6/s320/bookcheating.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>By Dr. Lisa Medoff</div><br /><div><br />As school is now open - first semester in full swing - these books are a tremendous help for parents and kids.</div><br /><div><br />With a rise in recent years in the number of students seeking mental health services, an increase in cheating behavior in school, and constant concern from parents, teachers, and especially students about academic achievement, the time is now for a book series to address academic stress.</div><br /><div><br />Personally, these books by Lisa Medoff are a very easy read for both parents and kids - if you have a niece, nephew, son, daughter, friend that is a teen or pre-teen - there is a lot to gain from these books.</div><br /><div><br />Type the title in the Amazon Box for more information.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-44118156797387339782008-09-23T04:38:00.000-07:002008-09-23T04:41:17.975-07:00Sue Scheff: Tips for When your Child Starts Dating!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4AOCWDWk0Yh1Ln2aglHfULEkfPMk6o5WeFjNyj_HVbJRt1-9Mn2SfMQJg3mFraX9mxHP6FKJZEQyq8yiRU1rwLM5_3J4nqWV-5sMFXKvaR1aZwUCEmH7UYvlRUDF4bxKx5UCdg-4agEJ/s1600-h/teensexstd.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5249180406395293234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ4AOCWDWk0Yh1Ln2aglHfULEkfPMk6o5WeFjNyj_HVbJRt1-9Mn2SfMQJg3mFraX9mxHP6FKJZEQyq8yiRU1rwLM5_3J4nqWV-5sMFXKvaR1aZwUCEmH7UYvlRUDF4bxKx5UCdg-4agEJ/s320/teensexstd.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Source: <a href="http://www.education.com/partner/articles/onetoughjob/">OneToughJob</a></div><br /><div><br /><strong>Your Child's Behavior at 12 -15 years old</strong></div><br /><div><br />As your child moves from childhood into the teenage years, she will encounter many social and cultural challenges. It is an exciting time and yet a scary time for your child. As she moves more toward independence, she will be convinced she knows everything, you know nothing and you were literally born yesterday. In fact, at this time, she needs you more than ever. By knowing what to expect at this stage of your child's life, you are better equipped to interact effectively with her. By communicating clearly with your child and listening to what she has to say and the emotions she is expressing, you can help your child through this stage.</div><br /><div><br /><strong>Tips for Dating</strong></div><br /><div><br />1.Talk with your child about what she hopes for from dating and from relationships.<br />2.Let her know your concerns and hopes for her as she goes out on dates.<br />3.Know who your child is hanging out with and dating.<br />4.Talk with the parents of those kids.<br />5.Set clear rules about who can be with her in your home when there are no adults present.<br />6.Teach manners and how to be respectful of others.<br />8.Let your child know she can always call home if she is uncomfortable or feels worried.<br />9.Tell your child to have fun—dating should be fun. </div><br /><div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-44513510388262168422008-09-19T05:16:00.001-07:002008-09-19T05:16:56.110-07:00Sue Scheff on South Florida Voices<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi1CjKHOAofFkFcPdCq4e9YNFJ37-HjaJE_WqdK3ztm341mKIDZjIasOpbWktToAvzwgbNFuDuLYtwKnmcr2_qUnqF7l2QGxrlyGMd1uuy4l_ukBgj2k0X-Gg7r5NH8YsghYzPu4QfV1L/s1600-h/southfloridavoices.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247705215276234402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKi1CjKHOAofFkFcPdCq4e9YNFJ37-HjaJE_WqdK3ztm341mKIDZjIasOpbWktToAvzwgbNFuDuLYtwKnmcr2_qUnqF7l2QGxrlyGMd1uuy4l_ukBgj2k0X-Gg7r5NH8YsghYzPu4QfV1L/s320/southfloridavoices.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Sue Scheff was on South Florida Voices and talked about her new book - <a href="http://witsendbook.com/">Wit's End!</a> </div><div><br />Hosted by Deborah Ally, <a href="http://sfl.southflorida.com/pages/sfl_south_florida_voices">South Florida Voices</a> features in-depth analysisof issues affecting the lives of South Floridians.Recent shows have explored health care, personal financial planning, the arts and community resources.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-47190962481708940372008-09-15T06:32:00.000-07:002008-09-15T06:33:49.885-07:00Sue Scheff Shares Her Story<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jh6LjJYrV9QBZBGc8__vhnsRXgnMfNJ0xAFASies-Oi3VtzrRz0P3TDesPS2JhP9NimiCtSCiQ2gDRZwRnHIC8mzSbEzb3AiGWA_YIWf3Lcd2oGFz27O_2tm0X2u0Blymib_GOBUZAsK/s1600-h/daretotranscent.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246240710206692018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Jh6LjJYrV9QBZBGc8__vhnsRXgnMfNJ0xAFASies-Oi3VtzrRz0P3TDesPS2JhP9NimiCtSCiQ2gDRZwRnHIC8mzSbEzb3AiGWA_YIWf3Lcd2oGFz27O_2tm0X2u0Blymib_GOBUZAsK/s320/daretotranscent.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Weston, Florida - Parent <a href="http://suescheff.com/">Sue Scheff </a>knows all too well the frustrations of dealing with a troubled teen. Being a single mom was tough, but as daughter Ashlyn reached her teenage years, the problems became too much to handle. Bad decisions and difficult situations left Sue Scheff with no choice but to look to outside help for her troubled teen and salvation for strained family.What she didn’t know continues to haunt her. Seven years after her devastating travels through the teen help industry,Sue Scheff has become an advocate for safe alternatives and parent education. Through her organization, <a href="http://helpyourteens.com/">Parents Universal Resource Experts</a>, Scheff has helped numerous families safely and successfully find help. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Lori Rubenstein - Life Coach<br /><a href="mailto:Coachlori@attorney-coach.com"></a><br /><a href="http://www.daretotranscend.com/">http://www.daretotranscend.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.transcendingdivorce.com/">http://www.transcendingdivorce.com/</a></div><br /><div><br />"Leap, and the net will appear!" Julia CameronListen to my new Radio Show, Journeys from the Heart...</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7952166220692479868.post-16897777698280015892008-09-06T08:49:00.000-07:002008-09-06T08:52:49.834-07:00Sue Scheff presents: Becoming a part of your government and getting your teen involved<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FaWXxDH4UtoEGeVDDn_Zo-7rg1g0fChD-Gq6YMY436qWXURLIx1ezylg0O6wXVn2gqllccj1bjVThoj90hyphenhyphenrXTWyaHFrueGBpPj_rx2kRD-qhb_qtSmrfk7Wpt2gLY99RkcsYeHJJzKN/s1600-h/globe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5242936375148043874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0FaWXxDH4UtoEGeVDDn_Zo-7rg1g0fChD-Gq6YMY436qWXURLIx1ezylg0O6wXVn2gqllccj1bjVThoj90hyphenhyphenrXTWyaHFrueGBpPj_rx2kRD-qhb_qtSmrfk7Wpt2gLY99RkcsYeHJJzKN/s320/globe.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>America may be the world’s most powerful democracy, but even the strongest democratic government only succeeds because of the participation of its citizens. However, the voting participation percentages of Americans are some of the worst in the world for major modern democracies. Due to this alarming fact, one of the most pressing responsibilities of good citizens is participation in the democratic process.</div><br /><div><br />If you wish to become a productive citizen, Democratic participation does not end with simply voting, one must influence others to participate as well. There are many ways to get fellow community members out to the polls to vote. Luckily, the act of voting is one of the best ways to get others to vote. Leading by action is an important tool for good citizens, because we all know actions speak much louder than words.</div><br /><div><br />You can also put an “I voted” sticker on your car or even offer to drive someone to a polling place to promote community voting participation. Simply sharing your knowledge about candidates, as well as times or places to vote will influence greater participation in those around you. Use this <a title="https://electionimpact.votenet.com/pfawf/pollboothlocator/index.cfm" href="https://electionimpact.votenet.com/pfawf/pollboothlocator/index.cfm" rel="self">poll locator</a> to find polling places around your area and be sure to share that knowledge.</div><br /><div><br />An extremely important part of the democratic system is manning the polling places themselves. The importance of this job is extremely underrated and overlooked, but its Democratic necessity is undeniable. The poll workers help maintain the ability for everyone to have an honest and fair place to vote, which is the basic foundation of our political process. Anyone can volunteer to work at a polling place and be a part of the American political system. Working at a polling place puts you on the front lines of the government system, allowing you to become the gate keeper to American Democracy. Working at a local polling area is a classic example of productive citizenship.</div><br /><div><br />Another classic and positive good citizen practice is writing letters to your regional congressional representative when you feel import issues require their attention. Often people have problems in their community but do nothing, when even one letter sent to a state or regional representative can solve the problem or at least bring attention to your community needs. A good citizen becomes a spokesperson for their community, and when problems arise they can lead the charge to solve them. Writing these letters shows other people that you are taking an active role in the government process, and this action is what good citizens stand for.<br />City council meetings are another great way to become involved in your community. Any member of the community can attend these meetings and have their voice heard by the local government. You can go and say whatever you want and the local government must to listen to your words.</div><br /><div><br />One very simple and small key to good democratic citizenship may at first seem insignificant, but actually provides the foundation for all future political processes. When at dinner, bring up political issues and facilitate family discussions on important political matters. This will get your kids thinking about politics, so they may be more likely to talk about it a school, which will spread this idea of civic thought to other kids. Putting your family in an active and citizenship oriented mindset creates important building blocks to good citizenship because you are ensuring the growth of healthy democratic thought and deliberation to younger generations. Passing political knowledge and good citizen habits down to your children ensures that your legacy as a good citizen continues well into the future.</div><br /><div><br />Learn More - <a href="http://www.sueschefftruth.org/index.html">Click Here.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05047519231630513506noreply@blogger.com