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teenagers

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May 2022

May 04, 2022

Honoring All the Mothers (Who Are Loving the Kids They’ve Got)

Special note: If you are struggling with Mother’s Day due to any number of complex...

June 2021

June 08, 2021

Why Teenage Boys Should Be Courageous and Ask the Girl Out!

Guys, to build yourself as a person and as a leader, it is so crucial...

May 2021

May 11, 2021

A Letter To Our 2021 Graduating High School Seniors

Here are a few things we want you to know as you head off into...

November 2020

November 10, 2020

This One Thing Makes a Huge Difference for Your Teen

Parents, I have some encouraging news for you. Although we’re all suffering from just a...

February 2020

February 21, 2020

4 Ways to Make Your Child’s Day

Believe it or not, the answer is not announcing, “A free day off school!” (Although...

October 2019

October 28, 2019

Tips For Talking to Your Teen About Schedule Overload

The new school year is in full swing (wait, didn’t we just take those “first...

October 09, 2019

A Letter to Our Teenage Sons Who Try to Treat Girls With Respect

Dear Guys, This letter is to all you young men who are trying to show...

August 2019

August 07, 2019

Girls, Let’s Talk About Modesty

Dear Girls, Can we have an honest conversation about something that might be a little...

June 2019

June 30, 2019

Teens and Social Media: How to Handle the Inevitable

Erica’s teenage daughter took out her phone for her daily ritual—taking photos of her outfit...

October 2018

October 26, 2018

Do You Want to Influence Your Teen’s Value Choices? Here’s How

Karen didn’t even need to glance at her daughter’s facial expression—she just heard the vocal...

May 2018

May 23, 2018

2 Secrets to Communicating With Your Teenager

“How was school?” (Shrug.) “Fine.” “What did you do?” (Shrug.) “Nothing.” “Anything fun happen today?” (Side...

May 11, 2018

4 Truths You Need to Know About Your Son and Visual Temptation

Even after years of being a social researcher and learning what is in the hearts...

March 2018

March 23, 2018

4 Reasons Your Teen Needs You To Be the Parent (Not a Friend)

As parents, we’ve all probably experienced the classic toddler temper tantrum—complete with them collapsing on...

March 09, 2018

4 Crucial Things Daughters Need To Hear from their Dads

The daddy/daughter dances. The skinned knees and kissed boo-boos. Watching recitals, cheering at games, drying...

February 2018

February 22, 2018

3 Simple Steps to Help Your Teen Stay Honest

We value freedom, but in our research with teens we discovered that it is far...

February 16, 2018

3 Things to Remember With Your Drama Queen Daughter

Do you have a teen or pre-teen daughter at home? Ever gotten frustrated at her...

December 2017

December 19, 2017

What To Do When You Think Your Teen Has Lost the Faith

Your 15-year old son begins complaining about going to church on Saturday night and doesn’t...

May 2017

May 01, 2017

Two Things You Need to Know About Yourself

If you’re reading this, I can tell you two things about yourself. First: You think...

June 2016

June 29, 2016

2 Things to Do if You Want Your Teen to Talk to You

“How was school?” (Shrug.) “Fine.” “What did you do?” “Nothin’.” If this sounds familiar, join...

March 2016

March 15, 2016

3 Lies You Can’t Let Your Son Believe About Himself

As both a social researcher who has interviewed and surveyed thousands of boys and a...

January 2016

January 12, 2016

Dads: Four Phrases a Daughter Needs to Hear From You

Dads, we know you love your daughter. And you know you love your daughter. But...

January 07, 2016

Moms: 4 things your son secretly wishes you knew about his temptations

Moms: 4 things your son secretly wishes you knew about his temptations Even after years...

April 2015

April 27, 2015

When State Says Pot is OK, How Do I Convince My Child It Isn’t?

Dear Shaunti, We live in Colorado, where pot is now visible on every corner. For...

January 2015

January 26, 2015

Drama-Free Guarantee: Talking to Teenage Boys

Dear Shaunti, My oldest son is having a tough first year of high school –...

January 05, 2015

Conquer the Calendar Without Crushing Your Kids

Dear Shaunti, My 8th grade son is getting involved in extra-curricular activities for the first...

August 2014

August 07, 2014

And the Oscar Goes To…My Teen Drama Queen

Dear Shaunti, I love my teenage daughter but how do I get her to stop...

May 2014

May 12, 2014

Your Teen Is Watching Even If She Doesn’t Seem to Be Listening

Dear Shaunti, My daughter is 15 years old and I am worried that she is...

May 05, 2014

How Do I Get My Teen to Comply Without Complaining?

Dear Shaunti, I am constantly butting heads with my 14 year-old daughter. Yesterday, she asked...

April 2014

April 28, 2014

Don’t Give the Death Sentence for a Misdemeanor Crime

Dear Shaunti, My 16-year-old son came home an hour past curfew over the weekend –...

April 17, 2014

Crime and Punishment: When Do Teens Deserve Cell-Phone Restriction?

Dear Shaunti, Undoubtedly, the most effective punishment for my teenage daughter is taking away her...