THE COMEBACK:

WHAT TIME SHALL I PICK YOU UP?

NEXT TIME

THE MESSAGE:

Once a child hits adolescence, the brain, having mastered basic cognitive abilities, no longer grows in size. The adolescent years are a flurry of complex reorganization as the brain decides what’s needed, what’s unnecessary, and how to achieve maximal efficiency.

Becoming an adult is also a subjective experience and there is little doubt from recent research that individuals are taking longer to recognize themselves as adults. The age of first marriage and birth of a first child, often perceived by individuals as adult markers, are now occurring later than at any time in history. Also greater numbers of individuals are choosing life without either of these traditional markers. Today, with increased numbers of individuals attending college and the tremendous rise in the cost of education and loans, young people are remaining financially dependent on parents much longer This situation often leaves teens less likely to perceive themselves as adults.

A parent must be aware of one or more of these warning signs from their teens.

extreme weight gain or loss
sleep problems
rapid, drastic changes in personality
sudden change in friends
skipping school continually
falling grades
talk or even jokes about suicides
signs of tobacco, alcohol, or drug use
run-ins with the law

TONY TODAY:

To the parents of a teenager, this may sound familiar: "Leave me alone! Get out of my face, mommm, you’re not listening!” No doubt you've had a door slammed on you frequently. It seems that your teen time is filled with disappointment and argument.

At school teens just can't explode at their teachers or friends; however, parents provide them with safe targets which are crucial for teenagers during these years. For teens, everything is different at school than it was in childhood. Friends behave differently. Expectations are high and academics are tough. Their brains are changing and their hormones are raging.

The key in all disputes, is to not argue with your teens about being angry. Help them understand why they're angry. As a parent one can help by recognizing the child's struggles with understanding and dealing with anger. Teenagers are always building problem-solving and coping skills and they are in the process of becoming stronger people.

Your child has grown and the parents' struggle to keep up with their moods is a big challenge. The parents have new things to think about, like curfews, dating, driving, internet and new friends. plus the teen's notion of boundless freedom. They will test your skills, your rules, your limits, and your patience; however, they are still your children in need of role models and guidance!

The key is knowing which efforts will be effective and which ones will add to the issue. Teach yourselves how to present the rules in a manner which is understood by teens. It is vital to not rob them of their self respect. Be patient and trust that your comments will eventually be accepted by them.

Your child has grown and the struggle to keep up is a big challenge. Teens are moodier now than when they were young. And you have new things to think about, like curfews, dating, driving, and the internet. The teens digest new friends and the notion of boundless freedom.

They will test your skills, your rules, your limits, and your patience. But they're still your children in need of role models and guidance; they still need you! The key is knowing which efforts are worthwhile. Which ones will be effective and which ones will only add to the problem. Learn how to present the rules in a manner which is understood by them, does not rob them of their self respect and is eventually accepted by them.

Always keep in mind that teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but morally and intellectually, it's understandable that it's a time of confusion and upheaval for many families.

THE MUSIC:

You Can Let Go Now Daddy.

THE STUFF:

THE PUN:

I'm trying to organize a hide and seek tournament, but good players are really hard to find.

THE QUESTION:

What is your advice to a friend about dealing with their teenagers?

THE LEMON:

Awarded to TV advertisement firms for their crappy results.

THE QUOTE:

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

THE CLIP: