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End your troubles with teens: A unique parent and teen communication resource
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Q. (Mia) Why did you decide to write a blog On Youth and Teens Today?
A. (Vanessa) I love other mom and dad blogs, but I felt there was a significant voice in the parenting equation that was not being heard--the kid's. Plus, I love to write about parenting and give people a different perspective. I am not a therapist, counselor, teen nor a parent, so I often find that my distance from typical teen and parent debacles can be an interesting way to solve a situation.
Q. (Mia) What are the top 3 greatest issues facing our youth in your opinion?
A. (Vanessa) I think that the biggest is the economy. Teens are concerned about what will happen when they leave college, if they will be able to get jobs or make enough money. Also typical teen jobs are now being taken by adults and there is a lot less spending money...they are hurting from that. Next, probably the technology gap. I think teens are constantly trying to relate their online lives to their real lives and trying to make bridges for the adults that do not live in their world. Last, is of course relationships, relationships, relationships. The most popular call-in topic on teen hotlines is relationships with friends, parents, significant others and teachers. Building fulfilling, safe and healthy relationships is a major issue for youth today.
Q. (Mia) How can parents learn how to better relate to their teens? Any tips--secrets?
A. (Vanessa) Secret tips and easy answers...no easy answers, but I think parents can relate much better to their kids by realizing that there is no grey area. For teens, it is the worst hair day ever or their best best friend in the world. If parents can keep this in mind, I think it could make communications and misunderstanding much better.
Q. (Mia) What types of services do you provide for parents/ teens?
A. (Vanessa) My blog (OnTeensToday.com) is a huge service. Parents can really get a secret view into the world of teens. I have my parenting book, I wrote when I was 17, from the kid's perspective called "You're Grounded!" For parents who are concerned about their kids online and the new cybercitizenship issues, I have an ebook called The Dirt-E Secrets of an Internet Kid which gives tons of advice and perspective into the net-generation.
Q. (Mia) How can you help parents?
A. (Vanessa) Sometimes it takes a step back to make some changes in a situation. I love helping families, parents, kids and youth break negative cycles and patterns. With my blog and book I really try to be that breath of fresh air and that step back that people need to begin to change.
Q. (Mia) What is your favorite youtube clip?
A. (Vanessa) All of the things your kid's say to you in a day, to William Tell's Overture!
It takes a village to raise a child and hearing the teenage perspective is certainly an important part of that village.
Live fully,
Mia
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