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<channel>
	<title>Understanding Teenagers</title>
	
	<link>http://awesomeparents.com/blog</link>
	<description>everything you wanted to know about teenagers but were too frustrated to ask</description>
	<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:47:00 +0000</pubDate>
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	<language>en</language>
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		<title>Do they really listen?</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/371378223/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/21/do-they-really-listen/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 21 Aug 2008 22:47:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/21/do-they-really-listen/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Often times, it seems that our children pay no attention to what we are saying. I can talk for hours on end, instructing them something they need to do. Time and time again, I will find that they did not actually complete the task which they were told. Most of these times, they will tell [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Often times, it seems that our children pay no attention to what we are saying. I can talk for hours on end, instructing them something they need to do. Time and time again, I will find that they did not actually complete the task which they were told. Most of these times, they will tell me they forgot, or that I never commanded for them do any such thing. These recurring situations make me furious, as I feel they never actually listen to what they are saying.</p>
<p>
My teenagers especially have caused me this form of ailment. Each one, after being granted with a vehicle, was warned of their curfew prior to receiving their license. However, each of my kids has failed to follow this order, each returning home tardy on multiple occasions.</p>
<p>
After dealing with this for years, I have found that, in actuality, our kids choose not to listen. With this capacity for selective hearing, they find it easy to make excuses when they infringe on our orders. With this in mind, any parent would inquire as to how they could enforce their instructions with added stability, to ensure that our children actually consume the purpose of our conversation.</p>
<p>
For more information, interested parents should make sure to visit <a href="http://www.essortment.com/all/makechildrenli_rhfj.htm">http://www.essortment.com/all/makechildrenli_rhfj.htm</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Perfect Parent - I Think Not</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/369454358/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/19/the-perfect-parent-i-think-not/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:46:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/19/the-perfect-parent-i-think-not/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Teenagers are almost certainly the most difficult group of human beings to deal with. Within years it seem, our adorable young&#8217;s ones mutate into the most stubborn people on the face of the earth. The wavering emotions, demanding attitudes, and endless disrespect collaborate to form the new face of our children, to which we have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Teenagers are almost certainly the most difficult group of human beings to deal with. Within years it seem, our adorable young&#8217;s ones mutate into the most stubborn people on the face of the earth. The wavering emotions, demanding attitudes, and endless disrespect collaborate to form the new face of our children, to which we have not yet been introduced. Though the love between us never ceases, life can become challenging as our children progress through these unsound years.</p>
<p>
As kids ourselves, most parents probably imagined having the flawless family - respectful kids, a remarkable spouse, and the appreciated status of the perfect parent. Many of these imaginations have been manifested in our mind from stereotypes, seen from common sources such as Television Shows. As a child, I specifically remember idolizing the Walton&#8217;s family, and the integrity which followed their family relations.</p>
<p>
Fortunately, as I began fostering my own spouse and family, I was presented with a reality check of sorts. I found that, in the real world, trouble arises within the household, particularly among our/ teenage children. In reality, we as parents are disposed to take care of our children, providing them with the needs which accompany this responsibility. With this responsibility, we are dually granted with considerable stress.</p>
<p>
With this realization I also found that it was impossible for me to be the perfect parent. Regardless of my intentions, I will always make mistakes as a parent, and so will my child. During the teenage years, I have also matured. While these years have been stressful, they provide a means for seamless transition to adulthood. With each child, I have learned to love and respect them as an individual, though they may not follow the ideals I had in mind.</p>
<p>
For more information on this aspect of parenting teens, visit <a href="http://www.en.articlesgratuits.com/difficult-behaviour-teenagers-part1-id569.php">http://www.en.articlesgratuits.com/difficult-behaviour-teenagers-part1-id569.php</a> or <a href="http://www.teenslifesite.com/?p=35">http://www.teenslifesite.com/?p=35</a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>Keeping Teenagers away from the Computer</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/367621987/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/17/keeping-teenagers-away-from-the-computer/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 17 Aug 2008 22:45:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/17/keeping-teenagers-away-from-the-computer/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As technology advances, the prospective dangers which threaten our children become more apparent, especially in online platforms. In recent years, the amount of internet use has grown significantly, as children can often find entertainment surfing the web.

According to statistics, most of our children use the internet prolifically, for various purposes. Last year, the American Psychological [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As technology advances, the prospective dangers which threaten our children become more apparent, especially in online platforms. In recent years, the amount of internet use has grown significantly, as children can often find entertainment surfing the web.</p>
<p>
According to statistics, most of our children use the internet prolifically, for various purposes. Last year, the American Psychological Association conductive extensive surveying on this issue, questioning over one million teens on their internet habits. These statistics reveal that over 71% of teenager&#8217;s possess online profiles, and nearly all of them have subscribed to some sort of emailing service.</p>
<p>
Additionally, it has been recorded that 64% of teenagers have, at some point, publicly posted vulnerable information about themselves on the web. By doing this, teenagers place themselves in jeopardy of befalling dangerous incidents, as a result of the information they have disclosed. In this same survey, it was found that over 16% of teenagers have been asked to perform a face-to-face meeting with an online acquaintance, though most have been smart enough to decline. This statistic, which does not include the large amount of teenagers who post pictures of themselves online, confirms the risk which we take by granting continual internet use to our teenagers.</p>
<p>
When the internet was first introduced, it revealed a positive experience which would allow future generations a wholesome and enriching environment. However, though the internet is still a great resource, it has also opened up the door to dangerous, unsolicited perils. As parents, it is now our responsibility to emphasize the positive qualities of this resource.</p>
<p>While social networks and chatting facilities are a great form of entertainment, they must be used shrewdly, and should be considered with the appropriate discretion.</p>
<p>
For more information on how to monitor your children&#8217;s internet use, visit <a href="http://www.onlinesafetysite.com/P1/Teenstats.htm">http://www.onlinesafetysite.com/P1/Teenstats.htm</a></p>
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		<item>
		<title>The Transition of Back to School</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/366041320/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/15/the-transition-of-back-to-school/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 15 Aug 2008 22:44:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/15/the-transition-of-back-to-school/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As the summer hastily nears its end, we as parents must take special heed to out beloved children, as they venture of into a new year of schooling. During this time, we are captivated by the materialistic needs which become present for the approaching year. We often only remember the assorted shopping and scheduling which [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As the summer hastily nears its end, we as parents must take special heed to out beloved children, as they venture of into a new year of schooling. During this time, we are captivated by the materialistic needs which become present for the approaching year. We often only remember the assorted shopping and scheduling which must take place, in preparation for the beginning of another year of education.</p>
<p>
On the other hand, the advancement through school requires more than just materials and new clothes. On top of dealing with new teachers and dissimilar environments, students must worry about other problems which they must face in school. Many children, though they fail to inform parents of their concerns, face continual problems through the course of their day. Even to those parents who are aware of the mental burden which the return to school is accompanied by, these problems can be easily disregarded, due to the difficulty which may be required to solve it.</p>
<p>
Especially such, young teenagers will require special attention this fall, as they enter into their first year of high school. The beginning of high school is an event of utmost importance, which serves as a milestone in the life of a teenager. In high school, students are graced with additional privileges, as well as additional responsibility.</p>
<p>
Though high school may serve as an eventful happening, it can also be extremely scary to those who are nearing entrance. During this time, it is important for parents to: Be Supportive and Loving, Be Available and Reassuring, Be Supportive and Loving, and Set Routines and Limits.</p>
<p>
For more information on this difficult transition, visit <a href="http://reallifesolutions.net/blog/parenting-teenagers-tips-on-starting-high-school-2/">http://reallifesolutions.net/blog/parenting-teenagers-tips-on-starting-high-school-2/</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Lack of Respect for Young People By The Media?</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/357170201/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/06/lack-of-respect-for-young-people-by-the-media/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/06/lack-of-respect-for-young-people-by-the-media/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
If you read your daily newspaper you are probably well aware that it is not exactly targeted for young people. Quickly looking through the sections of the paper, besides the comics and an occasional teen blurb, there really isn&#8217;t much that would appeal to teenagers or young people. As a result, teens and other young [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
If you read your daily newspaper you are probably well aware that it is not exactly targeted for young people. Quickly looking through the sections of the paper, besides the comics and an occasional teen blurb, there really isn&#8217;t much that would appeal to teenagers or young people. As a result, teens and other young people are taking to the internet to get their news and stay informed. Paper newspapers are getting more and more irrelevant for young individuals.</p>
<p>Consider the major sections of the newspaper. You will find, amongst others, Homes, Working, Cars, Wine and Fine Dining, Travel and Money. Now, honestly, most young people could care less about these things. In contrast, the topics available on the internet are much are varied and are not as static. Individuals can find up-to-the minute news. Consequently, traditional newspapers have become out-of-date for the younger generations and the internet has become their primary source of news.</p>
<p>Advertising is a large part of why certain sections are included in the newspapers. Newspapers require advertising to survive and the above sections provide the most revenue. While newspaper sales continue to be fairly strong, if newspaper executives don&#8217;t find a way to connect with younger readers, then the long term sustainability of the business may be in jeopardy.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Teens and Social Media</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/355098847/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/04/teens-and-social-media/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Aug 2008 07:14:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/04/teens-and-social-media/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many young people are authoring blogs, websites and Myspace pages. This allows them to express themselves, engage in self reflection, self-actualization and realization. It also gives them the chance to express some creativity and interact with other teens.
However, the internet can also be a dangerous place. There are adult predators and teen bullies. Young people [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many young people are authoring blogs, websites and Myspace pages. This allows them to express themselves, engage in self reflection, self-actualization and realization. It also gives them the chance to express some creativity and interact with other teens.</p>
<p>However, the internet can also be a dangerous place. There are adult predators and teen bullies. Young people can also be their own worst enemies and discuss behaviors that are dangerous to themselves such as suicide, eating disorders and cutting. To help protect your teen or child while on the internet, it is important to take certain actions.</p>
<p>Keep track of what your teen or child is doing on the internet. Consider some sort of software that records what sites are visited. You can also check your computer&#8217;s history, although teens are savvy enough to simply erase it. Also, put the computer in a family area that is well trafficked. This will discourage your teen from engaging in risky and inappropriate behavior online.</p>
<p>I know that there has been a big deal made about teen privacy. But I&#8217;m sure that many parents of teens that have ended up dead or injured (whether physically or emotionally) wished they had been a little more involved and nosey. It is better to be proactive and little overbearing then to be sad and mourning after your teen has managed to get themselves into trouble that you nor them can handle</p>
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		<title>Young People Making A Difference</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/353379604/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/02/young-people-making-a-difference/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 Aug 2008 07:13:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/08/02/young-people-making-a-difference/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is always good to hear about young people making a positive difference and not getting into trouble. Today&#8217;s blog will be about a young girl by the name of Tara Suri who is making a real difference around the world.
Tara&#8217;s goal is to help provide for kids around the world who aren&#8217;t being properly [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is always good to hear about young people making a positive difference and not getting into trouble. Today&#8217;s blog will be about a young girl by the name of Tara Suri who is making a real difference around the world.</p>
<p>Tara&#8217;s goal is to help provide for kids around the world who aren&#8217;t being properly looked after. A trip to India with her family broadened her view of the world and also allowed her to see the plight of poor children without families of their own. Motivated by this, she set out to help orphans in Sudan and Iran.</p>
<p>She founded a organization called H.O.P.E. This acronym stands for Helping Orphans Pursue Education. It helps to provide kids with the opportunity to reach their full potential by assisting them in getting the basics such as food and shelter.</p>
<p>She has since developed an umbrella organization called Aandolan that oversees all three of her other companies, Turn Your World Around, Connect A Kid and H.O.P.E.</p>
<p>We, as parents, should encourage our kids to get involved with helping people in the world around them. By educating them on the plight of others, they may be motivated to take action. If they are not, find an organization that you feel is worthy and have your child volunteer, raise money or get involved in some way, shape or form. It will make them a much better human being and global citizen.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Are Saga-Louts Imitating Young People?</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/351300301/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/31/are-saga-louts-imitating-young-people/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 31 Jul 2008 07:12:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Understanding Teenagers]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/31/are-saga-louts-imitating-young-people/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Saga-Louts are a fairly new and surprising phenomenon. They consist of individuals over the age of 55 who drink too much, engage in risky behaviors, become reckless and abusive. In short, they are acting a lot like their younger counter-parts.
This behavior is shocking to psychologists and others. Generally, individuals grow out of these behaviors, not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Saga-Louts are a fairly new and surprising phenomenon. They consist of individuals over the age of 55 who drink too much, engage in risky behaviors, become reckless and abusive. In short, they are acting a lot like their younger counter-parts.</p>
<p>This behavior is shocking to psychologists and others. Generally, individuals grow out of these behaviors, not into them. Studies have shown that 20 % of people in this age group engage in behaviors abroad that they would never get involved in at home. Ten percent of them don&#8217;t adhere to the safety advice that they dole out to their own children.</p>
<p>There has been an alarming increase in drinking amongst people between the ages of 60-65. This is not just a beer or a glass of wine, but drinking at unsafe levels. Professionals are wondering what to do about it. There are no laws against drinking for this group. However, it could be increasingly unsafe, especially amongst older people. The likelihood of falling down and breaking bones goes up as individuals age. This could be extremely dangerous.</p>
<p>While there are many campaigns to discourage young people not to drink, there are none for older persons. Perhaps related agencies should make an effort to discourage heavy drinking and reckless behaviors amongst older adults and the elderly</p>
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		<title>Let’s Talk About S-E-X</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/349095480/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/29/lets-talk-about-s-e-x/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 29 Jul 2008 03:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Communication]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/29/lets-talk-about-s-e-x/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Most parents absolutely abhor the idea of having to talk to their children about sex. It can be really uncomfortable for both the parent and the child. However, it is a conversation that must be had. Actually, it will be more then one conversation but instead, an ongoing dialogue. Parents will have to continually speak [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>
Most parents absolutely abhor the idea of having to talk to their children about sex. It can be really uncomfortable for both the parent and the child. However, it is a conversation that must be had. Actually, it will be more then one conversation but instead, an ongoing dialogue. Parents will have to continually speak on the subject even when it is difficult.  Some common questions that parents have concerning speaking to their children about sex are:</p>
<p>
<strong>When should I first broach the subject?:</strong> This is a difficult question. Children are having sex and discussing it with other kids earlier then ever. In fact, some kids are reporting their first experiences with sex as early as 10 years old. This means that you should be prepared to at least cover the basics in adolescence even before they become teenagers. Make sure that the conversation is age appropriate and that it matches your child&#8217;s maturity level.</p>
<p>
<strong>How do I bring up the topic?:</strong> This will differ for everyone. You may want to announce to your child that you want to talk about boys and girls and their relationships with each other. Alternatively, you may want to take the opportunity to talk about sex while you and your child are watching a movie that broaches the subject.</p>
<p>
<strong>Shouldn&#8217;t they be learning this stuff in school?:</strong> Some schools have sex-ed programs, but children and teens should learn about sex at home.  They shouldn&#8217;t have to wait until it is taught in school. It is your responsibility as a parent to get them ready for life and to infuse your values into their lives, including those that have to do with sex.<br />
What if my child doesn&#8217;t want to talk about sex?: Kids are not going to want to talk to their parents about sex. However, it is your responsibility as the adult to talk about uncomfortable topics that need to be discussed even if neither or you want to do it.</p>
<p>
<strong>Should I tell them about my sexual experiences?:</strong> If it makes sense to do so, you may want to share some of your own sexual experiences. Of course not in a way that boasts of sexual conquests but in a way that might teach them a lesson. For example, you may want to encourage waiting to have sex until the right time, by telling them about how you wished you would have put off sex until a more appropriate time.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Encouraging Kids To Get Involved In Their Community</title>
		<link>http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/awesomeparents/RJDS/~3/347138471/</link>
		<comments>http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/27/encouraging-kids-to-get-involved-in-their-community/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 27 Jul 2008 03:37:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Nigel</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Parents]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Teenager]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://awesomeparents.com/blog/2008/07/27/encouraging-kids-to-get-involved-in-their-community/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It is very easy for teenagers to become self-absorbed. The culture encourages people to look out for numero uno. This is unfortunate. When teens get too self-involved, small things can suddenly become big deals and teens can easily get depressed when things don&#8217;t go their way. To help avoid this, it is important to get [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It is very easy for teenagers to become self-absorbed. The culture encourages people to look out for numero uno. This is unfortunate. When teens get too self-involved, small things can suddenly become big deals and teens can easily get depressed when things don&#8217;t go their way. To help avoid this, it is important to get teens involved in helping others in their community. Find out what issues concern them and then have them call up an organization and offer to volunteer. If they can not think of anything, some good places that often need volunteers include local hospitals, soup kitchens, elderly homes and many non-profit organizations.</p>
<p>
Start early if you can. If volunteering, considering and helping others becomes familiar early on, the behavior will likely continue as the child gets older. Let your child become aware of the plight of others so that they learn to appreciate the things and opportunities that they do have. This will also increase the chances that they will continue to give back even as adults.  </p>
<p>
Volunteering also gives children and teenagers a sense of power. When they see that their helpful actions can actually make a difference, make someone feel better or make another person&#8217;s life more comfortable, they will gain a sense of their own personal power. They will understand that their actions can used to uplift and encourage others.</p>
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