Lesson Category: Teens

Studies show that youth who feel they can talk with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as The adolescent brain assesses risk differently and teens get bored more easily. These are just a few of the changes taking place in your adolescent’s brain that might make communication and safety a lot more challenging. This class will provide parents with important information about teen brain development and practical strategies to help teens stay safe as well as grow and thrive. 

Raising healthy children with an ability to sustain meaningful relationships is a challenge even in the most ideal situations. Add on hormones, attitude, personality, technology and shelter-in place - welcome to the tween and teen years! This interactive online class will include a conversation about parenting the independent, emerging adult while still nurturing the playful child within. 

We will talk specifically about building relationships during this very unpredictable time. You will have the opportunity to explore making stronger connections through conversation and confrontation in the context of real-life situations.

Each of us grows up in a unique family and when we come together as a couple, we don’t usually talk about our parenting beliefs until children are actually on the scene. The more intentional parents are about sharing their stories and values with each other, the more likely it is that you can agree on parenting approaches.  

Mothers often parent in ways that are different from fathers and those differences can be helpful to children, but only if you recognize the strengths of each other’s approaches.. “Marshmallows” often join with “Generals” because in some ways they need each other. But over time your differences can become more dramatic and problematic.  

Does your child seem unmotivated, stressed or just bored when it comes to school?

Do you play homework police instead of connecting positively with your child?

Are you confused about what will really help?

Many parents feel overwhelmed or out of the loop when it comes to their kids’ education. How can you nurture your child’s education and support engagement in learning? This class will help support your child’s learning and motivation in ways that work. You will discover how to advocate in meaningful ways when necessary. 

Studies show that youth who feel they can talk with their parents are less likely to engage in risky behaviors such as promiscuity, using substances, violence, etc. Talking isn’t lecturing.

Students, parents, and educators are facing dramatically increased academic loss and a widening of the achievement gap. How can we address the loss and build understanding? Evidence suggest that we start with building empathy. Compassion will help us embrace the academic challenge as a community. In this class we will look at the effects of school absences due to health, behavior, and current events. We will also introduce and review effective strategies to build a strong academic foundation.

Gifted students are more likely to hold a “fixed mindset,” which may hold them back from trying new things or reaching their full potential. They may believe they should only do things at which they are excellent. The way families and educators give feedback can reinforce a frame of mind that supports those limiting beliefs or the confidence to try new experiences. Learn about language you can use to support courage and independence in your gifted student. You will also gain skills in coaching your child back to confidence after a failure.  

Does your child have trouble connecting with other? 

Are you unsure about how to help? 

Self-awareness and self-acceptance are the foundation of your child’s social life. Parent often struggle to strengthen those capacities in children.

This presentation will address the use and over-use of technology used for homework, leisure, socializing and the challenges it presents to families. Learn practical strategies parents and children can use to truly embrace this new digital frontier without fear and within reason.

Screen time is a red-hot issue between parents and children. Parents complain they can’t get screen time under control and kids can’t seem to get enough. Over half of parents say their kids are “addicted” and, even among young children, craving for screen time is rapidly accelerating. 

Class participants will learn practical solutions to this growing challenge.