High school and the teenage years can be a very difficult time for teenagers and parents. This time of life has become even more difficult due to social networking, such as Facebook, smart phones and computer technology not to mention the fact that teenagers have easier access to drugs. Teenagers can obtain the typical street […]
Being married for many years is hard. Times change. People change. Conflict is part of every marriage. How we handle marital conflict can have a strong impact on children. Parents that fight in front of their children are hurting their children. Children rely on their parents for security and safety. Fighting, hostility, yelling and threats […]
We have known for a long time about the cyber bullying epidemic. We are also aware that cyber bullying has resulted in many teens and even college students committing suicide. Suicide is the extreme response to cyber bullying. This action also results in many teenagers dealing with severe depression or turning to drugs or alcohol. […]
As a psychotherapist works with teenagers and their parents, I have heard a common complaint from both teenagers and their parents. Both complain about difficulties with communication. Teenagers feel that their parents don’t understand them. And parents tell me they feel like they cannot communicate with their teenagers. I have stated in prior articles that […]
As the school year is starting many parents are focused on their children’s transition into High School or Kindergarten. However, there is another important transition for children. Beginning Middle School is a major transition for pre-adolescents. As a psychotherapist who works with adolescents, I am very familiar with what is happening on High School and […]
Over the next few weeks, many teenagers will start High School. There will be many changes for them and for you as a parent. As your teen enters high school they are also starting to enter the adult world. This is now a time for them to start to take on new responsibilities and to […]
Coco Loco is the new way teenagers have found to get a high. This product just entered the United States. It is not being marketed as a drug so the FDA has no authority over it. Teens assume it is safe because it is chocolate and natural. Since this substance is so new, I have […]
Teenage males and men hate to go to therapy. Therefore, let’s address this issue. Here is a link for a movie, “The Mask You Live In” https://youtu.be/hc45-ptHMxo. The above trailer contains explicit language, but it is language your third grader hears every day at school, from friends and television. Men and teenage boys are very […]
I recently read an article by Cody Fenwick regarding children and gun violence. His article was so alarming that it inspired me to write this article. Many of us feel because we live in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek or Lafayette that our children and teenagers do not have to worry about gangs or gun violence. […]
Working with teenagers, I hear very often from parents that they feel their teenager is not responsible and they have concerns about trusting their teenagers. I also hear from teenagers how they are upset with their parents for not trusting them and not allowing them to make decisions. I understand the parents’ concerns, but at […]
