PEER PROBLEMS

5 Rules of Social Media – Are You Breaking These?

Lori Freson

As teens, you are fully aware of the prevalence of social media in our society. It seems to be the preferred method of communication amongst teenagers these days. From sharing where you are, whom you are with, what you are doing or even what you are eating, constant and consistent use of social media seems […]

PEER PROBLEMS

How Teens Can Apologize…For Real

Lori Freson

When you think of an apology, you probably think of the words, “I’m sorry,” as this has become synonymous with apologizing. As children, we are all taught to say, “I’m sorry,” and we seek to hear those very words from anyone whom we think may have wronged us in any way. It’s as if hearing […]

PEER PROBLEMS

How to Break Up With a Bad Friend

Lori Freson

The teenage years can be challenging in many ways, particularly in the realm of navigating the ups and downs of friendships. While these years may be filled with many emotional roller coasters, the lessons you will learn from how you handle these difficulties will hold value for the rest of your life. It is incredibly […]

PEER PROBLEMS

Do You Need to Change Schools?

Lori Freson

Middle School and High School can be some of the most challenging years of your life. As you’re going through the developmental stages, each one brings with it different challenges and potential problems. Peers can be incredibly cruel, not to mention how inappropriate many teachers and staff members can be. If you’re not the smartest […]

PEER PROBLEMS

Making Friends and Influencing People

Dave Brown

Dave Brown, founder of Southwestern Consulting, gives advice on how to make friends and influence other people

PEER PROBLEMS

When Bullies Attack

Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson

For all the talk about bullies, they still exist. Even if your school has a no-bullying policy, you know that that policy has holes in it. People still bully other people. People still bully you. What can you do? When you’re being bullied, what are your options? Bullying includes physical intimidation, of course, people shoving […]

PEER PROBLEMS

Why Posting Party Pics Is Really Stupid

Katie Malinski

Licensed Family Therapist Katie Malinski shares why posting party photos is really stupid and can come back to haunt you

PEER PROBLEMS

Are You an Enabler?

Lori Freson

The term enabler is often used when we talk about addictions, but it also applies to all sorts of other problematic behaviors. An enabler is a person who encourages or enables negative or self-destructive behavior in another (Google Dictionary). For teens, this could look like lying for a friend so they don’t get in trouble […]

PEER PROBLEMS

What Should I Say When Someone Wants Answers On a Test?

Katie Malinski

My friend always asks me to help him with his homework, and the other day he asked me for an answer on the test. I’m afraid I’m going to get in trouble. I want to say no but don’t know how to. The thing about cheating, is that teachers usually punish the kids who give […]

PEER PROBLEMS

Would You Rather Be Right or Be Happy?

Lori Freson

Would you rather be right or be happy? Don’t answer so fast. I know it seems obvious that you’d rather be happy, but is that really accurate?

PEER PROBLEMS

Don’t Let Social Media Fool You

Lori Freson

Like most things, social media has its pros and cons. It can be a great way to share information with a lot of people quickly, to keep up with what is going in the lives of the people you care about, and even to stay informed about what’s going on in the world. You can […]

PEER PROBLEMS

Help, My Friends Have Turned Their Back On Me

Katie Malinski

Katie Malinski LCSW offers advice on what to do if you are being shut out from your friends