PEER+FAMILY Articles

PEER+FAMILY

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+FAMILY

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+FAMILY

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+FAMILY

How Do I Get My Parents To Trust Me?

Katie Malinski

So your parents don’t trust you, and you’re wondering why. To start with, recognize that a big part of this may be their own fears and worries about you and your well-being. Sometimes what looks like distrust is really just fear. It’s also possible that what feels like distrust comes from their feeling that they […]

PEER+FAMILY

My Sibling Is a Pest

Dr. Patricia Nan Anderson

“My little brother tags along with me everywhere. I can’t get rid of him, and my mom says I have to be nice to him. He’s an embarrassment! Help!” Let’s face it. You are the person your brother or sister looks up to and wants to be like. You know so much more than your […]

PEER+FAMILY

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+FAMILY

Navigating Parties and Curfews With Your Parents

Lori Freson

As you get older, your social life becomes very much the focal point in your life. With your emerging sense of independence, you will likely start going to parties in high school. Most of us adults can remember ourselves what it was like to feel a growing sense of independence and desire to spend more […]

PEER+FAMILY

When You Make a Really Bad Decision

Lori Freson

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your parents or others are asking you what the heck you were thinking or why on earth you did something and the only answer you can come up with is, “I don’t know?” I mean, the reality is that you actually know you made a really […]

PEER+FAMILY

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+FAMILY

When Your Parents Are Never Around

Lori Freson

It’s hard enough being a teen these days, without any added problems or pressures. But when your parents are never around, things can get really tough. While many teens might think that having total freedom and no parents to boss them around and nag them would be a dream come true, the reality is that […]