Archive for May, 2010
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Dangers of Digital Dieting and Teens
It is not a secret, being healthy is good for you. Society dictates that being thin is in, however we need to understand that being healthy is priority. Thin for one person may not be the same as it is for another.
Teenagers surf the net more than ever and what they are finding can be educational but it can also be harmful to their health. There are actually sites that promote anorexia and show your teens how to hide this deadly disorder.
Parents should also be aware of what their kids may be exposed to online – and the websites that promote dangerous and destructive dieting. The best Internet filter is the one that runs in teens’ heads – not any filter a parent may install on a home computer. Talk with your children about dangerous and inappropriate sites and keep the lines of communication open so that they might come to you when they encounter destructive information and images online. – Connect with Kids
The National Eating Disorders Association offers these tips for kids on eating well and feeling good about themselves:
- Eat when you are hungry. Stop eating when you are full.
- All foods can be part of healthy eating. There are no “good” or “bad” foods, so try to eat lots of different foods, including fruits, vegetables, and even sweets sometimes.
- When having a snack try to eat different types.
- If you are sad or mad or have nothing to do-and you are not really hungry find something to do other than eating.
- Remember: kids and adults who exercise and stay active are healthier and better able to do what they want to do, no matter what they weigh or how they look.
- Try to find a sport or an activity that you like and do it! Join a team, join the YMCA, join in with a friend or even practice by yourself
Broward County takes a closer look at obesity in children.
Be an educated parent, you will have healthier and safer teens.
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Losing in America – Unemployment rising, should your teen pursue their goal or choose a job in demand
It is that time of the year again. Parents of teenagers graduating from high school or college are facing career decisions. What about taking a “gap year“? With today’s high unemployment should your teen consider a job that is in demand rather than going for their dream job?
What is best for your child and their goals?
- 2-year college
- 4-year college
- Vocational School/Tech School
- Grad School
- State, private or community college
There isn’t a right or wrong answer, it is an individual choice depending on what is best both financially and professionally for your teen.
Pursuing your dreams versus choosing a career where jobs are plentiful. What do you say when your child’s dream is not practical? How can parents help their children choose a career path that is successful and rewarding.
- Encourage your child to explore his or her options. Be supportive by asking your child, “Can I help you get connected?” or “Can I help you with researching a career?”
- You need to remember this is not your career decision. Have trust in your child and be supportive, yet informative.
- The world of work has changed since many parents made their first career choice. So some parents need to realize some of their information might be outdated.
- Direct your child to resources where he or she can research his or her desired career.
Reference: Connect with Kids
As a parent, we always want our children to be happy. Helping your child find their ideal job may take longer than usual in today’s economy, however loving what you do in life can be priceless. In Florida Career Builders of Florida and College Grad in Florida may offer you further assistance in finding the perfect career for your teen.
Be an educated parent, you will be prepared and your children will have a bright future. Read more.
Related articles:
Hot Tips for Teens Looking for Jobs
Gap Smart: Should Your Teen Take a Year Off?
Parents Universal Resource Experts
Summer Jobs for Teens
College Visit Tips
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Text Messages that Harm – Update on Josie Ratley
When tragedy hits our community, it can be a shocking and stunning event that brings everyone together. The beating of Josie Lou Ratley, Michael Brewer who was nearly burned to death by other teens, Anthony Jones in Duval County, who was shot after being a victim of text hit lists that were flying, and Cameron Lee Kage who is accused of making a bomb to set off at his school in Brevard County, all are part of a wake-up call to what our schools and teens are facing today.
Text RAGE is exploding and it is time that schools, teachers, parents and students along with their community ban together to stop this bullying and violence.
The text messages were recently revealed that prompted 15 year-old Wayne Treacy to literally beat Josie Ratley, an eighth grader, nearly to death. After three surgeries, she is in rehabilitation.
Just hours prior the brutal beating of Josie Lou Ratley, vicious text messages were flying. According to the Sun-Sentinel, “Snap her neck then stomp her skull. Fastest way I could think of,” read one of the texts, which were released Wednesday in discovery in the court case against 15 year-old Wayne Treacy.
Another text message sent from Treacy’s phone prior to the beating reads: “This bxtch ran her mouth bout my bro who she knew is dead. Nao I want her head.”
These texts prompted one of the most heinous forms of teen violence. Wayne Treacy, allegedly, with the help of his girlfriend, 13 year-old Kayla Manson, tracked down Josie Ratley and carried out what his text stated. With steel toed boots, he stomped her skull. Thankfully teacher Walter Welsh intervened just in time.
Whether you are in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach, Brevard, St. John’s or Duval County, you need to learn more about your school climate.
When bad things happen to good people, we need to take the bad and find the positive. Education is key to prevention of violence. Take the time to form an anti-bullying organization and measure your School Climate by contacting The Center for Social and Emotional Education.
Related articles:
Myths of Bullying
Bullying Bystanders or Bullying Busters
Michael Brewer a Voice of Determination to Stop School Violence
Dangers of Texting and Sexting
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Summer Job Hunting Tips for Teens
With today’s economy and more importantly to help teach your teenager responsibility it is beneficial for many teens to get a summer job. What can be difficult is many adults are now accepting employment where teens used to get jobs due to the financial struggles many are having.
How can teens get jobs? Here are some great tips from Quintessential Careers to help you land a summer job:
- Always avoided your parent’s friends? Now’s the time to get to know them better. Networking — talking — with as many adults (family, friends, neigborhors, etc.) as you can is best way to find a job, any job. Learn more about the power of networking.
- You thought school was over? Think again. Now is the time to learn all you need about job-hunting because it’s going to be harder than ever before to get a job. Learn more about job-hunting basics.
- How’s your spelling and grammar? Better brush up. Take the time to prepare or update your resume — you’ll need it when you go on job interviews. Check out these resume resources and sample resumes.
- Put away those short skirts and thrift-store clothes. When you talk with potential employers, you need to dress your best and look professional, not like you’re going on a date or lounging around the house. Learn how to dress for success.
- Turn off the television or video games and hit the street. A good way to look for summer jobs is going to the human resources department or manager of as many stores and offices in your town. Dress professionally and bring lots of copies of your resume.
- Thought you were done competing with your older siblings? Nope. Teens are being squeezed out of traditional jobs this summer as more experienced workers are forced to take whatever jobs they can find.
- If you love the outdoors, you may have better luck. As summer tourism picks up, there will be jobs in water parks, camps, and other hospitality-related companies and organizations.
- Love the Net? Then use it — to a point. There are a number of teen summer job and camp sites, but don’t make this method your sole method of job-hunting. Check out these teen summer job sites.
- No matter how bad it gets, keep smiling. Studies show employers look for these things in teens: enthusiasm, positive attitude, hard-working, friendly, and on-time.
What do Employers Look for in Teens
Employers want motivated teens who are going to arrive to work on time, have a positive attitude, work hard, work well with others, show leadership qualities, work their full shift, and do the best job they can. You need to show your employer that you are a good investment, both for the current position, as well as for any potential future positions.
Final Words of Advice
Jobs are jobs. You are going to have to work, no matter how “cool” the job or company, so be prepared for some days to not be as great as others. The keys to remember are that you are earning money, you are gaining experience, and you are making good contacts (and references)!
Time to hit the pavement or your keyboard!
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers, one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of EmpoweringSites.com. Also check out his job and career resources for teenagers.
Is your teen interested in the water? Pools, beaches and camps – Check out Red Cross Lifeguarding Certifications. Read more.
Read more about tips and hints to find jobs this summer.
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Sex, Tech and Teens
S-E-X, this is one of the most difficult and sensitive subjects parents dread to talk to their kids about, but it is also just as critical. Now let’s compound it with technology and teens and we can create sexting!
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy and Cosmo Girl have recently released the results of a new survey. Results from this new survey show that 21% of teen girls and 18% of teen boys have sent/ posted nude or semi-nude images of themselves. What is going on with teens, tech, and sex?
Tips for parents from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy include:
1. Talk to your kids about what they are doing in cyberspace. Just as you need to talk openly and honestly with your kids about real life sex and relationships, you also want to discuss online and cell phone activity. Read more.
2. Know who your kids are communicating with. Of course it’s a given that you want to know who your children are spending time with when they leave the house. Read more.
3. Consider limitations on electronic communication.The days of having to talk on the phone in the kitchen in front of the whole family are long gone, but you can still limit the time your kids spend online and on the phone. Read more.
4. Be aware of what your teens are posting publicly. Check out your teen’s MySpace, Facebook and other public online profiles from time to time. This isn’t snooping-this is information your kids are making public. Read more.
5. Set expectations. Make sure you are clear with your teen about what you consider appropriate “electronic” behavior. Read more.
More articles of interest:
Should you read your teen’s diary?
Should you read your teen’s emails and text messages?
Is honestly the best policy?
Not my kid
Nastygrams: Think before you send
In Florida, SafeFlorida.net was created to help prevent cyber crimes, educate parents, assist teens and more in the growing digital cyberspace.
Learn what teens need to know!
Be an educated parent, you will have safer teens. Read more.
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: Teen Activities
One of my favorite writers about teen is Denise Witmer. As a published author on teens, and a regular contributor on About.com, Denise offers sound advice for parenting teens in today’s society.
Here is one of her essays on 3 Things Your Teens Needs To Do This Summer
By Denise Witmer
Solve problems. Your teen needs to logically think through problems, such as puzzles, on a regular basis. The critical thinking skills that your teen uses to think through a problem should not be put on the back burner for three months. If you keep this area of your teen’s brain in tip top shape over the summer, he/she will not only be able to handle math class better, but should also be able to make better decisions in all areas of his/her life.
Get some exercise. Teenagers who sit around the house and do nothing but watch TV or play video games are at risk for childhood obesity for one, growing up to be a social misfit for another. Sign your teen up for a summer sports league or get him/her a pool membership and provide a ride back and forth. Teens, not unlike adults, need exercise everyday.
Parents Universal Resource Experts – Sue Scheff: ADucation – Teaching teens and kids about today’s advertising and critical thinking
Every day, your child and teenagers are exposed to advertising – not just on TV and online, but on buses, buildings, and even inside their classrooms. Many ads target kids ages 8 to 12. Given what kids see and hear around them, it’s important for them to know how to decode and understand ads.
As the nation’s consumer protection agency, the Federal Trade Commission, (FTC) is responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising and marketing practices. It brings cases, issues guidance to businesses, and educates consumers about their rights. Consumers can file a complaint or get free information about consumer issues at ftc.gov.
Recently the FTC launched Admongo which helps educate kids with a behind the scene look at what advertising does.
The Admongo campaign will help kids learn to ask three key “critical thinking” questions when they encounter advertising:
- Who is responsible for the ad?
- What is the ad actually saying?
- What does the ad want me to do?
As a parent or an educator, you should review their curriculum to share with your students or children including lesson plans, student worksheets, family activities and more.
Be an educated parent, you will have smarter teens and children.
