Saturday, January 31, 2009

Sue Scheff: Pumping Up Your Teen's Brain


Researchers are finding that exercise can not only keep you fit, but make you smarter. A school in Illinois has developed a program that gets students moving and learning. Debbye Turner Bell reports.



Visit http://www.pe4life.org/ for more great information.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sue Scheff: Bullying, Teen Obesity, Friendship, Family and Grumble Bluff!


I just read the most lovely and educational book called Grumble Bluff by Karen Bessey Pease. This tale tells of two young girls in that difficult and awkward stage of tweens - one is overweight and one has a horrific and painful situation she is living with. Both are bullied and teased relentlessly. Even reading how some kids are so mean made me feel so sad and angry on the inside.


If you are a parent of a teen or tween - buy this book today - read it and have your child read it. You will feel warm inside at the end and then anxious for the second book. Kathy and Greta (characters) will become part of your family too - and what a great way to open lines of communication between you and your kids.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Safe Teen Driving Club - Parenting Teens As they Learn to Drive

There's an epidemic in the US that's taking the lives of our youngsters. Driving fatalities are the number one cause of death among youngsters age 15 to 20. Driving crashes surpass suicide, homicide and all other causes. Over 300,000 teens are admitted to hospital ER's each year -- many with life-changing injuries. Among licensed drivers, young people have the highest fatal crash rate of any age group. What's more distressing, teens at age 16 are twice as likely to die in fatal car crashes as 18 to 19 year old teens. This is largely due to their youth and lack of experience behind the wheel.

We know your life is busy. We're here to give you the support, help, information and services you need to keep your youngster safe...in a quick, easy-to-use format.

Parents tell us they're concerned about issues like these...

Is my youngster ready to drive?
Driving safety - how to avoid accidents
Setting realistic and effective driving rules
How to pay for driver's ed
Is driver's ed enough?
Sharing the cost of driving with your teen
Risky driving behaviors
Laws in your state
Insurance costs and issues
Safety of the car she drives
Auto maintenance and repair
Legal issues in case of a crash

Safe Teen Driving Club is the source you can rely on to help you keep your youngster safe.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sue Scheff: Preventing Teen Drug Abuse - D.A.R.E.


D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance Education has been known for many years and has helped been part of many schools in helping children learn the dangers of drug abuse. As a parent, take some time to review their newly updated information and website. It is important that parents and educators work together to help prevent drug use.



This year millions of school children around the world will benefit from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), the highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.


D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world.


D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Sue Scheff - Mom Blogs


Recently I am noticing more and more parents are stepping up and talking about their issues, concerns, frustrations as well as sharing ideas and tips they have used in raising their children. All in all, it is about parents helping parents.Years ago when I struggled with my daughter, I felt so alone - and it was such a hush hush mentality. We were all so determined to prove our kids were nearly perfect! Oh, so smart and athletic or gifted and talented in some way. In today's generation of raising children it is become more challenging.


Here are a few Blogs on Parenting that could help you help your child:


Van's Mom - Exploring and dealing with an ADHD and ODD daughter.

Tangerine Times - Myrna's parenting tips on the sweet and sour times of teens.

Phil's Blog - Why physical education is so critical to children today in highly techy times.

Inhalant Abuse Blog - Parents educate other parents on the dangers of many home products.

Love Our Children Blog - Helping keep today's children safe.Sarah Maria's Blog - Learning to increase your self image to make better choices. (For parents and teens!)

Lori Hanson's Blog - Holistic solutions for a eating disorders.

ADD/ADHD Blog - ADDitude Magazine offers many parent Blogs on ADD/ADHD and more.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sue Scheff: Raising Teens Together - Shoulder to Shoulder


Is your teen pushing your buttons?

Not sure how to handle it?
We're here to help you make the most of your relationship, stay ahead of the game and find common ground with your teenager.
Shoulder to Shoulder is dedicated to making your job easier by connecting parents and caregivers and sharing the insights of those who have been there before. From written resources and a Blog for parents of teens to relevant research and parenting tips, we hope you find our resources useful as you navigate the teen years with your child.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Sue Scheff: Inauguration Day 2009 - Teens, Parents and Politics


What an exciting week we have ahead of us! It is amazing how today’s youths are getting involved in politics and taking the initiative to learn all they can. This is not only a historical time for our country, there is a feeling of unity among all people of all ages. This can also a great time to spend with your kids and explain the importance of this upcoming week. How do you feel? Do your kids truly understand the history of this moment? This is a perfect opportunity to have family time and excitement as well as creating lasting memories.


Read the article Connect with Kids posted back in June outlining how teens really took part in this past election. Again, an exciting time in history!

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Sue Scheff: Education.com


Are you a parent? Do you have a toddler? Elementary School? Middle School? Or High School?
From toddlers to teens, Education.com has a wide variety of Parenting Blogs, Articles, Advices, Books and more. Take time to be an educated parent!

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Sue Scheff: NextGenParenting - Launches on January 1st 2009


Kids nowadays are different from the previous generation. They have mobile phones with textbooks stored inside, with computers and laptops that connects to Facebook and YouTube. Some even begin to make money faster than their parents.


Apart from that, they are smarter, most probably caused by the food they eat, or even their surrounding.


At present, this is Generation X, Y and Z, or simply said, the new Millenials.So as a parent, the challenges to educate and teach them is very different from they way our parents educate and teach us.


NextGen Parenting is founded for that purpose.


NextGen Parenting is going to launch on 1 January 2009 and currently are looking for volunteers to blog and contribute articles and content to the site.


Contributions in any way are welcome. If you are interested to volunteer to the cause bringing up the next generation more effectively, email vince@nextgenparenting.com and joann@nextgenparenting.com

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Sue Scheff: TEENSHEALTH


TEENSHEALTH answers and advice for parents of teens. Learn more about teen drug use, substance abuse, bullying, cyberbullying, peer pressure, sex education and more!

This comprehensive website offers parents valuable tips on parenting teens today.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sue Scheff: Education.com



Parenting at all ages can be challenging, however I find that today's parenting of teenagers to be the most difficult. As a parent we need to be aware of so much more with technology growing at a rate we as parents can barely keep up with and our kids becoming strangers to us almost overnight.

Education.com has articles, Blogs, forums and more for all ages of kids. Take the time to become an educated parent. You never know when you may need that extra help.

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Sue Scheff: Reputation Defender Official Blog is Launched


Learn more about ReputationDefender on their recently launched Official Blog.


Many people have heard me talk about their services and how they help you maintain your online image. ReputationDefender does much more! Read about the teacher who got fired for photo's posted on MySpace.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sue Scheff - Love Our Children USA - Helping Protect Children Today



Love Our Children USA is a non-profit organization that help keep children safe today.

THE ISSUE: Every year over 3 million children are victims of violence and almost 1.8 million are abducted. Nearly 600,000 children live in foster care. Every day 1 out of 7 kids and teens are approached online by predators, 1 out of 4 kids are bullied and 42% of kids are cyberbullied.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sue Scheff Parenting Teens - Learn More About Inhalant Abuse - Talking Tips


As the new year has started, parents need to become more educated and informed about today's teens and the issues they face.


Many parents know about substance abuse, and teach our kids to say no to drugs - but do you know about Inhalants? Ordinary household items that can be lethal to teens looking for a quick and inexpensive high? More importantly, sometimes deadly high.


Parent learn more about Inhalant Abuse.


Here is a great "talking tips" page from The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) - take the time to learn more today. You could save a child's life.

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Sue Scheff - 2009 Parenting Tips - 10 Quick Ideas!



1. Communication: Keeping the lines of communication of your child should be a priority with all parents. It is important to let your kids know you are always there for them no matter what the subject is. If there is a subject you are not comfortable with, please be sure your child has someone they can open up to. I believe that when kids keep things bottled up, it can be when negative behaviors can start to grow.

2. Knowing your Children’s Friends: This is critical, in my opinion. Who are your kids hanging out with? Doing their homework with? If they are spending a lot of time at a friends house, go out of your way to call the parent introduce yourself. Especially if they are spending the night at a friends house, it important to take time to call the parents or meet them. This can give you a feeling of security knowing where your child is and who they are with.


3. Know your Child’s Teachers – Keep track of their attendance at school: Take time to meet each teacher and be sure they have your contact information and you have theirs if there are any concerns regarding your child. In the same respect, take time to meet your child’s Guidance Counselor.

4. Keep your Child Involved: Whether it is sports, music, drama, dance, and school clubs such as chess, government, school newspaper or different committees such as prom, dances and other school activities. Keeping your child busy can keep them out of trouble. If you can find your child’s passion – whether it is football, soccer, gymnastics, dance, music – that can help keep them focused and hopefully keep them on track in school.


5. Learn about Internet Social Networking: In today’s Cyber generation this has to be a priority. Parents need to help educate their kids on Cyber Safety – think before they post, help them to understand what they put up today, may haunt them tomorrow. Don’t get involved with strangers and especially don’t talk about sex with strangers. Avoid meeting in person the people you meet online without you being there. On the same note – cell phone and texting – don’t allow your child to freely give out their cell numbers and never post them online. Parents should consider ReputationDefender/MyChild to further help protect their children online.

6. Encourage your teen to get a job or volunteer: In today’s generation I think we need to instill responsibility and accountability. This can start early by encouraging your teen to either get a job or volunteer, especially during the summer. Again, it is about keeping them busy, however at the same time teaching them responsibility. I always tell parents to try to encourage their teens to get jobs at Summer Camps, Nursing Homes, ASPCA, Humane Society or places where they are giving to others or helping animals. It can truly build self esteem to help others.


7. Make Time for your Child: This sounds very simple and almost obvious, but with today’s busy schedule of usually both parents working full time or single parent households, it is important to put time aside weekly (if not daily at dinner) for one on one time or family time. Today life is all about electronics (cell phones, Ipods, Blackberry’s, computers, etc) that the personal touch of actually being together has diminished.

8. When Safety trumps privacy: If you suspect your teen is using drugs, or other suspicious behaviors (lying, defiance, disrespectful, etc) it is time to start asking questions – and even “snooping” – I know there are two sides to this coin, and that is why I specifically mentioned “if you suspect” things are not right – in these cases – safety for your child takes precedence over invading their privacy. Remember – we are the parent and we are accountable and responsible for our child.


9. Are you considering outside treatment for your child? Residential Therapy is a huge step, and not a step that is taken lightly. Do your homework! When your child’s behavior escalates to a level of belligerence, defiance, substance abuse or God forbid gang relations – it may be time to seek outside help. Don’t be ashamed of this – put your child’s future first and take steps to get the help he/she needs – immediately, but take your time to find the right placement. Read Wit’s End! for more information. Take a moment to read a recent News Articles from the Miami Herald on Wit’s End and Sun-Sentinel - Rescuing Your Troubled Teens.

10. Be a parent FIRST: There are parents that want to be their child’s friend and that is great – but remember you are a parent first. Set boundaries – believe it not kids want limits (and most importantly – need them). Never threaten consequences you don’t plan on following through with.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sue Scheff 2008 Recommended Websites and Books for Parents

Well, 2008 is finally behind us! Many would say it was not the best year economically, with stress of finances, the frustrations of getting our kids/teens to comprehend the serious of it all. Personally I am very excited about 2009 - especially this fall, my second book will be released and it is going to be HOT! It is hush hush for now, but it will be explosive for sure!Let's take a look at 2008 and some of the great parenting sites and books we have:

ADDitude Magazine - All about ADD/ADHD!
PE4Life - Teaching our Kids the Importance of Physical Education
Connect with Kids - Great Articles and DVD's for Parenting of all ages
Inhalant Abuse - Learn more about this growing problem among teens.
Love Our Children USA - Great information on keeping our kids safe today.
iKeepSafe - Promoting Parenting Education on Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace
Feingold Program - Fantastic information on alternative ways to treating ADD/ADHD
Education.com - It's all about kids of all ages!
Safe Teen Driving Club - Learn how to keep your teens safe on the road.
Next Generation Parenting - What's next?OnTeensToday - Vanessa Van Petten has great insights on teens today.
Thinking Forward - A parent's guide to middle school years.
Break Free Beauty - Teen Body Image by Sarah Maria

Beautiful Boy by David Scheff
It All Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
A Relentless Hope - Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression by Gary Nelson
You're Grounded by Vanessa Van Petten
Parent Survival Training - Dr. David Lustig
SOS - Students Guide for Saying NO to Cheating - by Lisa Medoff
SOS - Students Guide for Peer Pressure - by Lisa Medoff
Preventing Addiction by Dr. John Fleming

There are many more - read through this Blog and you will see many helpful sites and books.

Oh, don't forget my own book release in July 2008 - Wit's End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-Of-Control Teen published by Health Communications, Inc. Watch for fall 2009 as they release my second book!