Sue Scheff: Summer Almost Here - Summer Reading Fun for Teens

Source: Reading Is Fundamental

Topics: Teen Years (13-19), Top Middle School/Teen Books, more...
Preteen Years (9-13), Top High School/Teen Books

Choose books that preteens and teens like:

Preteens and teens are increasingly interested in local, national, and international current events.

Read editorials and articles from the newspaper and news magazines.

Preteens and teens question authority. Read classic and modern novels that deal with 'big' issues such as when the needs of a community are more important than those of individuals.

Preteens and teens are striving for independence, yet still want to be connected to their families.

Read your favorite books and explain why they are important to you and read books that let you share laughter, a good mystery, an action-packed adventure, a science fiction journey.

Preteens and teens are gradually learning to think abstractly and understand the reasons behind views that differ from their own.

Read books that challenge them to think 'out of the box' and see the world beyond their daily experiences.

Preteens and teens are thinking about what they will do in their lives -- college, careers, and more. Read books that introduce a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

Reprinted with the permission of Reading is Fundamental, Inc. ©2007 Reading Is Fundamental, Inc.

Visit http://www.education.com/ for more great parenting articles like this!

Sue Scheff: Keeping Kids Safe This Summer

Source: ADDitude Magazine

Expert tips to help parents avoid some common risks to their ADHD children.

by Larry Silver, M.D.

Little children fall and scrape their knees or bump their heads. Big kids drive too fast, and get into accidents—or experiment with drugs or alcohol. They... well, it doesn't pay to spend too much time pondering all the risks youngsters face.

Suffice it to say that childhood and adolescence can be risky—especially if your child has ADHD. The risk increases in summertime, when kids spend more time outdoors—beyond their parents' supervision.

Not long ago, a mother called me to say that her 10-year-old son, a patient of mine, had vanished. It was 7:00 p.m., getting dark, and Billy was nowhere to be found. She was frantic. I suggested that she call the police. At 8:00 p.m., she called back. Billy had been found, safe, at a nearby creek. He was surprised to see the police and could not understand why his mother was upset.

Billy explained that he had been unable to find a friend after dinner, and so had decided to go frog-catching. Asked why he did not tell his mother where he was going, he said simply, "I forgot." Of course, forgetfulness was not the problem. The problem was that Billy's ADHD medication had worn off around 6:00 p.m. He had headed for the creek on impulse.
I share this story not to scare you, but to remind you of the fact that ADHD makes kids vulnerable.

Remember, ADHD is a neurological disorder, resulting from a deficiency of specific neurotransmitters within the brain. By correcting this deficiency, medication goes a long way toward curbing impulsivity, distractibility, and hyperactivity. But, as Billy's case illustrates, parents must be especially vigilant at those times of day when a child's symptoms may not be fully controlled: early in the morning (before the first dose kicks in) and at the end of the day (when the last dose has worn off).

Be especially careful if your child takes a break from meds on weekends or vacations.
Of course, medication alone is not enough to protect your child. You must be alert to the dangers ADHD kids face, and provide an extra measure of structure and supervision. Here are the biggest causes of accidental injury—and strategies you can use to protect your child:

Read complete article here: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/976.html

Sue Scheff: Stop Bullying Now!

Stop Bullying Now is a comprehensive website that can answer many of your questions and help you and your children. With sections for both kids and parents, it can help you with parenting tips and tips for kids that are being teased and bullied.

Welcome to the Stop Bullying Now!

Campaign Web site created especially for adults. Here you’ll find valuable resources about bullying awareness, prevention and intervention. As an adult, the best ways you can prevent bullying includes knowing about the many forms of bullying and best practices for taking action. No matter how you interact with children and youth, there are many ways you can Take a Stand. Lend a Hand. Stop Bullying Now!

Sue Scheff: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy

Source: National Campaign To Prevent Teen Pregnancy

May 6, 2009 is the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. How do you score? Take the National Day Quiz and find out.

Take the National Day Quiz
Grab the National Day widget
Teens
Parents
http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/national/pdf/2009/2009_ND_obama_message.pdf - Letter from President Obama.

Hundreds of thousands of teens nationwide are expected to participate in the eighth annual National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy on May 6, 2009. The purpose of the National Day is straightforward. Too many teens still think “It can’t happen to me.” The National Day helps teens understand that it can happen to them and that they need to think seriously about what they would do in the moment.

Read more here.

Sue Scheff: Parenting Teens and Tweens

A few months ago I was introduced to this fantastic website, The Tangerine Times, for parents of teens and tweens. I recently visited there again, and was again, amazed at the up-to-date articles including deciding on your teen’s allowance, the high costs of having your teen involved in sports, and so much more. I noticed today a educational article on the inside scoop of anonymous tip lines for cyberbullying. Read more and remember, visit this website - it is not only informational, it is bright and cheery!

Source: Tangerine Times

By Myrna Lantzsch

I’ve been working with a local group to educate and develop policy around the issue of cyber-bullying. If you’ve been a reader you’ll know that a friend of mine’s child was a victim of cyber-bullying recently. I discovered some products (this is but one) that I am going to recommend the schools take into consideration. It is computer program that provides an anonymous communication link between the students and the administration. I think we all know that kids are the best resource for knowing what’s going on inside our schools.

Here is a description of the program from their website (Disclaimer: I have not received any product information or free product from this company - I found it via research):

” Experts say in four out of five school shootings, the attackers boasted about their plans to other students beforehand. So how can school officials and law enforcement bridge the communication chasm between students and faculty? Is investing in security cameras and infrastructure improvements the right approach? AnComm believes that if we are to reduce the likelihood of violence in schools, we must put communication at the core of our school safety plan.

Administrators need to give students a way to reach out to counselors and faculty without fear of retribution or embarrassment to seek help or notify those who can help that there are problems inside your school that require attention. ‘Talk About It®’ provides an affordable, easy-to-implement option to immediately breaking the code of silence and getting students to ‘Talk About It®.’

Continue reading this post…

Sue Scheff: Teens Eating Healthy

IU2U.org - It’s Up to You….

What a great informational website on child obesity, eating healthy, and learning about how to make healthy changes in your family’s diet.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle by Dr. Oz Mehmet offers great advice on this fantastic website as well as other experts and professionals.

KNOW THE FACTS - Today teens are eating more and participating less in physical activity than the healthy amounts experts recommend.

What are kids eating - Kids’ Food has Excessive Sugar, Fat and Salt - learn more details here: http://iu2u.org/kids_food_trends.php

Effects of Obesity - It’s not just a “weight problem.” Learn the many ways becoming obese at a young age can affect a child now and in the future. Click on the figure below to see the effects of childhood obesity.

It’s Up 2 U!

12.5 million American children are obese. By 2010, this number will increase by 20%. Isn’t it time we make a change? Get on board with the Fit Kids Act today at http://iu2u.org/sign.php

Then, check out the four-week Chiquita Family Challenge complete with menus, daily fitness and activity charts , kid-friendly recipes from Chef Robert Rainford and lifestyle tips from Dr. Oz’s HealthCorps at http://iu2u.org/change_family_habits.php.

Learn more at http://iu2u.org/index.php and join their FaceBook group at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/271974

Sue Scheff: TheAntiDrug.com - Teen Drug Prevention

TheAntiDrug.com – a Web site created by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy to equip parents and adult caregivers with the tools they need to raise drug-free kids. You might have seen ads on TV recently calling attention to the issue of teen prescription drug abuse.

Unfortunately, growing numbers of teens are abusing prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to get high or to cope with school and social pressures. Many teens say these drugs are not only easy to get, but also that they think they are a safe way to get high.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), everyday 2,000 kids age 12 to 17 abuse a painkiller for the very first time. SAMHSA also finds:

• More teens abuse prescription drugs than any illicit drug except marijuana
• Among 12- and 13-year-olds, prescription drugs are the drug of choice

Read entire article here.

Teen Help Programs - Are you at your Wit's End?

For many that have read my book - Wit's End! (Published by Health Communications Inc.) - which give my experiences with WWASPS and my daughters experiences with Carolina Springs Academy, it is a wake up call for all parents that are at their wit's end and desperately looking for help for their struggling teenager.

Are you worried or concerned about your teens recent behavior? Do you believe it is time for outside help? Local therapy is not working?

Visit my organization, Parents Universal Resource Experts, that I created to help educate you on researching for safe and quality alternatives for your family.

Are you considering these programs or talking to these sales reps?

Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (CLOSED)
Bell Academy, CA (CLOSED)
Canyon View Park, MT
Camas Ranch, MT
Carolina Springs Academy, SC
Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor)
Darrington Academy, GA (CLOSED)
Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs.
Gulf Coast Academy, MS (CLOSED)
Horizon Academy, NV
Jane Hawley - Lifelines Family Services
Kathy Allred - Lifeline Sales Representative
Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) and Teens in Crisis
Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley
Mark Peterson - Teen Help Sales Representative
Majestic Ranch, UT
Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the current Director here)
Parent Teen Guide (Promotes and markets these programs)
Pillars of Hope, Costa Rica
Pine View Christian Academy (Borders FL, AL, MS)
Reality Trek, UT
Red River Academy, LA (Borders TX)
Respect Academy, NV
Royal Gorge Academy, CO (CLOSED)
Sherri Schwartzman - Lifelines Sales Representative
Sky View Academy, NV (allegedly closed?)
Spring Creek Lodge, MT (CLOSED) Rumors they have re-opened in another area of MT.
Teen Help, UT (Promotes and markets these programs)
Teens In Crisis (Lisa Irvin)
Tranquility Bay, Jamaica
Oceanside, CA - rumors of short term program there.
There is a rumor a new program in Mexico is open - parents need to be aware of this. It is believed they have re-opened Casa By the Sea with another name - possibly Discovery. Another rumor that was heard is Jade Robinson is running this program - he was formerly at Horizon Academy, Bell Academy (closed) and Casa by the Sea (closed).

Do your homework!