This is our annual Teen Issue, and although they say that parent magazines are geared more to the issues of the very young children in our families, having been through it myself, I would have to say that the real challenges begin when kids enter puberty. That’s when they stop listening to what we say, rely mostly on their friends and peers for advice and guidance, and start pulling away from our lead.
Some families find it more frustrating than others, and of course, no two kids are alike, and so, even within families, kids will develop and behave differently. Getting your youngsters ready for high school is not only about them getting the grades to matriculate, but it’s also about picking the right school for their needs. There is a special advertising section in this issue offering many of the finer choices your family might want to explore. Open Houses are throughout October and even beyond.
Our writer Allison Plitt has reviewed a new book on internet safety that should help parents long before the teen years kick in. How important is that for all of us! Certainly every parent should be doing as much as possible to get “hip” to the realities of social media and what their kids are up to online, which changes from day to day.
Myrna Beth Haskell has contributed Part 1 of a series on “Hooked on Screens,” a subject I addressed in my column in last month’s issue. It relieved me to know I’m not the only one who is concerned about the dependence factor in our connection to electronic media.
There’s so much to discuss when it comes to our preteens and teens. Concerns about body image, approval and influence of friends, and the pressures of school and grades are only some of them. It’s not easy as a parent to feel them pulling away from us, and they do, but not only do they need preparation for that, but so do we.
Separating from our kids should not be a startling reality when we become “empty nesters” but be a process the whole family is in training for years before it actually occurs. In getting our kids ready for adulthood, we will also be getting ourselves ready for their eventual independence. I know from personal experience how shocking it can be even though you know it’s coming, and sometimes, even though you’ve been waiting for it with your breath held.
Thanks for reading!
