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Hundreds of different synthetic designer drugs have poured into the United States in the past four years, with teens becoming one of the largest user groups. Oftentimes teens turn to synthetic designer drugs because they feel it is less scary or dangerous than interacting with drug dealers. “These drugs are being marketed and sold as …

Working with some of the nation’s brightest young adults at Stanford University, and being a parent of two teenagers herself, Julie Lythcott-Haims has the unique experience of being able to see parenting from a variety of angles and give parents of teens helpful advice. During her 10 years as Stanford’s Dean of Freshmen and Undergraduate …

Adolescent and teen years are crucial for developing the skills we need to cope with difficult times in our adult lives. Studies have shown 75 percent of lifetime mental disorders first show signs before the typical college age range of 18-24. Being watchful of the early signs before your child or teen reaches this age …

There is no easy way to know if your teen is using drugs, or if they are simply displaying typical age-related behavior. However, if you are a parent who simply suspects your teen may be abusing either prescription or recreational drugs, than you probably know more than you think. Never underestimate the innate feeling something …

Using social media is a routine activity that research shows can benefit teens and adolescents by boosting their communication skills, elevating their connection to their community and even increasing their technical expertise. But how much social media is too much? And what is the fallout if your teen is obsessed with, or dependent upon, being …

Parenting one child who is having a hard time adapting to life’s ups and downs is difficult as it is, but when a second child is added into the equation it can become a challenge to balance the needs of the struggling child while keeping the rest of your family emotionally stable. By the time …

“No matter how old my daughter gets, she’ll always be my baby girl.” Does this phrase sound familiar? Is it one you’ve said yourself? Do you have the loving impulses to do everything for your teen to help him or her grow into strong, independent, responsible adults? We love our children dearly, and the desires …

The pressure to be the best in life is impressed upon our teens from a young age as our culture continually strives to avoid failure at all costs. But is that really the best way to parent? What if teens were placed in a comfortable environment that also presents teens challenges to help them master …

Wilderness therapy programs are effective in treating many issues, including, but not limited to: ADD/ADHD, mood regulation issues, substance abuse, trauma, Internet addiction, poor self-image and family conflict. But did you know they are also a sought-after alternative to traditional depression and anxiety treatment options? While depression and anxiety vary in severity, nearly all teens …

With the start of a new school year, talk of cyberbullying is sure to skyrocket. And it’s for good reason—70 percent of students report seeing frequent bullying online, according to DoSomething.org. Teens no longer butt heads passing in the hallways. Instead they take their drama digital, and often attack through text messages, malicious websites, emails, …