Are You a Homework Helper or Sergeant Major?

Posted on September 20, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

My daughter completed French immersion grade one in the spring.  One of her homework assignments was to present to her class five French words used in sentences. Relatively easy right?  Let’s just say thank goodness for Google translation!

The last time I spoke in French was twenty years ago! We practised for one week straight.  I rediscovered how annoying the “ummms” and swaying back and forth as you speak are.  I was telling my daughter, “Hello, I’m here, quit looking at the floor,” or “Don’t say it like this… say it like that”.  Next thing I knew I had transformed into a sergeant major! Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Starting High School

Posted on September 13, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

Starting high school is one of life’s big transitions and naturally it comes with its share of excitement and nerves.

What are kids worried about when starting high school?  We asked this question to grade 8 students and this is what they said:

  • Balancing the increased demands of a high school workload with sports, activities or a part-time job.  Will I have enough time to do all of this? 
  • Changing social relationships.  Who am I going to hang out with?  I don’t want to look like a loser. 
  • Being in a larger school.  Will I be able to find my locker? Will I make the sports teams?

These are part of a grade 9 student’s new reality.  This is how can parents help. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

I’m scared – My baby is starting high school

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Karen Hay, RN

Starting high school is stressful for both parents and teens: below is an honest look at how one mother is feeling. Also read our blog giving some ideas for how to support your teen.

My baby girl is off to high school this week.  I can’t sleep.  Will she find her way?   Will she be lost in the sea of teenagers?  Will she make new friends?  Will someone take advantage of her generous nature?  Will she be safe?  Will she discover the innate gifts she has?  Will she have fun? Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Keeping Your Child/Tween Safe, Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

The morning of your very first day…

Posted on September 6, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

Starting high school is stressful for both parents and teens: below are ways to support your teen. Also read our blog written by a terrified parent’s point of view.

“Take a deep breath and you walk through the doors, it’s the morning of your very first day…” ~Taylor Swift, “Fifteen”

Remember what it’s like to start a new job?  You agonize over what to wear on your first day so you can project the right image.  When you arrive on your first day, everyone knows you are the “newbie”.  You hope someone will ask you to lunch so you don’t have to eat alone at your desk or in the car.

Sounds stressful?  Your teenager who is starting high school can relate.  Topping their list of concerns is how to manage the new workload of high school and how to fit in to avoid looking like a “loser”. Continue reading →

Posted in Children & Tweens, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Child/Tween, Emotional Well-Being & Mental Health for Your Teen, Parenting, Parenting Your Child/Tween, Parenting Your Teen, Teens, Transition to High School | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Mom, I so want a tattoo!

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Halton Guest Blogger

Has your teenager come to you about getting a tattoo yet, or maybe wanting a piercing on some part of his/her body other than their ears? We all know that both body art and piercings are popular and especially tempting to teens who see them as a fashion statement or a means of self-expression.

Growing up, I often teased my parents about getting a tattoo. They passionately disapproved of the idea and I always found their reaction entertaining. I did think about getting one, but I could never decide on a tattoo that I was willing to wear permanently. I have friends who got tattoos in their teens or early twenties and almost all of them did so behind their parents backs. Thinking back, I don’t remember any discussions about the risks, inspected locations, or proper sterilization techniques. These are things that teens just don’t think about when they decide to get a tattoo. Continue reading →

Posted in Keeping Your Teen Safe, Parenting Your Teen, Teens | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment