Ten to Twenty Parenting

Prevent Cyberbullying: Control Your Child’s Social Media Habits

Ten to Twenty — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:06:41 +0000

Relatively speaking, cyberbullying is a new phenomenon. Bullying, however, has been around since the beginning of time. It refers to the tendency some people have to intimidate, harass, stalk, control and sometimes harm other individuals, using a number of methods and tools. Because of the added convenience of anonymity, the Internet is ideally suited for cyberbullying. Cyberbullying usually occurs among young people, especially students and often in social media environments. How Does Cyberbullying Affect Children? According to ViolencePreventionNetworks.com, children who are victims of cyberbullying often display certain symptoms: Depression Lack of appetite Fear/unwillingness to go to school Trouble communicating their fears or anxieties Misbehavior as a coping mechanism Blaming themselves for the trouble Lowered self-esteem/personal confidence Becoming less socially active Cyberbullying isn’t like traditional bullying. For example, girls may exclude other girls from special events and activities as a way to intimidate them or get even with them for some perceived infractions. Boys may lash out with abusive language, sometimes toward total strangers. The victim, wrongly assuming that the cyberbully actually knows them, may then fear for their safety. Cyberbullies don’t necessarily pose a physical threat (although they may) but can be as harmful/dangerous as those who do. In fact, some children report [...]

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Score Points! Tween to Teen Bedroom Redesign

Ten to Twenty — Thu, 23 May 2013 02:32:11 +0000

Tweens who are on their way to becoming teens are at a challenging point in their lives. As they build their own identities, it is important to allow them be as independent as possible, while still providing proper guidance. One area that can really be critical for a tween’s personal development is in transitioning their bedroom into a more suitable space. Decorating with a teen has a different angle than decorating other parts of the home; whether they are enjoying quiet time alone or entertaining friends, it is important to recognize that the room needs to be multi-functional. For instance, as teens get older, they will most likely use their bedrooms almost like a mini apartment. Therefore it becomes more sacred; it’s a place where they can let their hair down, hang out and entertain their friends, sleep, and probably have overnight guests. Below are some ideas to consider in helping them design their upgraded spaces. Layout Ideas Start by removing everything, clearing out clutter and deciding which parts of the room are for what purpose. For instance, one corner could be where a desk is located for studying, preferably by a window. An entertainment section can be incorporated and [...]

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Your Last Day

Scott Rigdon — Wed, 08 May 2013 17:46:46 +0000

Your Last Day We had a bit of a scare recently. Ol’ Willie Wonka had to duck, dodge, and high tail it away from… the light! I’m happy to report that he’s doing well and got a completely clean bill of health on Monday, after about 3 weeks of evading my old nemesis, the Grim Reaper. The guy is hard to evade, but a sore loser he is not. Another story… Amid that scare, as a family we were faced with not only the possibility of having to say our Goodbyes, but having to choose the right time at which to say our final farewell. There is no good way to choose which day or time to bid farewell to a big chunk of your family’s heart. We have counted our blessings many times over in recent weeks, as we did not have to make that final call. We tried to think of a way to celebrate what fleeting time we may have had left: A roadtrip? Sunset on our favorite slice of heaven? Doggy treats for dinner? Extra long walk? At the time, Ol’ Willie’s health wasn’t well enough for him to do or enjoy any of those old [...]

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Tips for Preventing Acne

Ten to Twenty — Sat, 04 May 2013 12:15:53 +0000

We are all familiar with the situation. Our teen wakes up on a big, important day to find a pimple front and center…and it’s the end of the world. As a parent, we can’t do much more than try (in vain) to convince them it isn’t as devastating as it seems. Even worse, there aren’t any quick-fixes for these unsightly blemishes. However, there are ways to prevent future breakouts. Here are seven ways you can help your teen reduce the chance of pimples and zits. 1. Wash Your Face Every Day It is essential to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and excess oil. This is one of the best ways to keep your skin healthy and acne-free. Here are some things to keep in mind. Choose a mild facial cleanser. Harsh soaps will irritate the already inflamed skin. Use warm, not hot, water. Don’t use a washcloth, exfoliation glove, or loofah to scrub the area. This will just aggravate the damaged skin more. Always use a clean towel to pat your face dry. Dirty towels can spread bacteria. 2. Be Careful with Makeup First of all, be a savvy shopper when choosing your cosmetics. Look for oil-free, water-based products. Stay [...]

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Show Your Kids Fun and Easy Ways to Save the Planet

Ten to Twenty — Fri, 03 May 2013 16:02:37 +0000

Children naturally learn by example. Therefore, one of the easiest ways to teach them green living is to show them that you are environmentally responsible. Start teaching them the importance of saving the Earth and offer fun ideas to get them recycling and using natural resources. Such explanations should be tailored to your child’s age to prevent boredom or misunderstandings. Here are some daily actions you can take to greenify your family’s life. Morning Teach your kids to turn off the water as they brush their teeth and turn off the lights in the bathroom when leaving. Explain how taking these steps saves water and electricity. Make a point to eat unprocessed, organic foods for breakfast. Unprocessed foods are generally healthier than those that have been prepared in a factory. By choosing organic foods, you avoid unnatural pesticides and other hazardous substances. Get exercise and try walking or bike your kids to school. If it’s too far or the weather isn’t permitting, carpool or take the bus. Explain to your little ones how alternate modes of transportation can lower gas emissions and improve the quality of our air. Throughout the Day Use recycled materials when possible. In school, a child [...]

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