News for Kids & Parents

• Report on Parental Involvement in Homework
• Things to Remember About Teenagers
• Links for parents

HOMEWORK & PARENTS REPORT
"Parental Involvement in Homework: A Review of Current Research and Its Implications for Teachers, After School Program Staff, and Parent Leaders" from the Harvard Family Research Project. October 2004, 10 pages.
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THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT TEENAGERS…

• They are not finished yet
• They act more powerfully than they feel
• They assume they are not capable when the pieces don't fit – high expectations
• They may not have learnt the language to talk about or be aware of what they are feeling
• They honestly did forget because they are usually in "in the moment" mode
• Boys brains aren't fully developed until 22 – Girls around 18
• Stress is real in their lives – skills may not be
• Some behaviors are aggressive defenses because the world may not be safe
• Adolescence is not contagious and IT WILL PASS – one way or another!

LINKS FOR PARENTS:

The Children's Room is a center for bereaved children and teenagers and the adults who are part of their lives. It provides a caring and safe environment in which bereaved families can learn from each other to deal with their grief and find ways to heal. www.childrensroom.org

Hear and read a three-part NPR series on a study of the sex lives of adolescents ages 12 to 14, 14 and Younger: The Sexual Behavior of Young Adolescents. Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Dr. Robert Brooks is one of today's leading speakers on the themes of resilience, self-esteem, motivation, and family relationships. His newsletter can be found at http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/articles.html

While involvement in sports and extra-curricular activities can play an important role in preventing teen drug use, don’t assume your child is immune to the pressures of using drugs, alcohol or steroids because of their participation in athletics. For more advice on raising a drug-free athlete, visit http://www.theantidrug.com/get_involved/sports_index.asp

Teen Workshop, February 2005

Art and Artisans, October 2005