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Navigating the Teen Mind: Understanding Cognitive Development in Adolescence

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Parenting through the adolescent years can be both rewarding and challenging. As your teenager transforms from a child into a young adult, their cognitive development undergoes significant changes that impact their behavior, decision-making, and overall perspective on the world. In this article, we’ll explore the stages of cognitive development during adolescence and discuss how understanding …

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Play Beyond Borders: Lessons from Teen Travel Adventures

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Traveling as a young teen can be a transformative experience that teaches important lessons about the value of play throughout life. Here’s how travel contributes to this understanding, along with ways to implement these lessons even if one doesn’t have the opportunity to travel extensively: Lessons Learned through Travel: Cultural Exposure: Lesson: Exposure to different …

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Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster: Understanding Emotional Dysregulation in Teenagers

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Adolescence is a tumultuous period marked by significant emotional and mental growth. It’s a time of self-discovery, forming relationships, and developing a sense of identity. One common thread that weaves through this intricate tapestry is emotional intensity. Teenagers often experience extreme ends of the emotional scale, from moments of hysterical laughter among friends to deep, …

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Journey of Discovery: Unleashing the Power of Travel as an Educational Tool for Kids and Teens

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Traveling is more than just a leisurely pursuit; it is a transformative experience that has the potential to shape young minds in ways traditional classrooms cannot. As an avid believer and advocate for using travel as a learning tool for kids and teenagers, I am excited to explore the diverse points of learning that can …

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Embracing Model Parenting: Nurturing Independence in Your Teen

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As your child transitions into the teenage years, the dynamic between parent and teenager undergoes a profound shift. It’s a crucial period of development where your teenager is not just discovering their identity but is also craving independence. In navigating this delicate balance, the concept of model parenting becomes essential. Model parenting emphasizes the importance …

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Navigating Transformation: Exploring the Teen Mentorship Experience – Month II

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Over the last 8 weeks, Lainie has been leading me and a group of teens through such an amazing and personal process, during the Transformative Mentoring for Teens 12-week course. I did a similar check-in after the first 4 weeks of the course, so if you haven’t read that yet, you’re more than welcome to …

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The Power of Play: Nurturing Teen Mental Health for a Flourishing Adulthood

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Learning through play is a dynamic and immersive process that transcends age boundaries, extending its profound benefits well into adulthood. For parents, understanding that play is not confined to childhood but is a lifelong mechanism for growth is pivotal. Play is a holistic approach to learning that engages the mind, body, and emotions. It encourages …

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Helping Your Teen Navigate the Challenges of Growing Up

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The late stages of the teenage years can be an incredibly challenging time for both adolescents and their parents. As teenagers teeter on the precipice of adulthood, they often find themselves grappling with a heavy sense of inner weight. This period is marked by a unique blend of self-discovery, increased responsibilities, and the ever-present pressure …

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The Social Learning Theory: Isolation’s Battle with the Teenage Brain

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The teenage years are a period of rapid growth and development, both physically and mentally. During this critical stage, adolescents are not only shaping their identities but also acquiring essential life skills. One prominent theory that sheds light on how teenagers learn and develop is the Social Learning Theory. This theory underscores the profound impact …

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Understanding and Addressing the Rising Rates of Teen Suicide and Mental Health Diagnoses

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In recent years, there has been growing concern about the frightening rise in teen suicide rates and the increasing number of mental health diagnoses among young people. In 2020, the United States Center for Disease Control released alarming statistics indicating a significant surge in teen hospitalizations for mental health issues, with a staggering increase of …

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Navigating the Teenage Minefield: A Journey through Mental Health and Partnership Parenting

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The teenage years are often regarded as a time of excitement, self-discovery, and growth. It’s a period where adolescents transition from childhood to adulthood, forging their own path, and discovering who they are. However, beneath the surface, this journey can be a minefield of emotional turmoil and mental health challenges. The realities of adulthood loom …

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Adventure as Education: Maturing the Prefrontal Cortex with the Power of Travel for Better Decision-Making

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Adolescence is a pivotal stage in human development characterized by numerous physical, psychological, and cognitive changes. One of the most intriguing aspects of this period is the biology of decision-making, especially the role of the prefrontal cortex, the region responsible for complex, higher-order thinking and executive functions. In recent years, there has been a growing …

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Lost Childhood, Lost Opportunities: Addressing the Impact of Childism

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Childhood is a crucial stage of human development, during which individuals form their identities, values, and beliefs. However, an often overlooked and pervasive issue called “childism” has the potential to disrupt the natural progression of a child’s development into early adulthood. In this article, we will explore what childism is, how it affects teens growing into …

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Shaping the Future: Nurturing Core Beliefs and Values in Teens

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Along the intricate path of human existence, core beliefs and values serve as the foundational threads that weave together the fabric of our lives. These principles, deeply ingrained from early childhood, shape our perspectives, attitudes, and decisions as we grow and evolve. Yet, the influence of parental trauma on the development of these beliefs and …

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The Adolescent Brain: Plasticity, Environment, and the Impact on Mental Health

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The human brain is a remarkable organ, capable of adapting and evolving throughout our lives. This unique quality, known as neuroplasticity, allows the brain to rewire itself in response to experiences and the environment. During adolescence, a period of intense development, the brain is particularly malleable, making it crucial for adolescents to have a safe …

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Navigating Transformation: Exploring the Teen Mentorship Experience.

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When I first signed up to join Lainie’s Transformative Mentoring for Teens 12-week course, I was a little nervous. It was something just slightly out of my comfort zone, but instead of letting that anxiety decide for me, I took the lead from her advice (and her book, Seen, Heard & Understood) by stepping my …

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Nurturing Lasting Connections: The Power of Model Parenting in Adolescence

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Parenting is a lifelong journey filled with challenges, joys, and the constant evolution of your child. While there is no one-size-fits-all manual for raising children, the practice of model parenting has emerged as a powerful approach that can have long-term effects on both parents and their teens/young adults. Model parenting is not about being perfect, …

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Challenging Misconceptions: Parenting Teens and Nurturing Strong Relationships

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Parenting a teenager is often perceived as a daunting challenge. The stereotype that it is inherently difficult sets unrealistic expectations for both parents and teens and can strain the parent-child relationship. In this article, we’ll explore how the misconception that parenting a teen is hard can become a relationship killer and offer insights into fostering …

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Breaking Free from Schooling: The Path to Unschooling and My Rekindled Passion for Writing

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In a world where traditional education has been the norm for generations, the concept of deschooling has emerged as a fundamental stepping stone towards unschooling. While both ideas may seem similar, they are distinct in their goals and methods. Deschooling, however, is the essential process that paves the way for the true freedom and empowerment …

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Unplugging the Misconception: The Truth About Teens and Digital Addiction

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The 21st-century teen often seems surgically attached to their smartphone or computer, swiping and typing away. This phenomenon has led many to believe that today’s teens are “addicted” to their screens. This mistaken belief is not only wrong but also harmful, oversimplifying the intricacies of adolescent growth and their use of technology. The Stigma of …

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The Teenage Brain: Wired for Risk and the Biology of Decision-Making

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When you recall your teenage years, you may often remember the whirlwind of emotions, the bold decisions, and sometimes the reckless actions you took. For many, these memories are a mixed bag of exciting adventures and cringe-worthy moments. This distinctive behavior, characterized by a penchant for risk-taking, isn’t just teenage rebelliousness. In fact, it’s deeply …

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The Art of Parenting Without Rules and Punishments: Why Ditching Traditional Rules Can Empower Your Teen

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Parenting is a complex endeavor, navigating this journey often leads to moments of doubt and second-guessing. Traditional parenting wisdom dictates the necessity of rules and punishments to instill discipline in growing kids. But what if we rethink this conventional approach, especially when dealing with teenagers and young adults?  “How can we even consider life without …

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Unlocking Open Conversations: How Parents Can Be a Safe Space for Their Kids

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Navigating the maze of early adulthood comes with its fair share of challenges, from the stress of exams and first jobs to the intricacies of relationships. For many, this is also a period marked by an exploration of identity and a heightened awareness of mental health. While it’s important for young adults to foster independence, …

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The Backfire Effect: When Parents Try to Live Vicariously Through Their Kids

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Many parents dream of seeing their children excel, whether in academics, sports, or the arts. While a supportive parental influence can go a long way, there’s a fine line between guidance and imposing one’s own dreams on a child. The desire to relive or fulfill unaccomplished aspirations through kids is a temptation many parents face, …

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Rethinking the Mini-Me Ideal: Parenting in the Age of Individuality

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From the moment a child is born, many parents entertain visions of a “mini-me”—a smaller version of themselves, equipped with similar interests, talents, and even personalities. While it’s natural to see oneself in one’s offspring, the expectation that children will become carbon copies can lead to disappointment, strain relationships, and ultimately hinder a child’s individual …

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Judging the Book by Its Cover: The Impact of Cultural Stigmas on Teen Mental Health

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Growing up has never been an easy task, but for today’s teens, the journey to adulthood is compounded by a society that  seems to look down on adolescence. Whether it’s eye-rolls about “reckless teenagers” or generalizations that paint young people as irresponsible and immature, these negative stereotypes can significantly affect a teen’s mental well-being. Dominant …

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From Classroom to Continents: How travel became our family curriculum

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In 2015, at age 9, I left traditional schooling to embark on a homeschooling journey with my younger brother. Taught by my mom, a qualified teacher with an EdD, our early days mimicked a conventional classroom. Our breaks consisted of free play on our countryside property, which we share with our retired-teacher grandparents. We would …

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The Accelerated Timeline: The Emotional and Psychological Impact on Teens Pressured to “Grow Up” Fast

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Teenagers often feel enormous pressure to “grow up” quickly in today’s fast-paced world. This pressure isn’t just a harmless rite of passage; it can lead to significant emotional and psychological challenges. Adolescence is already a complex phase, and adding the hurry to mature can have long-term repercussions. Societal Expectations Vs. Psychological Readiness The urgency to …

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Stretch zone: Habits formed in the panic zone and learning how to move past them.

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For the past four years, I’ve been an avid Kartsport racer, competing at the local race track nearly every weekend with my Mum as my pit crew, mechanic, and coach. However, in the summer of 2021, a significant accident during practice shook my confidence. I was speeding down the back straight at over 44mph, about …

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Debunking the Myth: Understanding the Complexity of Teenagers’ Maturity

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Here in New Zealand, we’re just over six weeks away from the general elections. Voters are being bombarded with promises from various parties competing for the new government term. Many of these promises will significantly impact me and my peers as we transition into adulthood. However, at 16, I can’t vote, despite a petition from …

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5 Tips, Tools & Reminders to Help You Connect with your Teens & Tweens

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1. Listen – Really actually listen – what does it mean to hold space? Watch for your triggers, hold space notice judgement. Exercise Suggestions:  notice triggers, deep inhale / deep exhale. Three breaths before responded (to regulate your lymphatic system 2. Choose connection over coercion – ego, push to be right, have your way Exercise …

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5 🙏🏻Tools🙏🏻 to Help Your Teen Deal With Change This Coming Fall

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2020 Shall Forever Be Known as the Year of Changes and Transitions Change and transitions are inevitable. Throughout our lives, we are faced with change and transitions in many forms. But the serving 2020 is dishing up is monumental for most. Whether you teen was a homeschooler, unschooler, attended a traditional school or anything in …

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🤔Got Teens? Is this true for you? 😩Parents want connection with their teens. 🙄Teens want autonomy.

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Are you exhausted from trying to talk to your teen, but all you get is an eye roll or a blank stare? Are you tired of the tension, drama or silent treatment? Do you wish to be acknowledged and appreciated for all you’ve done?  Are you at your wits end, feel helpless as you watch …

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Helping Parents Helping Teens with the Big Feelings of Hopelessness About Current Events

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I recently received this message from a concerned parent of a teen: QUESTION: My teens (and a lot of their friends) are overwhelmed about what’s going on in the world right now: climate change, and lack of confidence in world leaders. It gives them a lot of anxiety and for some, a sense of hopelessness and …

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