by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
You have read the parenting books, implemented the ideas, and tried new techniques but nothing seems to work. The siblings of the difficult child benefited from intentional parenting, but not the one it was intended to help. In fact, that child is getting worse and the parent’s exhaustion level is through the roof. The child… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
From a developmental point of view, teenagers should act differently from their child-like selves. This is the time to try on new roles, explore various passions, be adventurous and expand their critical thinking skills. They naturally move away from parental influence and begin to value peer opinions in an effort to form their own perspective…. (more…)
by Christine Hammond on October 12, 2017
It can be difficult to discern the difference between obstinate teenage behavior and a budding narcissist. After all, narcissism cannot be officially diagnosed until a person reaches the age of eighteen. However, the person needs to have demonstrated narcissistic behavior for a period of five year prior to the actual diagnosis. So how can a… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 6, 2017
The goal of parenting teenagers is to raise fully functioning adults by 18 years old. The age is predetermined by the legal system that declares a person an adult at that age. Therefore, regardless of the emotional maturity of person, they need to be equipped to accept adult responsibility at 18. The problem is that… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on September 30, 2016
The complaint from a teenager begins somewhat rationally. A project has no real application to a subject matter or life in general. A friend is overly critical when support is needed. Or a teacher instructs only one way, leaving kids with different learning styles out in the cold. Then without warning, things escalate and become… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on April 1, 2016
Teenagers are notorious for their emotional mood swings. The extreme reaction of “I love you,” and “I hate you,” (sometimes happening within a few minutes) is enough to drive most parents crazy. To cope, many parents ignore their own emotions in an effort to try to manage their teen. Overtime, this develops into a pattern… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 27, 2015
Teenage rebellion is not just about skipping class, staying out past curfew, or smoking anymore, now the rebellion has taken on new forms and looks considerably different from the past. Understanding the early warning signs of teenage rebellion as opposed to normal development can make the difference not only in your relationship with the teen… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on April 29, 2015
Parenting is hard work. At times it can be overwhelming, lonely, exhausting, discouraging, exciting, joyful, rewarding, encouraging, and fun within just a few short minutes. The wide range of emotions you feel from excitement over watching your child finally ride a bike without training wheels to paralyzing fear as they ride that bike straight into… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on April 22, 2015
It seems like it happened all at once. One moment you were praising your kid for being so good and the next thing you know he/she is a completely different child in a foreign looking body. Not only are the clothing choices a bit different but the shoe size is rapidly increasing, the attitude is becoming… (more…)
by Christine Hammond on May 31, 2013
Just compiling this list of stupid things your kid might do over summer break was enough to drive me, as a parent, into a massive anxiety attack. After all, summer break should be about camps, swimming, going to the beach, parks, and hanging out with friends. Unfortunately the combination of unsupervised kids, the internet and… (more…)