It's disheartening to witness your teenager struggle to connect with their peers. That's why we've created this helpful blog with the top 10 essential strategies to assist teens who feel socially awkward to begin feeling more comfortable and confident in making connections. With the appropriate strategies and techniques, you can empower your teen to forge strong social bonds and thrive during this challenging time. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | How to Foster Positive Relations with Socially Awkward Teens Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us How to Foster Positive Relations with Socially Awkward Teens INSPIRE SOCIAL CONFIDENCE! SEIZE THE MOMENT AND CONQUER OBSTACLES ENGAGE IN THEIR UNTAPPED POTENTIAL AND EMBRACE THEIR AUTHENTIC PERSONALITY! 🤏 Intro 🫶 ✍️ Read Blog 👇 💯 Top 10 list to help your teen 👊 This blog will cover essential dos and don'ts in assessing and identifying obstacles troubling your teen socially. Additionally, we will cover tools, resources, and techniques you can use to help your teen through their difficult time—including a top 10 list of most effective ways to assist your teen in developing social connections. From the tools within this article and your compassion as a parent, there is nothing your teen can't accomplish during this challenging period. Written By Daniel Currie Published: September 25, 2023 Please be sure to leave a comment in the posts! This helps many parents see YOUR perspective on the topic, too! Like the article or think it could help somebody else? Please share it ! Follow us on social media for updates with the newest blog releases, website news, and a place to get amusing memes regularly , sure to get you through the day with a smile on your face! Don't forget to include #CurlyStache and #CurlyStacheBlogs when sharing and discussing Let's get the word out there! Take a moment to SUBSCRIBE Never miss a blog post Stay informed Newsletters and web-happenings Chance for upcoming freebies & merch ► BUT YOU HAVE TO BE A SUBSCRIBER! DON'T WORRY, IT'S FREE! ◄ As a parent, you want the best for your child, especially regarding their social life. However, if your teen struggles with social interactions and feels awkward in social settings, knowing how to help them can be challenging. But don't worry, as we are raising teens today, we can do a few things to support and understand them. Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it's crucial to recognize that everyone is unique regarding how social they are and want to be. Some teens crave the center stage, wanting to be the life of the party, while others are content with calling their cat their best friend, to whom they tell all their secrets. Even though your teen may appear to struggle connecting with others and become more social like all their peers, they could be content with precisely how they are. Our job as parents is to identify exactly what is going on; this way, we can help appropriately if help is needed. Assess the situation. When the time is right, communicate with your teen. Your teen must understand it's okay to make mistakes and that social awkwardness is a common experience that everyone goes through. Question them, asking them what they prefer regarding their social preference. Do they want to be part of a big group of friends that hang out at the football game? Do they like a few close friends who get lost in each other's secrets? Online via social media or online gaming? Perhaps their grandpa is the only one who understands them best. Or maybe they are just an animal lover whose whole world revolves around the pet cat they've had since a toddler. There is no wrong friendship or way of socializing; within the human mind, emotions and how they make you feel are all the same. Suppose it is not the mainstream version of socializing, such as going to a party on Saturday night, instead preferring to stay home to play Xbox or building a contraption for the pet cat. In that case, it simply means they are uniquely exceptional. They are original people who would much rather march to their own beat than anyone else. To all teens who do what makes them happy (socially or otherwise), regardless of what others may think, I tip my hat to you because you are doing it correctly! If you find your teen is doing their own thing and marching to their own tune because they choose to, life is good! No need to worry anymore; they are doing what makes them happy, and their social skills are developing just fine. Keep in mind, many teens who choose to be alone or with very few friends (a) do, in fact, have an outlet for someone to confide in, laugh with, and share secrets with, most likely at school and away from parents, and (b) their social skills are continuing to grow through school, whereas the weeknights and weekends are needed to decompress from it all. However, if your teen wants to get out and have a robust social life but is struggling to make friends or keep friends or just feels awkward in social settings, there are things we can do to help. Start by ruling out problems directly contributing to social issues, such as drug or alcohol abuse, school bullying, or clinical depression. Be encouraged to talk with school counselors, teachers, and principals about school behavior issues or potential bullying. If medical problems are suspected or identified, consult your medical physician before anything. Remember, social skills building will not work if depression is not treated first. Once substance abuse, medical problems, or other physical issues have been ruled out or dealt with, the next step is to ensure you separate your issues from theirs. What I mean by this is that parents have the tendency, even if subconsciously, to project not only their wants and needs to their teen but also their fears and paranoia. When coupled with addressing your teen's social issues, since it can be an unnerving situation, when your parental instincts kick in, and you want to jump in and "fix it," making it all the better for your teen, it often backfires, sending the wrong message. Your teen could see your intervening and trying to help (although the intentions are good) as questioning their competency to make friends and be social and independent. Instead, don't go out trying to fix anything; be there for them, attentively listening while being impartial, gaining your teen's trust as they confide in you. Remember, the more your teen feels like you could be criticizing them or your body language implies you are judging them, the less likely they will ever want to confide in you. If you don't show tolerance and grace when they open up to you, helping them get through their social roadblock becomes very difficult. Keep in the back of your mind as your teenager divulges that they are in a volatile period: not a child anymore, but not an adult either. Remind yourself you were once in that position, too, where you were a confused, excited, emotional, untidy, sensitive, and secretive teenager. Ensure you empathize with your teen. No matter what they say, try to stay calm and, crucially, listen to them before coming to conclusions. There is no need to show judgment; make them feel comfortable and safe knowing they can freely talk about an uneasy situation. Once your teen has explained how they feel and what seems to be the obstacle they need to overcome, don't be quick to tell them their mistakes or suggest what they could've done differently. Instead, voice back to them what they stated, clarifying their thoughts and allowing them to interpret the summary of the situation so they can find their flaws or improvements, if any, on their own. While they become comfortable opening up to you, it also allows for a unique perspective into your teen that you may have otherwise never seen. Encourage them to approach social situations with a positive attitude and focus on having fun rather than worrying about how they are perceived by others. Offer your advice and wisdom when they ask. It's completely fine to request to make a suggestion after they laid it all out on the table, and you listen intently to everything they had to say. Ensure you never pressure them to take your guidance or suggestions; only they can choose to take your advice or leave it. We are here to support and guide them however they need; remember, this uneasy situation isn't about you - it's about your teen. So take a deep breath, turn off your brain, and simply be there for them however they need. Of course, as parents, we need to be proactive and encourage ways to conquer social awkwardness. It is important to stress that coercing or forcing our teens into anything is not helping; it only hurts and further upsets them. That being said, subtly suggest or offer ways they could get involved in situations that trigger a positive social experience or ways to prepare for the next time there is a social situation. Top 10 essential strategies to assist teens who feel socially awkward begin feeling more comfortable and confident making connections: socially-awkward-strategies Friendships: Discuss what friendship means to your teen. Define what a friend means to cultivate relationships better. To some, a friend is someone you see at a party. To others, it may be a sole friend. Once you've identified what is needed, you can help guide your teen toward achieving the friendship they desire. 1 2 Common Interests: Look for places where common interests intersect, such as online forums, extracurricular clubs, support groups, and even online games (multiplayer or one-on-one). These are excellent low-stake environments where people can meet and interact with the same base interests or issues. 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Transitions: As teens age, they find new sports, social circles, clubs, or groups. This usually means spending less time with old friends while offering the chance to make new friends. It is an excellent opportunity to explain how interests change and how pursuing new things and meeting new people is healthy. Activities: Try new activities, sports, or hobbies. This is a great natural way to begin communicating with peers and stimulating friendships. It encourages socialization, all while allowing your teen to discover new interests they can look forward to. As a bonus, the built-in structure of the activity will assist in reducing anxieties. Online: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, friendships and social experiences have bloomed online in the digital world. Although face-to-face is preferred, the human connection is there, allowing natural feelings to flow and the sense of being wanted to be fulfilled. Online friends can be an excellent stepping stone to the real deal as they become more comfortable and confident in face-to-face interactions. Role-play: Find what situations make your teen the most uncomfortable, play out different scenarios, and give suggestions on how to handle each. They really will listen to you, even if they may not seem to! Small Talk: Baby steps. Do they feel uncomfortable talking in crowds or with classmates or employees? Have them try starting a small conversation with someone they will never see again (or a frequent person they bump into, turning into a real friendship!) Try the local cashier at the grocery store, the bookstore clerk, or lunch lady. Social Cues: Discussing social cues will help in joining conversations and socializing. Explain and role-play familiar signals, such as eye contact, body language, hand signals, etc., or if a group falls silent as you approach, tones and moods/vibes change. Go over how to read and handle each situation. Counseling: Sometimes, it's easiest to begin talking to a counselor. It does not need to be to talk about problems or social issues. Think of it this way: if you can start a conversation with them, you can begin a conversation with any individual! Medical: If your teen's social anxiety impacts their daily life excessively, seeking professional help may also be necessary. A therapist can provide them with tools and strategies to manage their anxiety and build confidence in social settings. 10 In conclusion, helping your socially awkward teen involves understanding their perspective, encouraging them to join clubs or groups, practicing social skills, and reassuring them that it's okay to make mistakes. With your unwavering support and guidance, your teen can learn to navigate social situations with confidence and ease. Remember, as a parent, you can make all the difference in your teen's life. Share Blog (Copy Again) Copy Link https://www.curlystache.com/fostering-positive-relations-with-socially-awkward-teens Read More Next Blog Newest Mashup Staying vigilant with your teens and talking with them could mean the difference between having their life ruined, emotions and state of mind uprooted, and put in a tailspin 3 Priceless Tools to Prevent Costly Lifechanging Mistakes Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 16, 2023 🫶 Read Now 👉 This Mashup article, episode 002, is geared towards self-educating to better hone parenting skills. Dive deeper! Each of the 4 styles comes with a sub-blog link in the article. Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: October 11, 2023 🤏 Read Now 👉 Additional Blogs Find all the CurlyStache blogs where Raising Teens Today is at its core right here! Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts is the theme! 👊 Browse Now 👉 Additional Mashups Short 3-minute Blogs where there is no criteria or format. The Mashup slogan says it all: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 👌Browse Now 👉 Your Opinion Matters! Leave a comment—It matters what you think! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | How to Foster Positive Relations with Socially Awkward Teens Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. 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Explore teen tattoos: a journey between allure and maturity. Discover insights and perspectives on navigating this rite of passage to adulthood. Read now. Navigating Teen Tattoos: Guide for Understanding & Support Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 4 /8 /2023 In this final installment on properly handling your teen wanting a tattoo, I will cover three crucial actions . These actions are geared to ensure you and your teen or young adult can meet in the middle and alleviate any stress or animosity that may come with their bold decision. Most of all, if they get a tattoo, these three steps will show how to ensure they end up with a masterpiece- not a disasterpiece. Missed the first post? Catch up! Tattoo Decisions: Wisdom Beyond Ink, a Personal Journey You've just explored my eye-opening personal story. Now empower yourself with our expert guide on confidently tackling the moment your teen approaches you about getting a tattoo. Read Article! 👉 Relativity Rating: High Schoolers & Young Adults What's this? Blog Focus: Tattoos & Piercings Read Time: 3 minutes Ac tion #1 My child is getting a tattoo. Support or Suppress? We must remember, yes, we are the parents, and we should have a say in their decisions- but we also need to remember that they are now 18 years old and have a legal right to their bodies. R egardless of age, we should NEVER suppress our children, no matter how foolish we feel their decision-making is. That will not only make them feel belittled but also damage their self-esteem. Instead, be direct, express yourself, and articulate your reasoning; give them an example of why you feel this way. Your goal isn't to make them feel like you are grabbing them by the collar as they run full force. Instead, you want to gently steer them in a direction that both works for you and them. Ac tion #2 Honest heart-to-heart Talk. Even if we do not agree with a tattoo or the representation of the tattoo, we should always attempt to find the middle ground. For example, let's change roles for a moment: you were the one who wanted the tattoo, but your parent decided for YOU that you could not get one despite you having a legal right to one now. That's a recipe for disaster. As the saying goes, "You get more flies with honey than with vinegar," meaning you will get a lot further in your quest when you have an honest heart-to-heart talk. Your impressionable teen is far more likely to listen to your concerns when there is mutual respect. In addition, there must be two-way communication rather than one-way- or worse, going full-on dictator mode on them. Ac tion #3 Subtle Suggestions. You can quickly tell if your child is serious about a tattoo, which means one of two things will happen at this point. One, if they are not sincere and it feels like they may be doing it out of spite, due to increasing peer pressure, or it is the newest fad, as mentioned in the first part of this series, then you are going to want to pull out all of the tricks and subtly steer them away from the idea without forcing your will onto them. But, remember, it is their body; we must be good parents and help guide the young mind on its path. Now, if your teen has a well-thought-out and organized plan for it, and it is undeniable that they have been planning for some time now, then offer your suggestions if they merit. For instance, if they plan on putting it on their wrist, you could steer them away from that location if it is a questionable or particular design that could become a disasterpiece in the long-term. Now, obviously, every situation is different. Still, an example of giving some subtle advice is suggesting putting the design on the lower back of their neck so it can be seen and hidden depending on their attire, and they would not need to look at it if they don't want to. Conclusion Bottom line on what to expect. Respecting the decision of our young adults is their best decision as well as ours. Remember, we do not necessarily have to like their decision, but we must be adamant about respecting it. As (technically) young adults, they can now choose their path in life, whatever it may be. It was up to us as parents during the first 18 years to mold them into what we wanted and needed them to be. Now, all we can do is be there for them during the "good and bad" and hope they will come to us for some advice when they need it, as they realize we've been around the block, too. Enjoy it? Spread the word and share it with the masses! Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link And don't forget to voice your thoughts and share your feedback below! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. Tour our Mashup Collection! Up Mashup Home Up Explore our Blog Vault Now! Up Our Library Up

Discover the balance between guidance and freedom in college parenting. Learn how stepping back can foster resilience and independence in your teen. Ditching College Helicopter Parenting for Real Growth GT Mashup Blog: Episode 010 Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 2 /15 /2024 Relativity Rating: Late Teens & Young Adults What's this? Listen up, folks! We're in deep—knee-deep in the quagmire of college helicopter parenting, and guess what? It's time to yank ourselves out. You've seen it, right? Facebook groups for parents swapping tips on the best flu remedies and where to find that godsend of a foam pool noodle. Because, heaven forbid, Junior's phone takes a dive into the great unknown between the bed and the wall. But here's the kicker: are we really helping, or are we just scared shitless to let them navigate their own lives? It's a tough pill to swallow, realizing that our overbearing parenting style might be clipping their wings instead of prepping them for the flight of life. Real Talk on Independence Remember the first time you rode a bike without training wheels? That exhilarating, terrifying freedom? That's what college should be for our kids. It's their moment to wobble, fall, and get the hell back up again—on their own. But with us constantly lurking in the background, ready to catch them before they even tilt, we're robbing them of this crucial learning curve. The Fine Line Between Guiding and Smothering Guiding teenagers doesn't mean holding their hand every step of the way. It's about being there, sure, but more like a lighthouse guiding a ship home—not the captain steering the damn thing. It's about saying, "I trust you to make your choices, screw up, and learn from them." Because let's be real, the best lessons in life come wrapped in scraped knees and bruised egos. Raising Resilient Teens: The Essential Parenting Dos 1) Let Them Fail. Yeah, you heard me. Allow them to mess up, flunk a test, or miss a deadline. It's not the end of the world; it's the beginning of learning resilience. 2) Teach Problem-Solving. Instead of swooping in to fix every problem, ask them, "How do you plan to tackle this?" It's about empowering them to find solutions. 3) Encourage Independence. This means stepping back. Maybe your kid ends up eating ramen for a week because they blew their budget. It's a lesson learned for next time. 4) Open Communication. Keep those lines open, but don't make every call a check-up call. Sometimes, just listen, laugh, and let them know you're there—no strings attached. The Value of Self-Sufficiency Fostering self-sufficiency isn't just about making our lives easier; it's about preparing them for the real world. When they come to us with a problem, our first response shouldn't be to fix it but to ask, "What do you think you should do?" This approach encourages critical thinking and confidence in their ability to solve problems. Embracing the Chaos (And Growth) of College Life College isn't just an academic journey; it's a crash course in life. By stepping back, we allow our kids the space to navigate roommate issues, budgeting, and the consequences of last-minute cramming. These experiences are invaluable, teaching them about the realities of life and the importance of accountability. Cutting the Cord (Gently) I get it; it's freaking scary. The thought of your kid out there, making decisions without your guidance, can send you into a panic spiral. But here's the thing: we're not raising kids; we're raising future adults. Adults who need to know how to navigate life's ups and downs without a safety net. So, let's take a collective deep breath and take a step back. It's time to trust the process, trust our kids, and maybe, just a little, trust ourselves that we've done a damn good job up until this point. Here's to empowering our teens towards a future they can navigate confidently—foam pool noodles be damned. Until Next Time... Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Help us spread the word! Share this article across all your favorite platforms now!

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Have you been looking for advice on raising teens today? This is where we come in. Weekly blogs and other articles for you to help connect with young adults and teens. Learn essential parenting dos (and don'ts!) while guiding teenagers in today's society with all posts written by parents who have done it, even parents with a CurlyStache!

Learn the story behind Mental Horizons, a place for honest support with mental health, parenting teens, teen struggles, and everyday life. ABOUT US The Story Behind Mental Horizons Mental Horizons was created for the real moments: the overwhelming ones, the confusing ones, and the everyday ones no one talks about enough. This is a place for honest support, practical guidance, and reminders that you’re not alone in whatever you’re facing. No judgment. No pressure. Just real help for real life. You don't need perfect answers. You just need a place to start. WHY MENTAL HORIZONS EXISTS Built for Real Life, Not Perfect Answers Mental Horizons was created for people trying to make sense of heavy days, hard conversations, emotional overwhelm, and the parts of life that do not come with simple instructions. This space is not about pretending everything is easy. It is about finding honest guidance, practical next steps, and reminders that you are not the only one carrying something difficult. NO FAKE FIXES. Honest guidance without pretending life is simple. NO JUDGEMENT. Support for real people, real struggles, and imperfect days. ONE HONEST NEXT STEP. Practical help for moving forward when things feel heavy. WHAT YOU'LL FIND HERE What You'll Find Here Mental Horizons brings together honest support, practical guidance, and real-life perspective for the moments that feel hard to carry alone. Mental Health Support For anxiety, depression, emotional overwhelm, burnout, and the hard days that need steadier ground. Parenting Teens Honest guidance for the messy, confusing, real-life parts of raising teenagers. Teen Mental Health Support for understanding what teens may be carrying beneath silence, attitude, distance, or “I’m fine.” Life & Personal Growth Practical reminders for healing, resilience, self-worth, and taking the next honest step. WHO WE ARE Real People. Real Experience. Real Care. Mental Horizons was founded by someone who’s been in the trenches — raising teens, navigating mental health challenges, and learning, often the hard way, what actually helps. Everything here is built on real life, continuous learning, and a deep belief that support should feel human, not clinical. This isn’t just a website. It’s a space we’re building because we needed it too. Lived Experience We know what it feels like to face heavy days, hard conversations, and moments that do not come with simple instructions. Always Learning We stay curious, keep learning, and share support that is grounded, useful, and honest. Community Focused Mental Horizons is built around connection, understanding, and the reminder that nobody should have to carry everything alone. Your Privacy Matters This is a respectful space where your story stays your own, and support never comes with pressure or judgment. WHAT WE BELIEVE What We Believe Mental Horizons is built on simple beliefs: people need honest support, practical guidance, and a place where hard things can be talked about without shame. That’s enough. Don’t over-explain here. Support Should Feel Human Real support should not feel cold, fake, or impossible to use. It should meet people where they are and help them take one honest next step. Small Steps Still Count Healing does not always look impressive from the outside. Sometimes progress is simply getting through today with a little more understanding than yesterday. Hard Conversations Matter Mental health, parenting, and personal growth all get easier when people have safer ways to talk, listen, and understand what is really going on. No Judgement. No Fake Fixes. This space is built for real people, real struggles, and imperfect days. No pressure to have it all figured out before you begin.

With today's generation of teens. Is there truly a guaranteed way to teach so they will do as they were told and honor what is asked? You be the judge. Learn the whole story. Staying true to the CurlyStache mission, only opinionated and grounded in facts. Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 004 - 10.26.23 Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens How many of you have asked yourself, "When the hell will that kid ever learn?" or "What do I have to do to make them understand?" Yeah, we've all been there. Preaching to the choir, we love our teens to death, but sometimes it feels like there is no getting through to them as they make boneheaded decisions. I'm here to tell you, don't sweat it. Besides the usual teenage growing pains, there is one way to ingrain your teachings into them, guaranteed for the better or worse. Although my personal dream of raising teens by having them hold a series of rules, morals, and ethics books and learning through osmosis will always be #1, inculcating learning is definitely a #2 for me. I'm guessing the words "inculcate" and "inculcating" are on the uppermost edge of the average person's vocabulary. I know it was mine. I won't lie; I had to look it up and double-check to ensure I used it correctly. The simple definition is to cause someone to learn or understand through repetition. Other synonyms include ingrain, infuse, implant, and instill. The critical part of the definition is "through repetition." Like us adults, teens are flawed; they have it much worse when you stop and think about it, and we, as parents, tend to become more critical when they do not learn or do it correctly. I get it. Every parent is screaming in their head, "But I've told them over and over again! They just choose not to listen or obey me!" Bear in mind three factors that make it harder for teens to do it right the first time (than, say, adults), which are often overlooked or taken for granted: Teens are pushing their boundaries, seeing what they can get away with—testing the waters per se Hormones play a part (most of the time, in the heat of the moment, they don't realize it), causing their thought process, prejudice, and emotions to dictate their actions over reasoning and obedience. They are flat-out still learning and figuring things out; remember, as a parent, you have an advantage and already have an additional generation's worth of knowledge and wisdom. You don't question what is told like your teen does because you've learned or are old enough to know it is for the best—our teens aren't there yet. Please note there are no excuses for teens not to do what they are told or whatever is asked. I never said it makes it impossible for teens to do it right the first time—only harder. The easiest way to help push along the learning process, or the learning curve, is to inculcate learning. Learn by repetition. In doing this, our teens will begin doing the essential things in life instinctively rather than consciously. Introduce your philosophies, methods, and teachings in a habit-forming way, remaining consistent every day. In doing this over time, like muscle memory, their mind will begin to institutionalize and incorporate it whether they like it or not. Before you know it, much like a sleep pattern, their body and mind will start to adjust, and one day, you'll find yourself not inculcating them. On that day, they will just do it, and you will see it and not say anything even though you want to celebrate, throw a party, and (of course) praise and thank them for a job well done. Instead, you will just sit back and enjoy that well-deserved moment; every parent needs a 5-minute triumph break. Damn, I just made that sound like even a 9-year-old could handle parenting with those step-by-step words of wisdom, wouldn't you say? Not even close. Far from it, achieving these goals takes significant time and effort. When inculcating teens, the effort you put into shaping your teen directly shows in the outcome. The harder you strive and work at it, the better the results. To be clear, this method is a process that takes time. It is like training for a marathon. After all, that is what you are doing, training your teen for the marathon of adulthood. I stand by it: if you keep at it, I guarantee you that you can inculcate your teen with any of life's lessons. Date Until next time! Thursday, October 26, 2023 Episode 004 - "Inculcate: Guaranteed to Teach Teens" (Copy Again) Copy Link Share Blog Help us spread the word! This is how we grow and flourish as a blog and website. From me to you and your friends. https://www.curlystache.com/mashup/inculcate What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com

Suppose we can understand the reasons why our tweens and teens have the desire to get high, drunk, or anything else. If we can do that, we can begin to pull back the veil and peer into their mindset and what is causing them to be rebellious. It's necessary to recognize, though, that every teen is different and unique in their own right, and there are no two identical situations as to why each tween or teen does drugs. This makes it vital to understand why they choose to use drugs & alcohol. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us Tweens & Teens Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital Guiding teenagers who gravitate to their drug or alcohol of choice In this blog: In this blog: Raising teens today and maneuvering through drug & alcohol abuse Top 13 reasons WHY tweens & teens use or abuse long after experimentation Suppose we can understand the reasons why our tweens and teens have the desire to get high, drunk, or anything else. If we can do that, we can begin to pull back the veil and peer into their mindset and what is causing them to be rebellious in doing what we've most likely preached against for their entire life. When and if we can accomplish this, we can nip the problem in the bud and potentially additional related issues. It's necessary to recognize, though, that every teen is different and unique in their own right, so there are no two identical situations as to why each tween or teen does drugs. This means you must really focus and pay attention to the littlest details to understand the why. Written By Daniel Currie Published: November 27, 2023 Relativity Rating What's this? Drugs are bad*. I am pretty sure if you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, or simply a sensible, caring human being with a tween or teenager in your life, you know this. There are thousands of blogs and websites out there that will tell you this, with hundreds of ways to prevent drug abuse and misuse while encouraging healthy decision-making. Although the CurlyStache stance is that we strongly agree with those statements, this article will not dwell on it. Instead, let's try to understand why tweens and teens make those decisions. How come they choose to continue down the rabbit hole even when (and especially when) they know it is wrong, unhealthy, and usually carries the potential of life-threatening risks. Remember, this article talks less about trying something for the first time . I have tailored this entry toward those who use drugs recreationally or worse. Nevertheless, understanding why tweens and teens begin down this road is half the battle and, critically, often gets overlooked. Suppose we can intimately understand their attraction to the drug or drugs and its appeal. In that case, we can empathize and understand their position, allowing us to custom-fit a regimen to help them. Additionally, it will enable us to see through to them on a deeper level, encouraging them to engage and reach out. Furthermore, by doing this, they become more comfortable confiding in you when asking for help and guidance in these tricky times. It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: It is imperative to remember there are hundreds of reasons, even multiple reasons, why our teens do what they do, using or abusing drugs. Furthermore, each reasoning is usually just as complex as the tween or teen. Regardless, I have included the top 13 reasons why our tweens and teens continue to use or abuse drugs long after the experimentation phase: ◄ Previous Next ► Remember, most of the time, there are multiple reasons. For example, little Peter, 13 years old, has been caught stealing his parent's beer and drinking it in the past. Since then, Mom and Dad started counting the cans and watching them closely to ensure Peter doesn't continue. A year later, Mom and Dad catch him again, realizing he is still stealing their beer, but only waiting until they are drunk and not paying close attention to the count anymore. He is clearly consuming by choice now, with the only reason he couldn't use is "out of curiosity." This is when it becomes necessary to start understanding his mindset, "this" being the second time getting caught, presuming the first time was for experimental or curiosity reasons. Nevertheless, since he was caught red-handed for the second time, his Mom and Dad must take a unique stance with distinctive action when talking with him. They must discipline Peter for breaking the rules and doing something illegal. Mom and Dad's attitude and demeanor become paramount at this point. How they come off will directly impact his reaction, how he responds, and potentially their relationship after the fact. Despite their disappointment and anger in Peter, Mom and Dad should remain as calm, relaxed, and collected as possible—even if they need to take a break and talk later. They mustn't fly off the handle, much like an authoritarian would. Conversely, completely blowing it off, becoming permissive or neglectful , is irresponsible and not good parenting either. Instead, Mom and Dad must be firm yet compassionate, remembering he is doing what makes him feel good too (parents are the same way—they just have the wisdom and "big-picture" understanding!). They must respect, listen without interruption, and be patient with their teen. The goal is to become more authoritative while being sensitive toward Peter's feelings and ensuring openness and presence for the teen. During their talk about drinking, they gave Peter the floor, allowing him to explain his actions with his own reasonings, without interruption or interjection. Although his parents disagreed with his explanation, and there was no excuse, it improved the chances of Peter returning the same respect after they attentively listened, allowing Peter to explain himself. Once Peter laid it all out for them and was given ample opportunity to say what he needed without anyone intervening, it was Mom and Dad's turn. Knowing they were getting the best version of Peter in a bad situation now, they began asking questions in hopes of understanding why he was still drinking. In this thought experiment, some of the questions (and answers) during their sit-down were: Why? But why alcohol and not something else? I'm thankful it wasn't drugs, though; I'm just curious. At y our age, drinking is just as bad as drugs. Where did you see that drinking was cool? How long has this been going on for? Do you honestly plan on stopping? Do you feel this 'urge' to NEED to drink even if you want to do something else? —"It makes me feel weird. But good." —"Drugs scare me, and both of you drink, so I thought it can't be as bad as weed or something like that." —"Well, none of my friends drink, I don't think, but stuff like that shows up on Insta and Twitter sometimes, sometimes Snapchat stories. But I promise, really, I don't have that stuff set as my interests/favorites or following or anything like that. It just shows up occasionally." —"I dunno. Let's just say it isn't the first time... Sorry." —"Yes and no. I would like to because it kind of seems stupid since I've drunk a few times, but I like the feeling, too." —"No, I only stole a few beers when you stopped paying attention. Otherwise, I wouldn't have cared and just figured out a way to get them if I felt like I NEEDED it- like I do ice cream!" After asking the proper questions and trying to figure out why Peter was doing it, they found it was most likely 3-parts "boredom and instant gratification," 2-parts "social media," and 1-part "family history," with the father's side having a history of abuse. With this information, Mom and Dad, after talking about it and not rushing to judgment, found the best form of punishment was giving him 1 hour of Internet per day. The thought process was that they would allow Peter one chance to clean up his actions on his own before seeking professional help, with family history being put into question. Limited Internet would force him to budget his time for online homework and other "essential" online needs, leaving little time for social media since that was a key factor. While that example was pretty detailed and in-depth, knowing there is more to it is important, too. For instance, your tween or teen's body language plays a role, knowing when a lie is being told and knowing that perhaps only half the truth is being told. In addition, it is essential to keep a vigilant eye out afterward for changes—good or bad. A misnomer that you will often hear when it comes to drug or alcohol abuse is "watch for attitude or behavior issues." Why is that a misnomer? Isn't it true? Sure, 95% of the time, your tween or teen's attitude or behavior will have issues and worsen. However, in the case of an undiagnosed health condition, it could become the opposite, where the adverse or negative happens. For example, if your tween or teen started showing symptoms of what would become OCD if left untreated and then began smoking marijuana around the same time. While under the influence, their behavior or mindset may improve via, in essence, self-medicating. In contrast, if they abruptly stop, the symptoms of OCD would become far more prevalent, causing them to appear to be under the influence or dependent on a drug. An involved, caring parent who wants nothing but the best for their tween or teen must constantly, without rest, keep a sharp eye out on their teen's surroundings. Half the battle in most cases when raising teens today is understanding the why, not just how to deal with it. Your tween or teen will continue to grow, making their own decisions. Our primary job as parents, grandparents, guardians, or whatever the relationship is is to ensure we do the best we can for them and guide them down the straight and narrow so that they become successful in life one day. More CurlyStache Blog Posts! Memento Mori: Happy Halloween CurlyStache Mashups CurlyStache Mashups Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Read Now 👉 Episode: Daniel Currie Up Previous Next Up Memento Mori: Happy Halloween CurlyStache Full-Length Blogs CurlyStache Full-Length Blogs Written By: Daniel Currie Published on: Saturday, October 28, 2023 Read Now 👉 Up Previous Next Up * While this article is designed with illegal drugs (for all ages) and alcohol for those under the legal age in mind, many aspects of this blog can pertain to issues regarding 18+ or 21+ age "drugs," such as smoking or vaping and prescription/OTC drugs. Notes Comments Let us know what you think, the floor is yours! ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Tweens & Teens Using Drugs & Alcohol: WHY is Vital Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com

A torrent of metaphorical cacophony is a trademark of raising teens today, loving them, and never giving up on them. Simply put, clearing your head from all the noise and stress your teen can cause is sometimes virtually impossible. Learn how to take this anxiety and animosity and turn it into something positive, forging character, wisdom, and strength from it. Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Mashup: Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 008 - 12.04.23 Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head How many of you out there have a teen that makes your mind want to melt down from a cacophony of turbulence from them? Take it literally or metaphorically. I bet if you stumbled upon this blog entry, that is you. To some, a better question might be, "Umm... cacophony? Could you dumb it down slightly?" To those, I won't bull shit you. I had no idea, either. It was one of those deals where I saw it in passing and found it intriguing. Armed with my smartphone, it was worth looking it up real quick. If you haven't Googled it by now, let me save you the time: "A harsh, discordant mixture of sounds." I don't know about you, but my teens seem to effortlessly get in my head, making a helluva ruckus, literally and metaphorically. With all their complexities, wants, needs, drama, rebelliousness, attitudes, hormones, and emotions. What can I—or what can we do about it to make our lives a little easier? The straight answer without the nonsense is not much. Sure, if they are (literally) cacophonous and making sounds like nails on a chalkboard, we can have them stop. But metaphorically speaking, it's obviously not that easy. I hate to break the news to you, but we are all cursed; now we get to see how we acted when we were teenagers to our parents, guardians, or family members. Think about it. That's how we were; sometimes for the better, sometimes worse. How do we get through it? How do we pierce the deafening cacophonic stress that our teens (to put bluntly) brought into our lives that we would otherwise never have had? Again, the simple answer is there will never be a golden ticket to escape the noise our teens sometimes put in our heads. The easiest way to pierce the cacophony is to think of it as generating character and wisdom in us. Stay with me here; their poor decisions or rebellious actions that give us frequent anxiety, apprehension, and anxiousness are the same things that provide us with a greater appreciation for confidence, peace, and calmness. In most cases, this will further mold us as individuals. Many believe that as you grow up, you continue to develop your likes and dislikes, primarily by trial and error. It is ever-evolving and changing until you reach adulthood, where, for the most part, your desires and opinions are fully formed. While true, many do not realize that the mind never stops in its quest for bliss. As a parent, guardian, or family member raising teens today, we will undoubtedly see a lot of "anti-bliss" moments, adding to our character and wisdom. In addition, we will add those moments to our "let's not ever go through this again" memory bank. While raising teens today and guiding teenagers through some of their turbulent times, we are frequently reminded of the unpleasant times with the intense cacophony noises in our head from the stress and anxiety of the situation. Don't give up on them despite the noise. Keep pushing through, even if it is futile, pointless, and hopeless. The reasons for this are simple: First, obviously, if you call yourself a good parent, you need to be a good role model, being there for them. Unconditional love. Secondly, and just as important, although this typically isn't seen until later in life, it strengthens your relationship with your teen. As time passes, you and your teen will remember and recognize how you both endured, forging a bond even stronger than it may otherwise be. When you look back on it, you will realize how they were worth every stressed, anxious moment and (metaphorical) cacophonic memory. Relativity Rating What's this? Until next time! Date Monday, December 4, 2023 Share Blog Episode 008 - "Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head" (Copy Again) Copy Link Help us spread the word! This is how we grow and flourish as a blog and website. From me to you and your friends. https://www.curlystache.com/mashup/cacophony What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Mashup: Cacophony: Ruckus in the Head Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com

Like most dads, Daddy's little girl for life is how I wanted it to be, but I learned that teenage girls have different plans quickly. In this CurlyStache Mashup, I tell a story and quickly introduce reality—like hitting a brick wall, how it really is, and how to push through. Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | About Us The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 007 - 11.18.23 Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire This Thanksgiving week, I wanted to express my appreciation to all of you who read these blogs and have subscribed to the blog articles. We wouldn't be here without you. If this is your first read, feel free to skim through other posts, like, share, and subscribe to get notifications when the newest articles drop! Enjoy the mashup, where it is opinionated but always grounded in facts! I want to throw out a story about when my daughter finally became a teenager and the experiences that came with it, how I felt as a parent, and how to power through the rough times. Like most dads, Daddy's little girl for life is how I wanted it to be, but I learned that teenage girls have different plans quickly. I remember the day my daughter turned 13. I was excited for the new transition to finally have a slightly older girl, officially a teen, that I could have fun with being the immature father my wife insists I am. But as the years went by, I found myself becoming more and more frustrated with her. She was always on her phone, never did her chores, and seemed to have no interest in anything other than her friends and social media. One day, after a particularly frustrating argument, I decided to step back and really think about what was happening. I realized that I had been focusing so much on what she wasn't doing that I was missing out on all the good she was doing. I decided I needed to sit her down and have a heart-to-heart with her. You know, to clear the air and let her know how much I truly appreciated her. I thanked her for being kind and thoughtful in her own way, always being there for her friends, and goofing off with me, even if it wasn't as much anymore. I told her I was proud of her and loved her more than anything in the world. Needless to say, she was surprised but grateful for what I had to say. We hugged and told each other we loved each other, and our relationship couldn't have been better since. Did anybody reading this catch I used the word "story" in the opening sentence? Yeah, it was a story. Nothing more than a fairy tale with a happy ending. In the real world, young teens are programmed to push the limits in search of individuality and happiness. They will do things we disapprove of, disappoint us, and even hurt us—whether they realize it sometimes or not. That is part of growing up, and that is how they learn. If that is how they learn, am I saying it makes it all right, and they should continue to do whatever they want regardless of how we feel just because they are "programmed" to? Hell no, it's not right. We stay right on them by disciplining them as necessary for mistakes they make. That's how they learn. If they do the wrong thing again in the future, they will know it isn't right (with the reason why), and they have to weigh the "freedom of will" vs. the consequence. The choice is always up to them. It is up to us parents to educate and guide them in the right direction. If they fall, it's crucial to help them back up and never give up on them. Eventually, as they mature and become young adults, they will begin to remember your teachings over the years, be humbled by them, and learn from them once and for all—just as you did! Indeed, our teens will always give us gray hair or cause it to fall out with their fierce quest for independence and happiness. Remember, though, they wouldn't be who they are without your presence, love, guidance, and inability to give up on them. By the same token, without them, you wouldn't be who you are. When a person can have that much influence on another, we describe that as a side effect of love. Let your teen know you are thankful for them this holiday season, even if you don't get the fairy tale ending (I sure didn't!). Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Relativity Rating What's this? Until next time! Date Saturday, November 18, 2023 Share Blog Episode 007 - "Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire" (Copy Again) Copy Link Help us spread the word! This is how we grow and flourish as a blog and website. From me to you and your friends. https://www.curlystache.com/mashup/ambition-v-desire What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> You are Here: CurlyStache | Teenage Ambition v. Parental Desire Privacy Policy | Cookies Policy | Contact Us CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com

Explore teen tattoos: a journey between allure and maturity. Discover insights and perspectives on navigating this rite of passage to adulthood. Read Now! Tattoo Decisions: Wisdom Beyond Ink , a Personal Journey Written By : Daniel Currie Published On : 4 /5 /2023 Raising teens today is challenging, especially when they become of legal age, to make permanent decisions that will affect them for the remainder of their lives. Guiding teenagers during this newfound independence is the core of every good parent. This article shows life through the eyes of a young 18-year-old man determined to cash in on his new freedoms. This true story aims to remove the good and bad to understand where the teen is coming from so you can best connect with young adults looking for some Human Ink. Table of Contents Basecamp 17.99875 18.00000 Sinking In Wisdom Beyond Years Conclusion Blog Focus: Read Time: Tattoos & Piercings 5 minutes Relativity Rating: Late Teens & Young Adults What's this? Basecamp: Belief system- Desecration or Divine Art? As a parent, it always seems there are two primary camps for them. One basecamp typically screams that it is a desecration of the body, that your body is beautiful just the way it is, and that that kind of stuff only belongs to delinquents, gang members, and thugs. Then there are the parents that ride the other side of the line and believe that if their child is of age, they can do whatever they want to themselves, with a good ole, "more power to ya" attitude. 17.99875 years old. 3 hours to go. As nearly all of us adults have experienced earlier in life, once you turn 18, it feels like a wash of invigorating freedom is associated with it. Living in upstate New York in 2001, things were a little different than they are now. For instance, I could buy tobacco at that age, whereas now it's 21. Now let me take you back in time; set the scene. Growing up in a small town, no gangs or serious crimes were present, but I was not an angel; most considered me the kid heading down the wrong path. Anyway, on this day, I was 17 years old and was home at 9 pm with just a few hours left until my birthday. I had my car and a class DJ license where I could not drive past 9 pm unless work-related, as required by NYS law until 18, and I was itching for midnight to hit. I was planning on getting the hell out of my house. I was my own man by law then. 18.00000 years old. now a man... now an agenda. Midnight hit. I swiped my keys off my desk and headed for the door. My stepfather stopped me before I got my shoes on and told me I was not going anywhere. After an intense quarrel, I hit the door and got in my car. This disobedient delinquent first swung over to my friend's house to pick him up, then went to a gas station to get a mess of scratch-offs and a few packs of smokes. Next stop: Denny's all-night diner. I let my buddy treat me to an early morning steak and eggs for my birthday as we sat there for a few hours sipping on coffee, chain-smoking, and scratching off all the lottery tickets. Wow, it was a rush. It was an incredible feeling to do all of that. But, I couldn't help thinking that a few hours ago, I was home, in my room, like being stuck in a little jail cell compared to what I was now experiencing. The best way to describe this feeling was instantly growing up to adulthood. I saw the world with a new point of view, during the night hours when everyone was home sleeping except for the ones who just wanted to have fun- like me! Sinking In: the mind is beginning to realize the possibilities. Naturally, this got me thinking of all that came with my newfound nightlife: I could obviously be out much later at night, perhaps work some more hours for quick cash, and spend more time with my friends and girl with the added hours in a day (with my new perspective). What could I say? It was the best present ever and nobody actually "gave" it to me. As you can only imagine, while the night progressed, I started thinking of all the other things I could do besides driving around aimlessly. I now had new legal rights; I could start a business, get emancipated, drop out of school, or do whatever I wanted. The thought of having power over my life was utterly infatuating! Wisdom Beyond Years: realization that permanent means permanent. Of course, I knew months before my 18th birthday that meant I had the chance to do some body customization with tattoos and body piercings. So what did I do a few days after my 18th birthday? You'd be wrong if you thought I went out and got a tattoo. I refused to get one- even at that young age. It wasn't that I was afraid of needles, and no barriers prevented me from getting a tattoo. The only task I would have had to overcome if I got one was a family fight of biblical proportions since I come from a very structured, traditional home. I refused to get a tattoo because I knew deep down inside my core that I was too immature for one. I realized the odds weren't in my favor and that I probably wouldn't like whatever design or placement I may have chosen back then. That single decision was one of my greatest triumphs as a young 18-year-old man that I can look back on now as a mature adult. I have always had a knack for looking at the "big picture" in the ultra-deep field when it comes to items like this, specifically when it pertains to something permanent and unchangeable. Conclusion: The takeaway from my story my opinion, ideas, and learning from my past. My beliefs regarding tattoos have always been that I approve of them, and they are a distinctive form of self-expression and art. There is one glaring exception to my outlook though: maturity. Teens and developing young adults are still rather impressionable by their peers, social media, and the newest trends and fads. That said, there are also exceptions to the rule. For example, a tattoo memorializing your best friend or close family member who passed away, being a die-hard sports fan of a particular team for all your life, or some symbolism ink (like sisters each getting matching tattoos)- but even then, be careful. There is no right or wrong answer; these are just my principles regarding tattoos. Continue Reading Mini-Series: How To Properly Handle Your Teen Wanding A Tattoo "Human Ink" - Part II You've just explored my eye-opening personal story. Now empower yourself with our expert guide on confidently tackling the moment your teen approaches you about getting a tattoo. Read Article! 👉 Enjoy it? Spread the word and share it with the masses! Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link And don't forget to voice your thoughts and share your feedback below! comments debug Comments Write a comment Write a comment Share Your Thoughts Be the first to write a comment. 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A short raising teens blog, 3 minutes long, with multiple writing styles. This week's episode 002, is geared towards self-educating to better hone parenting skills. Dive deeper! Each of the 4 styles comes with a sub-blog link in the article. The Mashup: Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Find us on Social! >>> The Mashup: Short Raising Teens Blog Entries. Opinionated. Grounded in Facts. 002 - 10.11.23 Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles I want to bring back an oldie but goodie in this episode. One of the first blog series I wrote was on parenting styles. This Mashup post is geared towards self-education, giving you the tools to identify the type of parent you are in the eyes of professionals, scholars, psychologists, and doctors. Revealing these 4 parenting styles will allow you to identify your style and objectively and clearly understand your strengths and weaknesses, bettering yourself as a parent. Furthermore, it gives you a solid benchmark, allowing you to take a step back and identify your progress in your parenting quest compared to where you want to be, allowing new and improved goals to be set. Regardless, I assure you, nobody is perfect. Despite having four identifiable parenting classifications, nobody falls perfectly into one specific category—which is a good thing! This is what makes us extraordinary, unique parents! We all have our distinctive version of parenting. Without further ado, here are the 4 types. Neglectful Parenting It may sound rough, saying you could be a "neglectful" person- especially regarding your child- but it doesn't mean you don't love and care for them. The primary characteristics include the following: Absent, uninvolved, and freedom-giving Guidance and emotional support are rare Indifferent to the nourishing of their social, behavioral, and emotional life Basic needs are the parent's primary role (food, shelter, clothing) Read the full article on Neglectful Parenting here! Permissive Parenting This style has become more popular recently with the assistance of social media and various human rights movements, concentrating on their child's needs in excess. Characteristics of a permissive parent include: Parent/child relationship is primarily child-driven (Over)indulges their child with rewards to dodge conflicts There are very few rules; they are very inconstantly enforced or not enforced at all Parents are very nourishing to their children but find it challenging to impose limitations and boundaries Read the full article on Permissive Parenting here! Authoritarian Parenting Although firm and rigid, this type of parenting is still fairly popular for many reasons, including how the parent was raised, culture, religion, and nationality. In recent years, however, this style has declined as more parents find permissive parenting a compelling choice. A few traits of an authoritarian parent are: Parent/child relationship is primarily parent-driven Very rigid and strict household rules that set very harsh punishments Indifferent to the nourishing of their social and emotional life Communication is typically one-way from parent to child Read the full article on Authoritarian Parenting here! Authoritative Parenting Authoritative parenting has been best described as a happy medium between the permissive and authoritarian styles, pulling from the best of both worlds. Parents strive for this most popular type, even if they fall short and land in another category. Some of the key points are: Parents are responsive, supportive, and nurturing Sets firm rules set in the home; parents are willing to listen and reason but don't necessarily always accept what the child has to say Uses open communication and natural consequences for wrongdoings Attempt to mold their child's growth and behavior by taking an interest and explaining, discussing, and reasoning with them as they do good and bad Read the full article on Authoritative Parenting here! What kind or kinds are you? I opened this Mashup for comment (down below! 👇), so please let me know. Are you permissive with a hint of authoritative? I'd love to hear! Please check out the series, which goes into more detail on each, including the pros and cons and how to get the most out of your parenting style. Links below to the 6-part Parenting Series. Part I - "What Kind R U" (Intro to series) Part II - "The Big UNcubed" (Neglectful Parenting) Part III - "The Great PRO³" (Permissive Parenting) Part IV - "What THE?" (Authoritarian Parenting) Part V - "HA! HA! HA!" (Authoritative Parenting) Part VI - "UN derstanding the PRO blems THE y HA ve" (The takeaway from the series) LOOK for the play on words in each blog and how the title relates to the sections of each! Date Until next time! Wednesday, October 11, 2023 Share Blog (Copy Again) Copy Link https://www.curlystache.com/mashup Episode 002 - "Uncover 4 Superior Parenting Styles" What? So, what exactly is the Mashup? Precisely as it sounds: a blend of online writing styles in a format ranging from storytelling and structured to opinionated to factual, formal to casual, and personal to professional—all while ensuring we keep true to the CurlyStache mission of guiding teenagers and raising teens today in a volatile society. The Mashup is designed to be more opinionated, grounded in facts, less researched, and directed to spark ideas and discussions. When? During the weeks I cannot get a blog out, I will fill that void with a Mashup entry. Remember to follow us on Facebook @CurlyStache Blogs and through all your favorite social media outlets to get notified of the newest releases! And be sure to share it with friends and families that could benefit! Why? I enjoy writing and expressing my opinions on essential issues when raising teens today. There are times throughout the week when I cannot get to my computer as much as I would like—or cannot do my due diligence and research a blog to present it how I want it and still be backed by facts. This fills the void. Short articles containing whatever is on my mind grounded in current events relating to parenting and teen issues, writing in whatever style vibing at the time. ▲ Back to Top Home Blogs About Us GT Archive Search More Find us on Social! >>> CurlyStache Blogs: A division of CurlyStache, www.curlystache.com . | Raising Teens Today: Guiding Teenagers with Essential Parenting Dos and Don'ts Copyright notice: All images on this page, including all pages within the https://www.curlystache.com domain, are fully licensed or created for the sole purpose of this website. For additional information, please contact us at admin@curlystache.com