Navigating the waters of adolescence can be challenging, tiring, discouraging, and frustrating. Yet they can also be exciting, adventurous, and rewarding. Below are some resources that we have compiled to help you as a parent through this time – somewhat of a map & compass as you steer through the mirky waters of adolescence.
This page will continue to grow and develop. It is certainly not all-encompassing, but we hope it will prove useful to you as a parent.
You are in our prayers…
“Living with Teenagers” provided by LifeWay Church Resources.
This is a great magazine for parents, provided by most churches through a subscription service. If it not available at your church, talk with your church administrator or education director about receiving it. There is also a version for parents with younger children and preschoolers.
Visit lifeway.com/magazines for more information on this great magazine for parents of teenagers.
Center for Parent Youth Understanding
Have you ever wondered what all was going in the culture of today’s youth? Well, this resource will provide you with up-to-date information regarding trends in youth culture, including dress, music, technology, slang, pop culture, drug/substance abuse, social life, etc. Walt Mueller heads up this resource. You can receive a weekly email update, including news articles regarding certain studies and surveys in youth culture.
Visit cpyu.org for more information including a huge “links” page for a variety of topics regarding youth and parenting.
A recent, in-depth study of the adolescent brain…
Ever wanted to know what your teenager is really thinking. Click on the link below to go directly to a study that provides up-to-date research on the adolscent brain, including some new, cutting edge discoveries. The study is sponsored by Teenpregnancy.org. Quite interesting…
teenpregnancy.org/resources/reading/pdf/BRAIN.pdf
Adolescent Brain Development: A Framework for Understanding Unique Vulnerabilities and Opportunities
Click on the link below to look over this incredibly in-depth power point presentation for more information on adolescent life and thinking. There’s quite a few pages, but you are sure to find some information to help better guide your teen through the challenging years of adolesence. It will also help guide your thinking ABOUT teens in general. This is sponsored by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families.
The Power of Music and its Effect on Youth
Stanford news recently published an articles by Kathleen O’Toole reviewing a recent book, It’s Not Only Rock and Roll, on the the power of pop music on youth culture. It discusses how youth use music, male vs. female appeal in music, warning labels, and MTV. Click the link below to view the full article.