2020-05-11 09:49
Typically each Spring, high school seniors respond back to colleges letting them know if they plan to attend in the ... Continue reading Read More
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Middle Earth Blog
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Blog for parents, teachers and other community members discussing teen and adolescent issues, ranging from school, drugs, sex, constructive use of time, responsibility and more.
2020-05-03 12:34
Before the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 1 in 5 American children (ages 3 ... Continue reading Read More
2020-04-26 14:44
The stay-at-home orders across the country have been met with a variety of reactions from the public. Some people are ... Continue reading Read More
2020-04-20 15:10
School dances. Sports. Parties. Hanging out with friends. Driving. Teams. Birthday celebrations. Flirting in school hallways. Graduations. College tours. Performances. ... Continue reading Read More
2020-04-13 10:45
Adolescents across the world are facing an unprecedented change. Many schools are closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and are ... Continue reading Read More
2020-04-06 10:55
Children, even teenagers, are keen observers and they tend to mirror what they see and feel from their primary caregivers. ... Continue reading Read More
2020-03-29 17:33
As the world shuts down and families take refuge inside their homes in an effort to flatten the curve of ... Continue reading Read More
2020-03-22 13:01
One of the reasons difficult circumstances are hard to deal with is because we feel out of control. When we ... Continue reading Read More
2020-03-15 18:16
Due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19, many families are facing the unimaginable … being stuck together inside for weeks in ... Continue reading Read More
2020-03-09 17:39
We all want our teenagers to have good judgment. Every parent hopes their child will make positive choices that demonstrate ... Continue reading Read More
2020-03-02 18:10
TikTok is a major phenomenon! It was the most downloaded app of 2019 and has one billion active users. It ... Continue reading Read More
2020-02-24 16:48
The number of children and teenagers visiting doctor’s offices with overuse injuries is climbing dramatically. An overuse injury is any ... Continue reading Read More
2020-02-17 18:24
To develop into a productive adult, teens need to learn to do things on their own, but it can feel ... Continue reading Read More
2020-02-10 15:47
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s a great time to think about your teen’s dating life. Dating is ... Continue reading Read More
2020-02-03 18:03
In just one year’s time — between 2018 and 2019 — the percentage of high school seniors who reported vaping ... Continue reading Read More
2020-01-27 15:03
Yes, teens are moody. They often roll their eyes, act annoyed, and slam doors. This is to be expected, as ... Continue reading Read More
2020-01-20 14:45
All of us are naturally drawn to people who are like us. We feel connected and understood when we find ... Continue reading Read More
2020-01-13 18:21
Middle school is an inherently stressful environment because it’s a major transitional stage in life. Tweens are being faced with ... Continue reading Read More
2020-01-06 15:47
According to a new report, The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Tweens and Teens, 2019, American teenagers spend an ... Continue reading Read More
2019-12-30 15:30
Most of us could probably list ten things that we know would make us better parents, but trying to tackle ... Continue reading Read More
2019-12-23 15:27
Sadly, our culture promotes drinking as a way to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and other holidays. For example, you ... Continue reading Read More
2019-12-16 13:46
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday, or some other holiday, it can be difficult to purchase gifts for ... Continue reading Read More
2019-12-09 17:52
During adolescence, it is fairly typical for a child to confide less in adults and more in friends. While adults ... Continue reading Read More
2019-12-02 17:34
Vaping, the act of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic cigarette (or e-cigarette) or vaporizer, is very popular among youth. ... Continue reading Read More
2019-11-25 12:35
Is your teen a positive or negative thinker? Believe it or not, regardless of our inherent personalities, science tells us ... Continue reading Read More
2019-11-18 18:06
A national survey of adolescents (age 12-17) put out in 2019 by the Center on Addiction shows that parents are ... Continue reading Read More
2019-11-11 16:14
We can all agree that leadership is an important quality for successful adults. Good leadership is vital to the success ... Continue reading Read More
2019-11-04 18:14
If you’re a parent of a teen who is angry, aggressive, or violent, you may live in constant fear. You ... Continue reading Read More
2019-10-28 17:35
The American Psychological Association (APA) periodically surveys the American public about their stress levels, and since 2013, teens have consistently ... Continue reading Read More
2019-10-22 15:06
Adolescence is a time of major change. The changes can be so dramatic that it leaves parents confused and uncertain ... Continue reading Read More
2019-10-14 17:22
Recent research shows that perfectionism – which includes a combination of excessively high personal standards and overly critical self-evaluations – ... Continue reading Read More
2019-10-07 16:02
One of the worst things to hear from your child are the words, “someone is spreading rumors about me.” It’s ... Continue reading Read More
2019-09-30 16:54
Having healthy relationships is a vital part of a person’s overall wellbeing, and our teens are no different. Teens need ... Continue reading Read More
2019-09-23 16:52
At our core, everyone wants to feel that they matter. People want to know they are important in some way ... Continue reading Read More
2019-09-16 15:28
Now that the new school year is in full swing, homework is likely to be a regular requirement for your ... Continue reading Read More
2019-09-09 15:34
If your teen is a junior or senior in high school, they will likely be thinking about colleges. Starting in ... Continue reading Read More
2019-09-03 11:57
Vocational education, or career and technical education, teaches students skills that prepare them to work in a particular field. The ... Continue reading Read More
2019-08-26 12:45
Many middle school students are involved in “romantic” relationships. While you might consider “dating” the process of going places with someone to get to know them b… Read More
2019-08-19 15:30
The values that children believe are important to their parents have a significant impact on their development. In fact, in ... Continue reading Read More
2019-08-12 13:31
Binge drinking is defined as having four or more alcoholic drinks during a two- to three-hour period. Typically, someone who ... Continue reading Read More
2019-08-05 13:12
Negotiation is the process where two people with different needs and goals discuss an issue to find a mutually acceptable ... Continue reading Read More
2019-07-29 14:30
It’s so exciting when your tween finishes elementary school, but they can become a nervous mess as the school year ... Continue reading Read More
2019-07-22 14:34
As many of our teens head off to college, we may be feeling nervous about their safety. It’s a good ... Continue reading Read More
2019-07-15 15:18
It’s a proud moment as a parent when your child leaves home for college, but it’s also an emotional one ... Continue reading Read More
2019-07-08 12:34
Vaping is the process of using a battery powered device, usually called an e-cigarette, to heat a liquid into a ... Continue reading Read More
2019-07-01 14:08
Conflict is part of life. We can’t hide from conflict or wish it away or pretend it’s not happening. It ... Continue reading Read More
2019-06-24 15:04
In today’s world of technology, teenagers often connect online. Unfortunately, this reality leaves our teens open to possible scams. “Catfishing” ... Continue reading Read More
2019-06-17 19:25
Change, uncertainty, and transition are a reality of life. The extent to which we are able to effectively respond to ... Continue reading Read More
2019-06-10 13:59
First we had helicopter parents — the types who anxiously “hover” over their children’s every move. Now, we have snowplow ... Continue reading Read More
2019-06-03 16:43
In several recent surveys, employers have complained that entry-level workers lack the necessary “soft” skills needed for success in the ... Continue reading Read More
2019-05-28 14:58
As soon as puberty hits and the hormones start flowing, the hygiene requirements for your child change dramatically in many ... Continue reading Read More
2019-05-20 17:16
Experts say that it’s vitally important to keep communication lines open with our teenagers. But anyone who has a teenager ... Continue reading Read More
2019-05-13 17:26
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to consider our stress and how we deal with ... Continue reading Read More
2019-05-06 17:01
There are so many options and activities for teens during the summer, it can be totally overwhelming to choose. Many ... Continue reading Read More
2019-04-29 17:10
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to consider what information you should be giving your teen ... Continue reading Read More
2019-04-22 15:26
We all know that fast food and ready-made meals are not the healthiest option, but teens are often hungry, on ... Continue reading Read More
2019-04-15 14:30
Last week’s blog discussed the importance and value of setting boundaries. This week, it’s time to help your teen learn ... Continue reading Read More
2019-04-08 17:30
Many people struggle with maintaining healthy relationships, which are characterized by respect, trust, equality, and honesty. Creating healthy relationships is ... Continue reading Read More
2019-04-01 17:52
A new national study, published in the March 2019 Journal of Abnormal Psychology, found sharp increases over the last decade ... Continue reading Read More
2019-03-25 17:53
As a parent, you have had to make all of the decisions about your children’s health care. But if you ... Continue reading Read More
2019-03-18 16:26
As if the college application process wasn’t stressful enough, news broke out last week about a $25 million college admissions ... Continue reading Read More
2019-03-11 16:13
A new study published February 13, 2019 in JAMA Psychiatry found that marijuana use during the teenage years was associated ... Continue reading Read More
2019-03-04 17:42
Teens need to know that life is full of disagreements, and how you handle them can ultimately determine how successful ... Continue reading Read More
2019-02-25 17:06
Every parent dreads a phone call from their child’s school to discuss poor behavior. It can bring up a wide ... Continue reading Read More
2019-02-18 13:19
In the past 20 years, suicide rates have increased 30%, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death among children ... Continue reading Read More
2019-02-11 18:15
The number of youth diagnosed with a concussion each year is rising. About 20% of teens said they have been ... Continue reading Read More
2019-02-04 18:28
Adolescence is that awkward time when children seem to suddenly switch from playing with toys to writing names of their ... Continue reading Read More
2019-01-28 01:54
Adolescence is a stage of development where children begin to separate from their parents, find their own identity, and think ... Continue reading Read More
2019-01-21 13:55
It is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week, a national health observance created by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for ... Continue reading Read More
2019-01-14 15:44
Anxiety is very common among teens. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that nearly one in three ... Continue reading Read More
2019-01-07 15:10
After a long winter break, many teens are very unhappy to return to school and you may hear a lot ... Continue reading Read More
2018-12-30 14:50
The tradition of New Year Resolutions stretches back thousands of years. It’s a perfect time to reflect on what is, ... Continue reading Read More
2018-12-23 15:00
Although our culture pushes the holidays as a joyous time, the reality can sometimes be different. Hectic schedules can make ... Continue reading Read More
2018-12-17 15:00
The holidays can be both a joyous and a stressful time for our families. If you have a teenager in ... Continue reading Read More
2018-12-10 14:42
Instagram is a free social media app that allows users to share photos and videos. It is extremely popular among ... Continue reading Read More
2018-12-03 15:30
Online activity is an important area for parents to protect their teens from potential harm. But even the most Internet ... Continue reading Read More
2018-11-26 15:28
Backtalk. Eye-rolling. Name-calling. Door-slamming. If these are common occurrences in your home, you are likely living with a teenager. While ... Continue reading Read More
2018-11-19 12:49
Teenagers get a bad rap. Yes, they can be frustrating, moody, and difficult. Yes, sometimes they make us want to ... Continue reading Read More
2018-11-12 18:54
For many families, there is just an assumption that our children will attend college. It seems like the next logical ... Continue reading Read More
2018-11-05 17:33
November is National Diabetes Month, and there is a nationwide crisis of diabetes in our youth. Parents should be aware ... Continue reading Read More
2018-10-29 12:18
Let’s face it: no one is ever excited to receive criticism. It can hurt to be told you’re wrong or ... Continue reading Read More
2018-10-22 20:42
Teenagers learning to drive is a rite of passage and can definitely be an exciting time in their lives. It ... Continue reading Read More
2018-10-15 12:06
One of the most important skills any of us can have is good communication. Our ability to communicate certainly impacts ... Continue reading Read More
2018-10-08 12:27
New research released this month in the American Journal of Psychiatry has found that marijuana causes long-lasting damage to an ... Continue reading Read More
2018-10-01 12:27
Youth violence affects thousands of young people each day, which in turn impacts our schools and communities. Youth violence typically ... Continue reading Read More
2018-09-24 16:44
The short answer is yes. Here is the longer answer: What is vaping? Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor ... Continue reading Read More
2018-09-17 14:50
In psychology today, experts have identified four basic parenting styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive and uninvolved parenting. They are defined as ... Continue reading Read More
2018-09-10 17:34
September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Just recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an increase in depression ... Continue reading Read More
2018-09-04 14:58
If your teen is coming home from residential treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction, it’s a good idea for ... Continue reading Read More
2018-08-27 17:38
Experts believe that extracurricular activities are very important to a youth’s development. After-school programs, sports, part-time jobs, clubs and other ... Continue reading Read More
2018-08-19 23:27
Positive parenting emphasizes the communication of clear expectations, collaboration between a parent and their teen, praise and reinforcement for desired ... Continue reading Read More
2018-08-13 17:07
Experts agree that instilling good manners in teenagers is an important responsibility for parents. Good manners provide teens with the ... Continue reading Read More
2018-08-06 13:56
Parenting adolescents is frequently a delicate balancing act – don’t be too strict, nor too lenient; be involved, but not ... Continue reading Read More
2018-07-30 13:00
As we grow older many of us wish that our younger selves had known some of the stuff we know ... Continue reading Read More
2018-07-23 13:00
Teenagers should know the basics of self-defense in order to be responsible for their own safety. This is especially true ... Continue reading Read More
2018-07-16 13:00
As we hear more frequently about teenagers who have turned to violence, such as in school shootings, there is more ... Continue reading Read More
2018-07-09 13:31
“Breaking up is hard to do” say the lyrics in the 1950s song, and truly it is, especially for teenagers, ... Continue reading Read More
2018-07-02 12:56
With summer in full swing, teens are eager to hang out with friends, go on dates, and enjoy activities outside ... Continue reading Read More
2018-06-25 20:45
No one likes to feel lonely, but sadly, loneliness is an epidemic in the United States. In May, 2018, Cigna, ... Continue reading Read More
2018-06-18 15:26
Every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) interviews several thousand students in its annual survey on teen ... Continue reading Read More
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