2018-06-11 12:16
All of us have compared ourselves to someone else at some point in our lives. It might have been a ... Continue reading Read More
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Middle Earth Blog
middleearthnj.wordpress.com
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.
2018-06-04 00:37
Gossip. Name calling. Exclusion. Rumor spreading. Cliques. Backbiting. Manipulation. Cyberbullying. Sadly, the adolescent girl world is full of mean-spirited, controlling ... Continue readin… Read More
2018-05-29 15:07
Many teens are torn about whether they want to get a summer job. Some want to earn their own money, ... Continue reading Read More
2018-05-21 12:12
Last week on “Red Table Talk” – the Facebook Watch chat show with Jada Pinkett Smith, her daughter Willow, and ... Continue reading Read More
2018-05-14 13:38
With the news media’s focus on our country’s opioid epidemic, you might be wondering what you need to know to ... Continue reading Read More
2018-05-07 15:06
May is Mental Health Month, which makes it a great time to become more informed about mental illnesses. Arming ourselves ... Continue reading Read More
2018-04-30 15:31
“It’s not MY fault!” “That’s not fair!” If you have a child, you have likely heard these statements yelled in ... Continue reading Read More
2018-04-23 17:16
Families with teens are BUSY! Between school, homework, part-time jobs, dates, time with friends, and extracurricular activities, adolescents are always ... Continue reading Read More
2018-04-16 17:07
Current young adults, between the ages of 18 to 34 years old, have a real debt problem. According to a ... Continue reading Read More
2018-04-09 13:56
“I was too focused on work. I didn’t spend enough time with him.” “I was overly critical.” “I didn’t listen ... Continue reading Read More
2018-04-02 13:10
A recent study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs reported that one-third of teens who recently ... Continue reading Read More
2018-03-26 16:38
As a parent, have you ever felt hostage to your teen’s emotions? Teenagers are definitely prone to some intense feelings, ... Continue reading Read More
2018-03-19 14:35
A study, published in the journal Pediatrics, shows that the rate of eye injuries tied to nonpowder guns – such ... Continue reading Read More
2018-03-12 14:54
The chances that your teen will be dared to do something risky is no longer limited to peer pressure at ... Continue reading Read More
2018-03-05 14:12
Our world can be a disappointing and discouraging place at times. The news reports of school shootings, bullying, poverty, sexual ... Continue reading Read More
2018-02-26 16:10
National Eating Disorder Awareness Week starts today. Eating disorders can affect people of every age, sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and ... Continue reading Read More
2018-02-19 16:33
Technology is an integral part of our lives, and especially the lives of our youth. Most families have multiple devices ... Continue reading Read More
2018-02-15 12:42
The school shooting in Florida yesterday is a terrible tragedy, and unfortunately, it is one that hits close to home ... Continue reading Read More
2018-02-12 18:11
Ethics. Our culture does not always seem to value integrity, and our youth receive a lot of mixed messages about ... Continue reading Read More
2018-02-05 17:57
For many people, February is labeled as the month of love because of Valentine’s Day. But it is also National ... Continue reading Read More
2018-01-29 15:36
A growing number of teens are using an e-cigarette device, called a Juul vaporizer, because it looks just like a ... Continue reading Read More
2018-01-22 14:06
Lately, the news and media are reporting a great deal about sexual harassment, and you may be wondering what your ... Continue reading Read More
2018-01-15 18:18
Teens are well known for fairly significant mood swings. They can be laughing one minute and angry the next. Parents ... Continue reading Read More
2018-01-08 15:10
After a holiday full of tempting treats and a new year where everyone seems to be jumping on the weight ... Continue reading Read More
2017-12-18 13:41
Christmas, Hanukah, New Year’s Eve, and more – the holidays are upon us, and with them come parties. On the ... Continue reading Read More
2017-12-11 18:29
Everyone wants a pleasant, memorable holiday season, but somehow stress and family conflict can creep in and take the joy ... Continue reading Read More
2017-12-04 15:39
There is a lot of debate about whether a parent should be a friend to their children. There are strong ... Continue reading Read More
2017-11-27 15:36
Lying is not uncommon in children. At some point, the majority of older children lie to their parents to: avoid ... Continue reading Read More
2017-11-20 13:43
Thanksgiving is a time to feel grateful, but sometimes gratitude isn’t our first thought when facing holidays with teenagers. Many ... Continue reading Read More
2017-11-13 16:41
All of us crave attention. As humans, we seek experiences and relationships that demonstrate we are valued. Children are especially ... Continue reading Read More
2017-11-06 14:39
Experts always advise parents of teenagers to talk to their children about sex in developmentally appropriate conversations throughout adolescence. Most ... Continue reading Read More
2017-10-30 14:57
Research in neuroscience has proven that meditation provides numerous benefits for children and adolescents. Benefits of meditation include: Reduces stress, ... Continue reading Read More
2017-10-23 17:41
There are lots of reasons a student can start falling behind in school. They might have had an illness resulting ... Continue reading Read More
2017-10-16 14:39
In the past, jobs in the United States were typically labeled as either white collar or blue collar. White collar ... Continue reading Read More
2017-10-09 15:05
Guns are a controversial topic of conversation in the United States, especially after the tragic shooting in Las Vegas. Regardless ... Continue reading Read More
2017-10-02 16:32
A new study, “The Decline in Adult Activities Among U.S. Adolescents, 1976–2016,” published in September 2017 in the journal Child ... Continue reading Read More
2017-09-25 14:27
The definition of “accountable” is taking responsibility for one’s actions, and it is something every parent hopes their teen will ... Continue reading Read More
2017-09-18 17:16
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when blood pushes too hard against a person’s blood vessels, potentially causing damage to ... Continue reading Read More
2017-09-11 15:06
Prescription stimulants, such as Ritalin and Adderall, are medications that are used to treat people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ... Continue reading Read More
2017-09-05 12:41
A little-known sex crime called “sextortion” is becoming more common, and teens are often the victims. Sextortion is when a ... Continue reading Read More
2017-08-28 13:39
There are many benefits to extracurricular activities in the lives of adolescents. These activities can instill values, such as discipline, ... Continue reading Read More
2017-08-14 17:22
There are many difficult subjects that we are supposed to talk to our youth about – sex, drugs, relationships, crime, ... Continue reading Read More
2017-08-07 12:19
The school year is fast approaching, and both parents and teens are likely feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. ... Continue reading Read More
2017-07-31 16:46
It is absolutely normal for teenagers to be self-centered. Adolescence is a time of rapid change, and being focused on ... Continue reading Read More
2017-07-24 13:57
A comprehensive new study called #StatusOfMind, which was released May 2017 by the Royal Society for Public Health, an independent ... Continue reading Read More
2017-07-17 14:42
It is an exciting, heart-wrenching, and overwhelming time when you send your teen off to college for the first time! ... Continue reading Read More
2017-07-10 13:27
It is an emotional, overwhelming, and sometimes awkward time when your teenager starts dating. Many of us fear the time ... Continue reading Read More
2017-07-03 17:40
Teens are in that awkward stage between childhood and adulthood. As they mature, youth are constantly striving to be more ... Continue reading Read More
2017-06-26 17:03
Researchers have already proven that teens who are not getting enough sleep are more likely to be overweight, become depressed, ... Continue reading Read More
2017-06-19 14:50
June is National Safety Month! Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they ... Continue reading Read More
2017-06-12 15:10
In the November 2016 journal Pediatrics, research from Johns Hopkins shows that the rate of adolescents reporting clinical depression grew ... Continue reading Read More
2017-06-05 18:07
In 2016, 33,000 people lost their lives to opioids. Dependence on opioids (heroin and prescription painkillers) has more than tripled ... Continue reading Read More
2017-05-29 14:50
Happy Memorial Day! For many people, the Memorial Day holiday is the start of summer. If you’re a parent of ... Continue reading Read More
2017-05-22 14:43
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change – physically, mentally, and socially. These changes create stress, and it’s ... Continue reading Read More
2017-05-15 14:24
The most common crime committed by juveniles is the United States is theft. This can include shoplifting, robbery, burglary, and ... Continue reading Read More
2017-05-08 13:42
Today’s blog tries to summarize strategies for successfully parenting teenagers found by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). MIT’s Raising ... Continue reading Read More
2017-05-01 13:00
A two-year study by researchers from the School of Social Policy & Practice at the University of Pennsylvania has revealed ... Continue reading Read More
2017-04-24 13:58
It’s National Volunteer Week – perfect time to talk to your teen about volunteerism! To develop into healthy, responsible, productive ... Continue reading Read More
2017-04-17 14:04
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is a good excuse to use to talk to your teen – both ... Continue reading Read More
2017-04-10 13:11
Moving is always listed as one of life’s top stressors. Giving up the familiar—friends, favorite places, and routines— is not ... Continue reading Read More
2017-04-03 13:52
It may only be Spring, but if you’re a parent of a teen, now is the time to start planning ... Continue reading Read More
2017-03-27 13:40
We are reprinting this excellent article from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids because we believe it provides parents with very ... Continue reading Read More
2017-03-20 14:31
Unfortunately, a natural conflict tends to exist between parents and teens: teens desire to resist limits and adults are committed ... Continue reading Read More
2017-03-13 15:28
What should a parent say to their overweight teen? What’s the best way to guide them to better health? It ... Continue reading Read More
2017-03-06 16:05
Just in time for March, National Nutrition Month, recent research shows that women who ate poorly as teenagers were more ... Continue reading Read More
2017-02-27 15:59
Knowing whether to leave a teen home alone overnight is a struggle for many parents. Whether you have a business ... Continue reading Read More
2017-02-20 16:24
A first job for a teen can be a really exciting and scary entry into the adult world! A job ... Continue reading Read More
2017-02-13 16:51
Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air. That seems wonderful until your tween is the one who ... Continue reading Read More
2017-02-06 14:36
When you first become a parent, your primary role is to take care of your child’s basic needs. As your ... Continue reading Read More
2017-01-30 14:33
January is National Stalking Awareness Month, so it’s a great time to talk to your teen about stalking. A 2016 ... Continue reading Read More
2017-01-23 13:30
It is National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week, a national health observance created by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for ... Continue reading Read More
2017-01-16 18:01
Last week, our blog explored why colleges and employers are increasingly complaining that today’s young adults are not prepared for ... Continue reading Read More
2017-01-09 15:29
In the last few years, colleges and employers have complained that today’s young adults lack the necessary skills needed for ... Continue reading Read More
2017-01-03 16:15
Self-esteem is how your child feels about himself, his abilities, and his value. These feelings develop over time as your ... Continue reading Read More
2016-12-26 14:47
Want to start the year off right? We all do, which is probably why so many of us create resolutions ... Continue reading Read More
2016-12-19 14:23
The holidays can be a great reason to celebrate, but unfortunately, those celebrations can mean increased drinking by teenagers. Teen ... Continue reading Read More
2016-12-12 15:15
Our expectations define our experiences. In the exact same situation, two people can have very different experiences based on what ... Continue reading Read More
2016-12-05 17:39
The holidays can be an especially difficult time to deal with grief. Whether your teen lost a pet, a friend, ... Continue reading Read More
2016-11-28 15:04
Tomorrow is #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the ... Continue reading Read More
2016-11-21 01:12
A person’s values are their principles, standards of behavior, or beliefs about what is important in life. Values are what ... Continue reading Read More
2016-11-14 16:16
Today’s teens seem to be generally aware of the consequences of “hard core” drugs, such as heroin or cocaine. Unfortunately, ... Continue reading Read More
2016-11-07 15:54
The digital age has changed many things in our culture, including the prevalence of pornography. Once a taboo, porn has ... Continue reading Read More
2016-10-31 16:00
Parents of teens have a difficult job. We are somehow supposed to encourage open communication with a person who rolls ... Continue reading Read More
2016-10-24 14:59
October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Many organizations, including Middle Earth, are working to increase awareness of the prevalence and ... Continue reading Read More
2016-10-17 14:08
Drinking alcohol and energy drinks together has become very trendy. Although the Food and Drug Administration has banned premixed alcoholic ... Continue reading Read More
2016-10-10 16:46
Eating disorders frequently emerge during adolescence, but often, the symptoms aren’t what parents might expect. Unfortunately, many eating disorders go ... Continue reading Read More
2016-10-03 17:05
Most parents, teachers, coaches, relatives, and other loving adults want to encourage teens on a path to a good future. ... Continue reading Read More
2016-09-26 17:31
Adolescence can be a time of curiosity about sex and a desire for adventure and risk. According to the Centers ... Continue reading Read More
2016-09-19 14:35
Many parents attend parent-teacher conferences when their children are in elementary school, but most stop when their children hit middle ... Continue reading Read More
2016-09-12 13:18
As the new school year begins, many parents are concerned with helping their teen establish better study habits. Every student ... Continue reading Read More
2016-09-06 13:18
September is Self-Improvement Month, and it’s a great time to make changes in our lives that help us become our ... Continue reading Read More
2016-08-29 14:01
Every parent of a teen has heard or will hear these words at some point in time: “But everyone else ... Continue reading Read More
2016-08-22 14:02
Deaths from drug overdoses have increased significantly in recent years across the United States, becoming the leading cause of accidental ... Continue reading Read More
2016-08-15 17:24
The adolescent years, more than any other period in life, tends to be a time characterized by gossip and rumors. ... Continue reading Read More
2016-08-08 14:28
Every parent wants their child to have a great school year, but that doesn’t always happen without a little work. ... Continue reading Read More
2016-08-01 12:45
Studies show that teens usually perform up to what is expected of them. It’s important then that you set your ... Continue reading Read More
2016-07-24 18:33
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, youth between the ages of 8 and 18, spend almost 8 hours a day ... Continue reading Read More
2016-07-18 09:00
Have you ever found yourself excusing your teen’s disrespectful behavior? Have you said, “he’s at that age,” when he rolls ... Continue reading Read More
2016-07-11 17:21
July is UV Awareness Month. With summer in full swing, it’s important to educate our teens about the dangers of ... Continue reading Read More
2016-07-05 13:43
Summer break can be filled with new opportunities and lots of fun for many families. But summer also can exaggerate ... Continue reading Read More
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