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Archive of All Articles and Videos:
**Be sure to Check-out my new E-Book: The Dirt E-Secrets of an Internet Kid
See my series on: Drugs and Alcohol
and Growing Up Online Series for articles about teens on the Internet.
7 Ways Tweens are Like Puppies [Humor] I swear, you will relate!
The Mashup Syndrome…I think most teens have it (and that’s a good thing!)
Friendiversary, Bromances and Non-Sexual Crushes New teen vocab alert! Check out the new trends in friends.
Manorexia: Teen Boys and Body Image Many people do not realize that boys have just as many body image and self-esteem problems as girls…and sometimes they are more dangerous.
10 Types of Teen Internet Users I loved writing this article, what kind of teen do you have?
5 Tips for Moving with a Teenager
Techno Perfection: Teens Need to Be Perma-Hot I think a lot of teens are struggling with the idea of fame, self-importance and vanity. The internet, camera phones and HD have changed the way teens think about image.
Momager: Favorite Kid Stars and Moms in Showbiz I had fun with this one, Beyonce, Lohan and Britney pics.
Teens Who Write I had a reader submitted question asking some of my teens on my private social network what they would do id the had the opportunity to get published. Here are there answers.
Best Resources for Divorced and Separated Families I put together a comprehensive resource guide for all parents who are going through, have gone through or experienced divorce. My teens and I reviewed books, websites, podcasts and blogs.
5 Changes About Teens and Freedom…Maybe They Don’t Want It? I have noticed this generation of teens are changing their ideas about getting their licenses, leaving for college and moving out…is it affecting your kids?
Purity Rings vs Vibrating Rings: Teen Attitude War The pure side of teens vs the skanky side, I compare the two and bring you a great PSA response from teens.
5 Most Annoying Teen Habits Sometimes I love my teen clients, sometimes I don’t.
5 Most Annoying Things Your Parents Say I am writing a column called How to Deal with Your Parents for the girls advice site Whatever Life, this is one of my posts.
20 Activities If You Have a Techie Kid What do you do if your teen will not get off the computer, cell phone or ipod? Here are some ideas.
Daddy Daughter Bonding Ideas: How Father’s Can Connect with Teen Girls Are you in the father daughter teen black hole? Don’t worry it does get better…
6th Grade is Mean: Why Middle School Can Be the Meanest I hated 6th grade, and I am quickly learning many of my readers, clients and friends did too. What is going on?
6 Ways to Help Your Kid Be a Teacher Favorite Want to encourage your kids to bond with the teacher…or just get along with them? Here are some tips.
10 Ways to Make Teens More Grateful In honor of September 11th, here are some ways to make teens appreciate how lucky they are (and some for us too!)
How to Be the Prettiest Skinniest Girl in School This was what someone searched into google! I think it speaks to some larger problems with this generation of teen girls…
Best Mommy Blogs This is part II of my earlier post and has some awesome mom blogs listed!
Teen Influencers As you know I am always looking to encourage blossoming writers and entrepreneurs. I am starting a private group for teens who think they are trendsetters or influencers to comment on current trends, events and ideas. This will be a place for them to meet others, learn how to express themselves and get some great resume value (I am always looking to create things that help my clients and users get into the jobs/schools they want and get experience!)
What Moms Need to Know About Sarah Palin I try not to get into politics on my blog, but I think this is a really important topic.
A Parent’s Guide to Watching the New 90210 Have you seen the new “Gossip Girls” for LA? Well, that is how I am referring to it. If your teen is watching this, you should too, or at least know the right questions to ask—its a great opportunity to talk.
10 Best and Worst Things to Say to a Stressed Out Mom This is a fun post about what I think my moms would not like me to say to them when they are stressed.
Dream and Success Worksheet for Your Family What are your kids goals, how do they value success?
5 Ways to Harness Your Sanctimommy and Daddy Time Do you need more time to relax? Now that it is back to school season make sure you are taking enough time for you!
How to Co-View TV with Your Teens and Tweens It is pilot season after-all, this week I talk a lot about parental control and TV.
6 Ways to Be a Parental Sounding Board It is so important to know how to listen to your kids. Knowing how to listen is the best way to get them talk.
The 10 Strongest Values to Teach Kids What are the top values you want your kids to have when they get older? I listed the 10 I want to have for my kids.
6 Ways a Backpack Is a Mirror into the Teen Soul Is your kid a pocket-packer? How about a hoarder? I see A LOT OF BACKPACKS. What your kid’s backpack says about them.
Ode to My Internet (my husband) and My Baby (my blog) [Humor] Sometimes it feels like I am married to the web, and the blog is my baby. Here I wrote a funny poem about this relationship (many people ask me how I spend so much time and energy on my business!)
Cool Parenting Articles and Blogs to Check Out I have a fabulous private social network I run for parent bloggers and family online website owners and I am going to start to feature many of their posts and blogs that I think you will like.
Horror Stories From My Freshman Year (Teens Leaving Home) Well, they are not horror stories, but they are mildly funny. I also tell you about the 6 types of college freshman = )
Ultimate School Supply Checklist: Middle, High School College Students There are so many things people forget. You have to equip your kids with the perfect study central area. Here is the list I use with clients.
Back to School Tips for Teens and Tweens Some good websites and questions you should ask your kids to get their goals straight before the school year begins.
4 Ways to Handle Bossy Friends: Opinionated Teens, Tweens and Queen Bees I have been hearing a lot of my clients deal with bossy and entitled friends. Here is how parents can deal with friends they do not love.
Teens Leaving Home: The First Semester of College Do you have a teen going away to college? Here are a few of my stories and the different types of college freshman.
New (or Old) Teen Trend: Oldies and Nostalgia One of my friends (who is 24) has Sesame Street sheets, slinkies are in and I want a Bedazzler…why young people are craving old trends.
My Map of the North American Teen Milestones [Picture Humor] Ok, so I worked really hard on this drawing. If you had to draw a map of teen milestones…could the Ozarks be Orgasms, Great Salt Lake be the Great First Kiss…how about Puberty Ocean and Tampon Bay CHECK OUT MY DRAWING.
Gen Y Cares: 10 Most Popular Facebook Groups Legalize marijuana? Green peace? What are the top ten facebook groups for teens?
Teacher CyberBating: Terrible Teen Classroom Trend Teens are now angering teachers, filming their reaction and then putting it all over YouTube…what can we do?
Cotton Candy Friends: 6 Ways Net-Gen Relationships are Changing This is my favorite article this week and I speak a lot about it. How is Facebook and IMing changing friendships and what can parents do about it? Please read and give me your thoughts in the comments.
6 Ways for Students and Parents to Effectively Multitask Multitasking skills are becoming essential to life with the advent of IM, email, Facebook, Homework, Phone, Texting…..learn how to do it effectively and talk to your kids about listening to music, IMing and studying at the same time.
Mommy Guilt: How to Stop the Parent Anger Cycle I think this is an important article about how many parents go through the guilt, anger, rage, pity and resentment in their household when kids and parents do not get along after fights.
What Kind of Kid Do You Have? 4 Types of Millenial Kids If you liked my Teacup Parenting article, you will like this one! My most popular speaking engagement topic.
4 Ways to Deal with Information Overload Multitasking, 40 blogs, 26 email newsletters…the list goes on and so does the information. Many people are complaining these days about having too many options, too much information. How do you teach your kids to sift through all of the information?
How to Permanently Change Your Kids Bad Habits Do they throw their trash on the floor, don’t wash dishes or curse? Here are some ideas for stopping bad habits and routines.
The Laws of Teen Dating: Tween Inter-Sex life Here I go over some popular sexual terms and trends including sexting and what is inter-sex anyway?
15 Ice Breakers and Party Games for Teens I love plaing games with teens because you learn a lot about them, they learn a lot about themselves and each other and they are great jumping off points for discussion and bonding.
Cyberbullying: Strategy and Steps to Tackle Meanness Online
Teen Trend: 7 Reasons Why It’s Cool to Pretend Be Bisexual Yes, this is the new wave. Everyone is bisexual and a lot of teens are now pretending to be bisexual or gay because it is the ‘cool’ thing to do.
25 Coolest Free Websites for Non-Techies This is part II of my first post of coolest websites because so many parents ask me about what websites and free resources they should know about online, here they are, keep up with the times!
DrugFree America: Teens Injecting Alcohol Into Fruit
6 Ways the Mommy Mob Sucks “My Cupcakes Are Better Than Yours” This is a funny post for anyone who has an uber-mom in their life…you know those women who rack up volunteer points like they are rainbows in heaven?
4 Ways to Be Safe This Summer I recently had a break in in my community and wanted to post some neighborhood and community safety tips for families.
What Would America’s Next Top Mommy Look Like? [Humor] Could Martha be Tyra? How about MJ for Ms J?
America’s Next Top Mommy Contest Do you know someone who would be a great next top mommy? I am holding my own contest…even with prizes!
Mom Blog Makeover For all of my mom bloggers I will be doing a few teleclasses for understanding how to use social networks, blog traffic and how to get more parent readers. For anyone who is looking to increase parent traffic!
Teen Tuesday Yes! I now have 6 teen writers as my interns ranging from 13-17. They are fabulous and willing to open up and give parenting advice to all of you! Their articles topics are really great and they will be posting every Tuesday. Here are some of their brief bios. (I am still taking applications for boys especially!)
Teen Alcohol Trend: Teen Eye Shot How teens are actually pouring alcohol in their eyes to get drunk faster and without vomiting.
Teen Talk Stew Video: Teen Road Rage I am doing my own little teen talk show for 5 minutes each. This is meant to be funny…I hope it is = )
8 Arguments the Public School vs Private School Debate Here I discuss the differences from the kid perspective and you can comment on the post, already some heated comments.
10 Qualities of Teacup Parenting: Is Your Kid too Fragile? I worked really hard on this article and think this ’syndrome’ is far mroe widespread that we beleive. Please read it and send me any comments.
20 Teen and Tween Conversation Starters Having trouble talking to your kids, try these table topics to engage in conversation and learn a little about each other!
10 Ways to Protect your kids Against Identity Theft This is becoming a serious problem and parents need to secure their house and teach their kids about phishing and identity scams.
12 Laws that All Young Drivers Should Know I made a list of all the laws that teens seem to forget–or have no idea exist and often break. Make sure you kids know driving around an empty parking lot is not legal!
6 Tips Help Your 20 Something Get A Job The job market and job search today is rapidly changing and lots of college grads are stuck with nothing to do and no idea what they want, forward this post along to those parents of the jobless!
My Ultimate Pre-College Guide for Freshman My favorite tips for packing, last minute book ideas and safety advice.
Striving for Perfection: 10 Ways to Stop Feeling Guilty The race to be perfect for teen girls and mothers alike is causing everyone to suffer. I am struggling with this issue in my own life, here are some suggestions and stories.
10 Things that Make Teens Feel Good Inside Just for fun, happiness tips for your kids!
How to Set Privacy Settings on Social Networks Here I do a screencast demonstration of how to set your kid’s privacy settings.
How to Camp with Teens Tips, supplies and how to get a surly teen into the wilderness
4 Parent Hacks for a Nag-less Morning Routine Is your morning before school a warzone? Here are my strategies to make the breakfast/wake-up/lunch pack more pleasant.
Why I Didn’t Go Into Investment Banking My article for Operation Oprah on why I chose to start my own business and leave my Chinese major behind.
10 Ways to Make Your Kids Neurotic “Because I said so…” Interviewing for pain and more fun ones, add your additions in the comments = )
How Sweet Kids Can Become So Moody Interview with parenting expert Annie Fox
The Dirt E-Secrets of an Internet Kid Launch Ebook about sneaking around parental controls, top websites for teens and kids and how to set privacy controls, make your computer safe and understand our web culture. Thank you to all of you who have already bought!
Quick and Different Facts Teens Online In prep for my ebook I review a new study about why teens use the Internet and how they feel about it…some interesting findings.
Review of Parental Control Software: There is a lot out there, which are the best for the price? Here is my review.
7 Ways to Build Your Child’s Resume Unfortunately parents have to start building their child’s college application and career resumes earlier and earlier. But where is the balance between letting your kids have fun and making sure they are building their strengths?
3 Steps to MakeUnder Your Family Make your life more simple and take away the difficult routines, stressful habits and annoyances with these 3 steps to MakeUnder not MakeOver your chores and house.
Parents Talking About Plastic Surgery With Kid How should parents tell their kids they got a boob job or nose job? What if the neighbor mom comes home looking completely different? Now there is a new children’s book to do the job and I offer a few tips.
Best Parenting Podcasts Need something to listen to on a long drive, while you are cleaning are cooking? Here are some of my favorite podcasts and radio shows!
Take Advantage of Summer: Tracks and Coaching I am opening my offer of private mentoring and tutoring to all of my readers and taking some virtual clients as well as offering discounts for summer to LA based clients. I have college prep programs, middle and high school prep, organization, study/test skills boot camps…
Teen Hook Up Culture: Teen Sex and Theme Parties Oh yes, teens having sex and Pimps and Hoes Parties when parents leave town or the second they get to college…some myths and truths.
My Favorite Things About Moms In honor of mothers day, I wrote my own Ode to mothers.
6 Unique Strategies for Divorced Families Here I give some new and unheard of tips for divorced and single parents.
Teaching Your Teen How to Drink Oh boy, this one was controversial. Here are some ways that teens can deal with alcohol at parties including taking fake shots, losing your drink and feeding the plants, tell me what you think!
My Mom Joined JDate: When Parents Date Yes, its true–welcome too short men, more kvetching and lots of internet questions into my life. Here is my funny, and ridiculous account thus far.
Why Do Teens Drink? I include a survey and some statistics that I think many parents would find extremely interesting about why teens like–and worry about when it comes to underage drinking.
Teen Poetry Jam I attended the most amazing spoken word anthology from under-privileged girls and was so touched by their courage, power and the poems they wrote.
Help Tackling Cyberbullying This is Part II of some of the new trends in Cyberbullying and what parents can do about it.
My Daughter Dresses Inappropriately Are you worried about promiscuity, low cut tops and low slung pants. Here I have a video and talk about some tips for dealing with fashion-knowing daughters.
25 Coolest Websites for Non-Techies
MOM this post is for you (she is on this list and I wrote this article with her in mind) many parents miss some great free websites that will make their lives so much easier. So here I did an easy guide with links and explanations so you can be cooler than your kids = ) (this post got over 3000 hits this week hooray!)
You’re Grounded Book Promo
If you haven’t read about or heard about my book yet, I thought I would do a video of a mini promo of what the book is about, what could possibly have motivated a teen to write a book at 17 and a little taste of whats inside.
Prom Checklist and Tips for Teens and Parents
Its that time for junior and senior parents to start thinking about Prom. Here is a good checklist for any parents who are dealing with teens and High School dances. I also have a podcast recorded for you to listen to on this topic with Aurelia Williams.
Best Free Online Resources for Students
Kids and students now are using the Internet for everything. Here are some of my favorite sites, with great tips and tricks from how to take notes, cramming for tests and organizing your back pack. Take a look and forward it on to some of you kids or teacher friends!
How Parents Can Handle School Burn-Out
Are you kids feeling like school is awful and they complain about everything from the early mornings, to the teachers to the homework? Everyone goes through it at some point and here is how parents can help their kids deal and keep going
How to Protect Your Teens on Spring Break
Horrifying videos from MomLogic on their expose of Spring Break. I also give a few tips to avoid the typical tricks teens use when going on Spring Break and how parents can keep their kids safe
7 Ways to Help Your Kids Be More Green
Trying to get your kids to be more eco-friendly, here are a few easy ways to remind them that they are lucky to have so many resources and get them in the habit of being more aware of the environment (and you too!)
This is a great article with some easy and non-obvious tips for parents to support adolescent girls and their self-esteem.
Parents give the sex talk, the drug talk, but how about the cybercitizenship talk? Here are 13 laws that every person should try to follow when participating in the online world.
Three Top Fears Facing Teens Today
This is a serious and short post I think all parents should at least take a glance at…you might be surprised.
6 Things Kids Secretly Wish Their Parents Do [Fun]
Let us watch the Disney channel and do not mention that we are too old…and some other fun ones.
10 Summer Job Ideas for Teens
Some traditional and untraditional ideas for what your teens can do this summer!
What I do Everyday
For advice column this week, I decided to write out what I actually do on my average workday, parents constantly ask me how I get everything done, how I have time to write so many posts, have free time etc. I even put up my to do lists!
Life 101: 4 Classes Every Person Should Take
The best classes I took from 0-12, 12-18, College and now. This is a fun post, add your comments!
Some Fun New T-Shirts
Thanks for those of you already bought some of my funny shirts! I created a bunch of jok shirts for parents and teens on a whim.
Babysitters, Nannies and Housekeepers Oh My!
Should your teen have a babysitter? How to get a good ’support staff’ and tips for dealing with nannies and your teen when they do not want to have anyone ‘watch them.’
Has Violence Changed For Teens Today?
I talk about four factors that have changed and affected teen suicide, mass shootings and general school violence and resources for parents and struggling teens.
50 Best Mom Blogs
This post has had a few thousand views and over 20 comments! Hooray. Parents always ask me “which websites should I read?” Here I did a complete overview of my favorite mommy bloggers across the net with reviews, favorite articles and descriptions.
7 Ways Teachers Can Use Online Tools to Keep Students Interested
Net-generation students have am extremely short attention span and love using new tools in their school work. Teachers can utilize many free resources to help make their subjects more interesting.
6 Things You Need to Know About Cyberbullying
Parents need to get informed on how the landscape of the social scene in schools has changed– significantly altering cyberbullying, cliques and peer pressure.
10 Things Kids Wish Their Parents Do
This is a must read for any parents!
4 Everyday Tips From A Child of Divorce
Here I talk about my experiences growing up in a divorced family and what parents can do to make their kids lives a little bit easier.
You Need a Parenting Community
Why parents need to work together to get informed and how they can begin to form parent groups
Podcast Interview on Parent/Teen Communication
On How Mama Got Her Groove Back
10 Ways to Help Your Teen Tackle Any Problem
Big tests, finals, divorce, break-ups, teens need to learn how to deal and parents can help them handle stress and problems in positive ways.
Cheating: Teen’s Unspoken Rules
Here I identify what is happening in High Schools right now and the unspoken rules of the cheating epidemic.
Recession Proofing Your Kids
Can you teach your kids to cut back on the extra’s without freaking them out about money? Here are some easy ways to save.
6 Steps to Lighten Your Student’s Backpack
I know, your kids backpack is bigger than them, and they refuse to get a rollybag. Here are a few cool and totally doable options to lighten the load.
What is RSS and Why Parents Need It
Ever wonder what it means when I ask you to RSS to my feed? Here, I explain in simple terms and explain why it could be an option for busy or out-of-touch parents.
Are Girls Too Image Conscious?
Eating disorders, body image and materialism are all becoming huge problems for teen and tween girls now that the media is at a click of a finger. Here, I discuss the pros, cons and consequences of ‘glamour parties.’
Mischa Barton Arrested! How to Tell Your Kids
How do you explain that a teen role model has been charged with a DUI, pot possession, reckless driving, and driving without a license to your adoring teen?
4 Ways to Minimize Your Teen’s Stress
Teen’s are stressed with school, social life, academics, college, resume, family, sports and lots and lots of pressure. Here are a few ways parents can help teens deal.
11 Strategies: If Your Teen is Smoking Pot
Have you found evidence of pot in your kid’s room? Are his friends smoking? Here are 11 ideas and tactics to approach your teen.
Car Rides with Teens
How to handle long car rides with kids and teens. Ideas for car games.
Meghan McCain vs Chelsea Clinton
How two young women are campaigning and inspiring other youth.
Parent-Kid Contracts: Tips and Samples
Driving contracts, limiting family time, curfews, cell phones, what online services are available to you and how to make your own for your family.
Why Young People Like Obama
Why is Obama getting so many young people who are begging to campaign for him?
Teens Dealing Clean Urine For Money
We have all heard of teens dealing pot, but how about clean urine along with that dime bag? Many teens are making a lucrative business selling younger siblings urine from under-the-bed coolers.
Remembering Heath Ledger: Lessons For Teens
How do you explain accidental prescription drug overdose to teens who adored Heath? Take this opportunity to talk to your kids about this growing prescription drug use trend.
What My Dad Taught Me About Money
For Money and Allowance Blog, here I talk about the four lessons my dad taught me about saving, spending and working…and how you can use them in your family.
4 Ways to De-Stress Your Teen
For the Healthy Living Lounge Blog, I discuss how parents can help their teens and kids manage the everyday stress of school, college, peer pressure and growing up.
How Parents Can Help Teens with Acne
Can Valentines Day Be Cool?
This might be a stretch, but I wrote a poem for you! (Including some tips on remind your teen you love them)
5 Get-Things-Done Tricks for Busy Parents
Everyone can use more time during the day, but parents are especially cramped for free time! Here are some untraditional ways you can snatch back a few needed moments.
Starting to Think About Summer Camps and Programs
Some tips and resources for parents to start looking for summer activities.
10 Activity Ideas For Your Teen
Help keep teens out of trouble, here are my brother and I’s favorite activities that our parents planned for us.
5 Tips: Get Teens Interested in Politics
It is so important to instill a sense of civic duty with young people and show them why they should care about what is going on in their world. Here are a few ways to get teens interested in the upcoming elections by using tools, lingo and themes that appeal to them.
[Dear Vanessa] How to stop procrastinating?
Saturday column, Vanessa answers questions from users.
7 Steps for Parents: Should You Get Your Child a Cell Phone?
Between texting, internet searching, Youtube and cell phone games you need to make sure your child is protected. There are also some great new phones that can help you be a better parent.
Sample Cell Phone Contract for Kids and Parents
How do you set the rules when you get a new cell phone? Here is my old contract.
Watch out for these triggers…and what to say instead
Pot vs Alcohol: What Are Teens Using?
Parents need to be aware of the effects and warning signs of both alcohol and marijuana, but what are teens today really using…and how could it effect your family?
7 Things Parents Should Never Say to Teens
Pot smokers etiquette, how prevalent is it today, is it a gateway drug…all of these questions answered and more.
[Video] Peer Pressure to Smoke Marijuana
Teens smoke marijuana to test their own limits…as well as their friends.
FAQ Teen Pot Smoking Culture: What Parents Should Know
Warning Signs Your Teen is Doing Pot
Every parent should hope for the best, but know how to recognize the worst. Here are a few pot words defined and some of the warning signs.
10 Must-Haves for College-Thinking-Teens
If you or your family is even starting to think about college you need to take some preparations, here are some books, materials and information your family should have before starting the application process.
5 Tips: Turn Weekend Projects Into Awesome Memories
Have DIY projects to do with your family, make sure everyone gets involved and think outside the box!
Top 3 Parent Pitfalls and Positives
My observations about what every parent should look out for and what they should try to do more of in their family.
[Video] Step Up Parents! What Are Your Teens Doing on the Weekends?
Parents need to get creative about finding stuff for their teens to do, when teens are bored, they tend to do ‘bad’ things so encouraging a wide variety of activities is a must.
Could Gluten Be Affecting Your Child’s Behavior?
Gluten has been said to cause behavioral outbursts in kids and has been banned from certain schools in LA.
Teen Slang: Decoding What Kids Are Saying
Teens have all sorts of weird abbreviations and sayings that parents are completely oblivious to. Here is a short and fun list.
What Parents Need to Know About Marketers
Marketers study your kids more than you do. What are media professionals and marketers saying about teens today? Their research can help you, here I summarize some generalizations by Jane Buckingham, a top teen marketer and my take on them.
[Part III] The Family New Year Plan: Harmony In Action
[Part II] The Family Plan: How to Stop Fighting
[Part I] The Family New Year Plan: Finding Your Zen Zappers
Now is the time to reevaluate your family’s situation and figure out what you want to change for the upcoming year. Every family needs a little bit more harmony in their lives, less fighting, less bickering and more easy family dinners…here is how you can find your family’s zen.
4 Ways to Explain Jamie Lynn Spears to Your Kids
She is pregnant at 16! How in the world can this be a good opportunity for you? Here are some great ways to talk to your kids about it.
What is the best piece of advice your parent ever gave you?
I think teens selectively hear the advice they are given, this means that finding a mentor is really important.
What Happy People Have: 6 Ingredients to Friction Free Families
We all know those people, but is everyone perfect? Some of the patterns I have seen while meeting with thousands of families and how you can bring them to your household.
What NOT to get a Teen this Christmas
We all got one of these gifts at one point, now I am here to tell parents to STOOOOOP….please?
Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens
Make stockings the best part for your teens and give them stuff they can use!
Top Ten Gifts for Any Teen in Your Life
Uni-sex, for all price ranges…these are essential whether you are a close parent or distant relative.
Charity, Perspective and Love Over the Holidays
The holidays are a great time to bond with your family and teach appreciation and perspective to your kids by volunteering and giving back. Here are some good ways you can take advantage of the holidays.
The Sex Talk: 6 Things Parents Must Know
Straight from the mouths of teens, what parents should consider before giving the sex talk.
Talking About Mass Shootings
I send my condolences out to all the families who have suffered in the recent tragedies. Here is a message for teens that they are not alone and where they can get help.
Teens and Sex
This is the same day I went on Playboy radio to talk about teens and sex. This is a video about the rise in pregnancy rates for teens.
The Cafeteria Swap: How to Make your Kid’s Lunches Untradeable
A guest post for Mark’s Daily Apple! How to make school lunches more appealing and healthy to your kids.
What is a Teen Entrepreneur? And How Parents Can Be Supportive
Here are a few questions that Vanessa was grappling with when she first started her business and tips for parents who have kids who might want to start a business of their own.
What Do Teens Today Really Worry About? The Top 5 Issues Revealed
Teens talk all the time, but they never seem to talk to parents or adults about what is really bothering them. What do teens talk about? What worries them and why are they not telling parents?
3 Ways Parents Can Get Teens to Talk
Now, that we know what teens worry about, here are a few new tactics to get teens to open up.
5 Out-of-the-Box Ways to Connect with your Teen, Tween and Young Kids
A guest post for Zen Habits on different kinds of activities to bond with your family.
4 Easy Steps for Grandparents and Grandteens to Survive the Holidays
Grandparents, great aunts, distant cousins all can take advantage of stressful holiday family situations to bond with estranged teens.
My First Pitch
Here is my first video to Oprah listing the great reasons I should be on her show.
Video: Operation Oprah Explained
Operation Oprah explained on video form.
Operation Oprah
Operation Oprah is my attempt, as a teen entrepreneur to start a business on my allowance. I just started my journey, but am going to share my funny stories, struggles and successes as I work to build my business. I am turning to my users for help and guidance on my trek to Oprah’s couch. Check out the Operation Oprah tab for a full outline and plan.
Video: My Golden Rule for Thanksgiving with Teenagers
Vanessa gives her one survival tip for getting through the holidays with teens.
Whole Children: Finding Balance when everyone wants ‘a thing’
Admissions officers, schools, parents and advisers keep pushing teens to specialize, but what ever happened to teens using High School to experiment with their interests?
Video: Interview with a victim and former member of Los Angeles Gang Culture
Maria Salazar tells her heartfelt story and advises teens today on how to prevent violence and intolerance.
Students: How to Ace Assigned Reading—and memorize as you read.
Stop wasting precious sleep time and get more out of your homework reading. It is possible to start (and finish) studying while you read the textbook.
Video: How to Memorize
Have a huge test with lots of big ideas and little facts? Vanessa gives some easy tips.
Video: Alternative Activities for Families
Getting tired of going to the movies? Take advantage of local fairs, art shows and get some new ideas to have fun with your family.
Video: My Introduction
Who is Vanessa? In her first videocast, she talks about her business, motives and desires.
Phantom Stress: Why Teens have to be the best…at being the worst?
Ever notice that we always say, oh ya I studied for ten hours and then someone else says they studied for eleven. Vanessa explains this phenomenon and the reverse of it: arguing you studied the least.
How to Make Flu Season Good for You
Getting sick sucks, here are some easy remedies teens will buy into.
What About Grandma? How Grandparents and Grandteens Can Start Connecting
Grandparents can be great resources for teens and teens can be a great source of enjoyment for grandparents, but how can you bridge the gap?
5 Strategies to Manage your Family’s Chores—permanently!
Going beyond the choreboard, here is how you can use the internet and new strategies to get your house under control.
What is a Family Manager and Why Do You Need a Young One?
Parenting coach and household mentors are everywhere. What do they really do and make how to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Teen Boot Camps: Alternatives, Consequences and Results?
Teen Boot Camp abusers are all over the news. Have you thought about teen boot camps before? Read these stories before you go any further.
“Get me out of this car!!” 5 Tips to Travel with Teens–and make it fun
What you need to know before going on Vacation!
It’s Admission’s time! Is your family thinking about college?
Do not get trapped into simple errors during college application time. Get organized, get motivated and put your best foot forward.
Talk to your Kids About Racism
How to discuss the Jena-6 trial with your kids.
‘The Secret’ for Kids? Steps to teach your kids the importance of positive thinking and optimism
A healthy mindset is said to prevent disease and short life span, teach your kids positive thinking early.
What is ‘Crunch Time?’…and how to make it less ‘crunchy’
Hell week, test period and midterms, be prepared and learn how to ace all those exams.
4 Seriously Underutilized Ways to Make Your House Rules Stick
Ever heard of chore video games? Vanessa has explored all the ways…
