On Youth and Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten

Dove has created a new campaign showing girls and women how they really are. I think that it is awesome that Dove is showing that all shapes, sizes, hair color, eye shapes and freckles are beautiful in their own way. I wanted to post one of their videos on my blog to commend their efforts at achieving a healthier (and more beautiful) ideal of women.

[Read more →]

Family vacations do not have to be dreaded, with a little bit of planning, they can actually be fun!

Tip 1: Ask their Opinion- Teens love to feel included. So instead of making the decision with only adults, ask everyone at home for suggestions. If you do not choose someone’s idea be sure to explain why and keep it as a possibility for next year.

[Read more →]

In order to enter the workforce and earn higher than minimum wage, job applicants must have more than a high school diploma. Luckily, families today have a lot of options.

Step One: Lay down the groundwork

Whether your child is a freshman or senior they are going to need to start thinking about college. Sitting down to look at your academic plan through high school is a step that many families miss, or start too late. Parents, teenagers and possibly school advisors should sit down at the beginning of high school to pick which honors classes the student wants to strive for and how extra-curriculars can affect academic plans.

[Read more →]

Today is the day! Its the official launch day of my brand new book: You’re Grounded: How to Stop Fighting and Make the Teenage Years Easier. Go and get it on Amazon.com today and help me get off the ground. My big goal today is to get my book to the top of the charts, and the only way to do that is with lots of help from everyone else out there!!!

More about You’re Grounded

Press Release for You’re Grounded!

Press Release for Vanessa Van Petten’s Kick-off Speaking Tour

[Read more →]

I stumbled across this video of the late Mr. Rogers speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Communications and Chair, the late John Pastore (D-RI) in 1969. He was asking for a $20 million grant for the Corporation For Public Broadcasting. The chairperson, originally opposed to the idea and a bit hostile, was touched by Mr Rogers speech and gave him the funding. Not only is his speaking style moving and uplifting, but his message is wonderful.

Please take a few minutes to watch his speech, parents especially I feel can benefit from hearing Mr. Rogers perspective on the importance of feelings and emotions in the home.

[Read more →]