On Youth and Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten

I recently saw this ad:

Beverly Hills Manners presents “Introductory Course” for children

Children Ages 6-12
McCormick & Schmick’s - Beverly Hills
This Saturday, February 23 from 11:00am - 2:00pm
The “Introductory Course” provides an overview into the world of manners and is full of interaction and practice for your child. Children are instructed in all aspects of etiquette and protocol while developing fundamental character-building traits such as respect, compassion and common courtesies. In addition to the instruction, a formal dining tutorial portion is taught covering all rules of table and dining etiquette. A complimentary BHM embroidered t-shirt or tank is also provided as part of the enrollment. Program topics include:
· Etiquette vs. Manners
· First Impressions
· The Art of Introductions
· Telephone Etiquette
· Punchbowl Etiquette
· Table & Dining Skills
· Party Etiquette
· Thank You Notes
Limited space is still available.

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Psychotherapy Drugs to Help Depressed Teens 

NYTimes: Fewer Teens are Driving at 16
Less youth are driving as early as they can! Tighter state laws, higher insurance costs and less school-run driver education to expensive private driving academies. I also think parents are cracking down and making kids wait!

Phil Collins Daughter to Host News Show on Nick
Lily Collins to host a pop culture news show on Nickelodeon

Want to Read Your Kid’s Deleted Text Messages?
Now there is a gadget that lets you….

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This article is a guest post I wrote for the Healthy Living Lounge Blog, which is a great blog for family healthy living and has some really wonderful insights, definitely check it out!

“How can my teenager be so stressed…..he/she doesn’t have any teenagers!”

Its hard to understand how teens can be so stressed compared to many adult issues like paying bills, caring for elderly parents, financial security and jobs, but for teens their issues also seem just as serious, permanent and intimidating. This concept leads me to my first piece of advice for helping your teen be less stressed out!

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Be Sure to Read:
FAQ Teen Pot Culture: What Worried Parents Should Know
Warning Signs Your Teen Is Doing Pot
Pot vs. Alcohol: What Are Teens Using?

This is a tricky subject and different for every family, but I truly believe that every kid who wants to get pot, can.

Therefore, I always tell parents, it is extremely difficult to try to shield a kid today from being exposed to pot because it is so prominent.  I believe parents, and what I do with many of my clients, need to spend their efforts trying to equip kids to make the right choices, so when they are exposed to it, they will choose not to smoke.

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How coolio hoolio is this:

So, I am going to be posting some videos on 7 Going On 30.com.  I think it is a really cool site because it allows both kids and parents to post videoblogs and articles.  It offers the social networking aspect that I think is so important to a community of informed parents.

They also have professionals on the site (and me!) to offer suggestions and advice to people who need some extra help. I believe, all of the articles are written by members themselves so the advice and issues are really realistic.  Anyway, I have two videos up there now, so check it out!

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