Teens Today with Vanessa Van Petten

You shouldn’t have waited for today, but I know many of you have! Here are some ideas for your to give your Dad this Father’s Day
*Make Him His Favorite Dinner and Dessert
*Give him time! My dad loves getting a date that I plan and treat him to.
*Make him a coupon book (foot massages extra [...]

[Read more →]

Dear Vanessa’s Advice Column,
I want to take my kids on a camping trip because you are often recommending doing different types of activities with your kids. I am a little worried they are going to freak out at being outdoors. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Dave, Austin, Texas
Camping is a great idea! I [...]

[Read more →]

Yesterday, my dad and 13 year-old sister were talking about summer plans. The conversation went as follows:
Sister: I am really excited for summer, I am thinking of going to cooking camp!
Dad: When I was your age I got my first job.
Sister: I am too young, I just want to have fun this summer.
Dad: Getting [...]

[Read more →]

This week’s Saturday Advice Column is from:
“We are planning a family vacation for spring break this year and are thinking about taking a road trip.  I am worried my teenager and younger sibling are going to kill each other in the back seat, do you think there are things for them to do?
-MaryEllen” 

Oh, road trip [...]

[Read more →]

Ok, this might be a stretch. I don’t know if you can actually make Valentines Day cool for teens, but there are definitely ways to make it better…and hey, everyone likes an excuse to give and get chocolate! While thinking about my memories of Valentines Day, I was inspired to write this poem [...]

[Read more →]