‘Parenting’ Articles at Mount Virtus

Whether it comes through observing a teen hanging their head at a social gathering, hearing them disparage their ability to do their homework, or noticing them excessively bragging to cover up insecurities, every parent has that moment when they realize their teenager is struggling with low self-esteem. If you’re familiar with the feeling, here are a few tips and suggestions for different ways to approach boosting your fledgling adult’s self-confidence. Encourage the Journey, Not the Destination One of the biggest ways that a parent can suppress and discourage their child is simply by putting unreasonable expectations on them. Start by stepping back and analyzing your own posture towards your child. Are you always pushing them to … [Read more...]

Driving is a pretty big rite of passage for teenagers. It increases their independence, widens the scope of their world, and propels them closer to adulthood. However, for parents, teaching teenagers how to drive can be a scary transition. Because so much can go wrong inside a vehicle, it’s important to keep safety in mind while teaching teenagers how to drive. Sober driving, increased awareness, and avoiding distractions are all ways to help teens stay safe behind the wheel. In addition, it can be helpful that they know a little bit about how their car works in case they have mechanical troubles. It’s also good to help them feel confident behind the wheel, which can require a balance between pushing safety and not scaring them out … [Read more...]

Boost Your Teen’s Self-Esteem: Encourage When It’s Needed Most

Tips for Teaching Teenagers How to Drive