Transitioning Times

We live in a culture that is saturated with media—music, television, video games, books, magazines, social media. All of it is available instantaneously on palm-sized machines without regard to our physical locations. Numerous research studies have been conducted and replicated throughout recent years pertaining to the effects of media on our children and adolescents. These studies have found that media profoundly impacts attitudes, beliefs, and actions—typically in a negative manner.  What are the predominant lessons being taught? Violence is acceptable. Females are objects. Profanity and verbal put-downs are the norm. Our bodies (both male and female) aren’t good enough unless they conform to an unrealistic set of parameters that define “perfection.” Some might say that the way to combat the negative messages is to just turn it off or to limit the access. While these strategies sound like common sense, they are extremely difficult to enforce given how media-saturated our soc...

Well, they say that by the Fourth of July summer is half over and school is just around the corner, so I guess that’s how it is.  Some folks may already have their vacations in the books for this year and some may still be in the planning stages but if you are one of those who are still looking for some fun and safe things that will continue to entertain your kids for the rest of the summer, we may have some ideas.  If you have yet to head off on your family vacations to the beach or maybe to a popular amusement park, or maybe your kids are going with friends and their families, it’s a perfect opportunity to talk with your kids again about their safety when they are away from home and away from you.  Make sure they have a cell phone loaded with minutes for them to call you when they want, especially if they are going away without you.  Kids won’t admit it, but they miss us when they are away, even when they are having fun.    Also, talk to them about ...

You would think in this day and age that sexual orientation and sexual harassment/bullying would cease to exist.   That one would be free and encouraged to be true to oneself and that others would be found to be supportive and loving to those perhaps different then themselves.   The biases continue to be prevalent in our communities.   One of the passages from childhood into adolescence is the development and understanding of sexuality. This includes understanding one’s body, gender identity, sexual orientation, and values about sexual activity. During this time many teens begin to explore their sexuality and can be a very challenging time of transitioning. When a teen is questioning their sexual orientation it can be a very lonely and difficult time in their lives. What Is Sexual Harassment? Sexual harassment occurs when a person is subject to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature to such ...

            Did you know that a study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that 72% of 8 th and 9 th grade student are “dating”?  This fact can be frightening to parents of teens at this age and lead parents to wonder if their children will be safe in their relationships.  This April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the focus has been placed on adolescents and preventing sexual violence in these relationships by addressing healthy sexuality and healthy relationships.             Healthy sexuality is the ability to responsibly, understand and control one’s sexual behavior.  Sexuality is not merely sex, but includes values, attitudes, beliefs, feelings, behaviors, and interactions.  A discussion on healthy sexuality should focus on gender norms and inequality, as well as consent, healthy relationships, and boundaries.  Discussing healthy sexuality wi...