Saturday, January 31, 2009

Sue Scheff: Investment Guide for TEENS - 8 Steps to Having More Money than Your Parents Ever Dreamed Of


The witty writing and sound advice in this book helps teenagers see the big picture when it comes to their money and their future fortune. Chuck full of worksheets, information on credit card debt, and real world investment advice.


Are your teens ready for this? Especially at these difficult economic times - it is time to encourage our teens to better understand finances today and how it effects our/their future.

Type the title in the Amazon Box and learn more!

Friday, January 30, 2009

Sue Scheff: Parents Everywhere! Parenting Teens Today


Parents Everywhere is a great resource for parents! Suzette Boyette has developed a website offering Podcasts of great conversations with professionals, educators, authors, parents and more!



Learn More:

Parents Everywhere’s mission is to educate parents to be more effective so they may raise healthy families. Parents Everywhere envisions a world with effective parents who have powerful loving connections with their children. Children grow and flourish in supportive and peaceful homes. They become not who we want them to be, but who they are meant to be.


Thursday, January 29, 2009

Sue Scheff - Bullying, Teen Obesity and Grumble Bluff!


I just read the most lovely and educational book called Grumble Bluff by Karen Bessey Pease. This tale tells of two young girls in that difficult and awkward stage of tweens - one is overweight and one has a horrific and painful situation she is living with. Both are bullied and teased relentlessly. Even reading how some kids are so mean made me feel so sad and angry on the inside.


If you are a parent of a teen or tween - buy this book today - read it and have your child read it. You will feel warm inside at the end and then anxious for the second book. Kathy and Greta (characters) will become part of your family too - and what a great way to open lines of communication between you and your kids.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Sue Scheff - Crash Taxes? Safe Teen Driving News Letter 2009


The January Safe Teen Driving Newsletter January 2009 is here!
Here's Where You'll Find Answers:
How to Keep Your Teen DriverSafe, Secure & Protected
There's an epidemic in the US that's taking the lives of our youngsters. Driving fatalities are the number one cause of death among youngsters age 15 to 20. Driving crashes surpass suicide, homicide and all other causes. Over 300,000 teens are admitted to hospital ER's each year -- many with life-changing injuries. Among licensed drivers, young people have the highest fatal crash rate of any age group. What's more distressing, teens at age 16 are twice as likely to die in fatal car crashes as 18 to 19 year old teens. This is largely due to their youth and lack of experience behind the wheel.

We know your life is busy. We're here to give you the support, help, information and services you need to keep your youngster safe...in a quick, easy-to-use format.

Parents tell us they're concerned about issues like these... Read more:

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sue Scheff - D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education


D.A.R.E. - Drug Abuse Resistance Education has been known for many years and has helped been part of many schools in helping children learn the dangers of drug abuse. As a parent, take some time to review their newly updated information and website. It is important that parents and educators work together to help prevent drug use.



This year millions of school children around the world will benefit from D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), the highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.


D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation’s school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world.


D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through 12th grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Sue Scheff: Don't Hit Send Just to Fit In by Danielle Tiano


Don t Hit Send Just to Fit In teaches kids and parents about just how easy it is to become a cyber bully, or to be bullied online. Studies say that almost all kids are affected by bullying, but today the bully has a new playground....computers, cell phones and social networking sites. Don t Hit Send Just to Fit In tells the story of a group of good kids who are affected by not only bullies but also by their own behavior as they become bullies themselves.
Through the help of positive adults and a magical keyboard, they learn better ways to be liked and to fit in. The Temptation Series tackles tough topics relating to tweens and technology such as Internet pornography, cell phone use and abuse, and cyber bullying. The series offers parents information and tools for raising their children to become more emotionally and socially healthy.
For more information and to purchase the book, type the title in the Amazon Box on the sidebar.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sue Scheff: Raising Teens Together


Is your teen pushing your buttons?


Not sure how to handle it?

We're here to help you make the most of your relationship, stay ahead of the game and find common ground with your teenager. Shoulder to Shoulder is dedicated to making your job easier by connecting parents and caregivers and sharing the insights of those who have been there before. From written resources and a Blog for parents of teens to relevant research and parenting tips, we hope you find our resources useful as you navigate the teen years with your child.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Sunday, January 18, 2009

AnimalAgentz.com - New Parenting Website




When children encounter a stressful situation, it’s often difficult for them to cope. Dr. Jones' Animal Agentz is a fun computer-based learning tool in which children interact with a family of bright and colourful animal characters who teach them important coping skills to help them manage stressful situations. New parenting skill for all issues.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

Dirty: A Search for Answers Inside America's Teenage Drup Epidemic


By Meredith Maran
Meredith Maran’s Dirty: A Search For Answers Inside America’s Teenage Drug Epidemic is a moving study of America’s failure to address teen drug use. The book, which grew out of the author’s struggles with her own son’s addiction, throughout harmonizes a general analysis of America’s War on Drugs and drug treatment programs with a close study of three particular teens.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Sue Scheff: NextGen Parenting - Innovative Parenting for the New Generation


Kids nowadays are different from the previous generation. They have mobile phones with textbooks stored inside, with computers and laptops that connects to Facebook and YouTube. Some even begin to make money faster than their parents.

Apart from that, they are smarter, most probably caused by the food they eat, or even their surrounding.

At present, this is Generation X, Y and Z, or simply said, the new Millenials.
So as a parent, the challenges to educate and teach them is very different from they way our parents educate and teach us.

NextGen Parenting is founded for that purpose.
NextGen Parenting is going to launch on 1 January 2009 and currently are looking for volunteers to blog and contribute articles and content to the site.

Contributions in any way are welcome. If you are interested to volunteer to the cause bringing up the next generation more effectively, email vince@nextgenparenting.com and joann@nextgenparenting.com

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

13 Is the New 18: And Other Things My Children Taught Me--While I Was Having a Nervous Breakdown Being Their Mother



"And other things my children taught me while I was having a nervous breakdown being their mother"

By Beth Harpaz

A book for any parent of teens—be they girls or boys—13 Is the New 18 is a delightfully comical foray into today’s increasingly widening generation gap and one mom’s attempt to figure it all out with little guidance and a whole lot of misplaced guilt.

Coming Soon (January 27, 2009) - what an exciting book for parents and one I would bet we can all relate to!

Type the title in the Amazon Box and pre-order now!

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Monday, January 12, 2009

Sue Scheff: STOMP Out Bullying

Source: Love Our Children USA



Bullying is a problem that affects millions of students of all races and classes. 1 out of 4 kids is bullied and 42% of kids have been bullied while online. Child and teen Bullying and Cyberbullying are at an all-time high. Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative for them. It has everyone worried. Not just the kids on its receiving end, but the parents, teachers and others who may not understand how extreme bullying can get. Love Our Children USA is working aggressively to prevent these issues and to help the kids and teens affected by it.

What Is Bullying?
Bullying is when someone hurts or scares another person repeatedly and is never appropriate. The innocent one being bullied feels alone, depressed and scared and feels they have nowhere to turn.

• Spreading bad rumors about someone

• Being mean and teasing someone

• Punching, shoving and hurt someone physically

• Not including someone is a group

• Getting certain kids or teens to "gang up" on others


Bullying also can happen on-line or electronically. Cyberbullying is when kids or teens bully each other using the Internet, mobile phones or other cyber technology. This can include:

• Sending mean text, e-mail, or instant messages;

• Posting nasty pictures or messages about others in blogs or on Web sites;

• Using someone else's user name to spread rumors or lies about someone.

• Stealing someone's password and spreading rumors about someone else making it seem like that person is the Cyberbully.


Forms of Bullying

It's not always easy to determine bullying behavior. How do you know if you're the victim of good-natured ribbing or bullying? Hostility and aggression directed towards a victim who is physically or emotionally weaker than the bully are more obvious signs of bullying. This behavior causes pain and distress for the victim. Bullying comes In various forms:

Physical bullying is the most obvious form of intimidation and can consist of kicking, hitting, biting, pinching, hair pulling, and making threats. A bully may threaten to punch you if you don't give up your money, your lunch, etc.

Verbal bullying often accompanies physical behavior. This can include name calling, spreading rumors, and persistent teasing.

Emotional intimidation is closely related to these two types of bullying. A bully may deliberately exclude you from a group activity such as a party or school outing.

Racist bullying can take many forms: making racial slurs, spray painting graffiti, mocking the victim's cultural customs, and making offensive gestures.

Sexual bullying is unwanted physical contact or abusive comments.

Cyberbullying is one or a group of kids or teens using electronic means via computers and mobile phones (emails, Web sites, chat rooms and texting) to torment, threaten, harass, humiliate, embarrass or target another kid or teen.


Why Do Kids Bully?

Bullies don't need a reason to hurt others. When asked, some replied:

• Because it makes me feel, stronger, smarter, or better than the person I'm bullying

• Because I'm bullied at home

• Because it's what you do if you want to hang out with the right crowd

• Because I see others doing it

• Because it's one of the best ways to keep others from bullying me

Whatever the reason, bullying is not cool. It's mean!

Whether we've done it ourselves, or we know others who are doing it ... it is important for us to understand that bullying is serious and has harmful effects on the lives of our youth.

Maybe it's not happening to you ... but it could. Join Love Our Children USA and help to STOMP Out Bullying.


Are You A Bully?

You've spread nasty rumors about someone verbally, in a note or through email or texting
You've been mean and teased someone, called them names, or made fun of the way they look, dress, act or talk
You've hurt someone you don't like
You've pushed, shoved or punched someone repeatedly—just because
You and your friends exclude others from your group
You're part of a group who is mean to others and who've done these things just to be popular
If you're guilty of any of these very mean behaviors, you are a bully. But you don't have to be

Learn how to treat others with kindness and compassion. You can learn how to be COOL in a good way!


Effects of Bullying

Some people think bullying is "just a fact of life" and don't take it seriously... until someone they know is hurt by bullying.

• 1 out of 4 kids is bullied and 42% of kids have been bullied while online. Child and teen Bullying and Cyberbullying are at an all-time high.

• Some kids are so tormented that suicide has become an alternative for them.

• It can mess up a kid's future. Bullies are more likely to skip school, drop out of school, smoke, drink alcohol, get into fights and be arrested at some point in their life. 60% of boys who were bullies in middle school had at least one criminal conviction by the age of 24.

• As many as 160,000 students may stay home on any given day because they're afraid of their bullies and/or they just can't take the pain anymore


Have You Witnessed Bullying?

If you see others being bullied, you can help stop it. Help to STOMP Out Bullying and get involved! It might be easier to just watch or ignore bullying, but every one of us needs to feel safe! How would you feel if you were being bullied? How do you think the person you are watching who is being bullied feels?


You Can STOMP Out Bullying

Report Bullying

Don't be afraid to tell an adult. Telling isn't tattling! You are helping someone.

Who should you tell? You could tell your parents, teacher, school counselor, school nurse, coach or any adult you trust. Be sure to tell exactly what happened ... who was bullied, who the bully was, where and when it happened. Even if you suspect a kid is being bullied, it's a good idea to report that, too. Most adults really do care about bullying and will be glad that you told them about it.

If you tell an adult and you don't think they are doing anything about the bullying or if the situation isn't improving, tell another adult. Keep telling adults until someone does something to help.

Be A Friend To Someone Who Is Being Bullied

When someone is down they need a friend. Be there for the person who is being bullied. Be a buddy on school grounds, get together after school, include them in activities, Walk home with them, sit with them on the bus. Being an understanding and supportive friend means so much. Show a kid who is being bullied that you care about them.

Stand Up To The Bully

If you feel safe and comfortable, tell the bully that what they are doing is mean and wrong. It's not cool and they should stop. Keep it simple. Do not bully them back. If you are not comfortable standing up to the bully, tell an adult.

Join Love Our Children USA, JoJo and others spreading the word to STOMP Out Bullying.


Learn Who The Bullies Are At Your School

• When and where does bullying happen in school?

• Where do you see kids bullying other kids?

• When and where does it happen in out-of-school places?

• Who is involved - kids who bully, their followers, kids who are bullied, and possible defenders?

• Are there adults around who can help?

Has your school taken a NO TOLERANCE stand when it comes to bullying?
Does your school enforce a No Bullying policy?

If YES, talk with your teachers, counselors and principal and start a group where you and other students can get involved. Start a student advisory group that can meet during student "club" or "activity" times. Share information from this web site with students and adults at your school.

If the answer is NO, talk with a teacher, school counselor, or your principal about starting a program at your school. Show them Love Our Children USA's web site. Invite Love Our Children USA to speak at your school.

You can STOMP Out Bullying in your community too!

Click Here To Learn What Adults Can Do

STOMP Out Bullying is an initiative of Love Our Children USA, the national nonprofit leader that honors, respects and protects children. Its mission is to break the cycle of violence against children. Celebrating its 9th year as 'the Go-To' prevention organization for all forms of violence and neglect against children in the U.S.

Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sue Scheff: Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit


In 2004, the Alliance for Consumer Education launched ITS Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit at a national press conference at the National Press Club in Washington DC. The kit was successfully tested in 6 pilot states across the country. Currently, ACE’s Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit is in all 50 states. Furthermore, the Kit is in its third printing due to high demands.


The Kit is intended for presentations to adult audiences. Specifically parents of elementary and middle school children, so they can talk to their children about the dangers and risks associated with Inhalants. We base the program on data from the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Statistics show that parents talking to their kids about drugs decrease the risk of the kids trying a drug.


The Inhalant Abuse Prevention Kit contains 4 components: the Facilitator’s Guide, a FAQ sheet, an interactive PowerPoint presentation, and a “What Every Parent Needs to Know about Inhalant Abuse” brochure. Additionally, there are 4 printable posters for classroom use, presentations, etc.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Sue Scheff: Parenting Teens with Love and Logic Updated



By Foster Cline and Jim Fay

Parenting Teens with Love and Logic has long time been a favorite among many parents and professionals working with adolescents.

Learn how to parent your teens without nagging or yelling while preparing them for a responsible adulthood.

Type the title in the Amazon Box and learn more!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Sue Scheff: ReputationDefender Official Blog


Learn more about ReputationDefender on their recently launched Official Blog.


Many people have heard me talk about their services and how they help you maintain your online image. ReputationDefender does much more! Read about the teacher who got fired for photo's posted on MySpace.


Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Sue Scheff -ADHD and ODD: Parenting Your Defiant Child


ADHD behavior issues often partner with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) -- making discipline a challenge. Try these strategies for parents of ADD kids.


Every parent of a child with attention deficit disorder knows what it's like to deal with ADHD behavior problems -- sometimes a child lashes out or refuses to comply with even the most benign request. But about half of all parents who have children with live with severe behavior problems and discipline challenges on an almost daily basis.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Sue Scheff - Impossible Kids? Possible Answers?


In 1989 FAUS produced a 21-minute videotape called "Impossible Kids? Possible Answers!" It was designed as an introduction to the Feingold Program and includes interviews of families on the program, plus footage of Dr. Feingold.

This film has now been converted to a DVD format. To keep the cost low, the disk comes in a paper envelope, not a plastic jewel case.

Since the filming, a few things have changed: The children in the film have grown up, the FAUS Foodlist & Shopping Guide is much larger, and there are new studies. But aside from that, little has changed -- families are still baffled by their child's behavior problems and many are still searching for answers, and finding them in the Feingold Program.

Sue Scheff - Alliance for Consumer Education - Parents Learn More about Inhalant Abuse



As the new year has started, parents need to become more educated and informed about today's teens and the issues they face.



Many parents know about substance abuse, and teach our kids to say no to drugs - but do you know about Inhalants? Ordinary household items that can be lethal to teens looking for a quick and inexpensive high? More importantly, sometimes deadly high.



Parent learn more about Inhalant Abuse.



Here is a great "talking tips" page from The Alliance for Consumer Education (ACE) - take the time to learn more today. You could save a child's life.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Sue Scheff 2008 Great Parenting Books and Websites

Well, 2008 is finally behind us! Many would say it was not the best year economically, with stress of finances, the frustrations of getting our kids/teens to comprehend the serious of it all. Personally I am very excited about 2009 - especially this fall, my second book will be released and it is going to be HOT! It is hush hush for now, but it will be explosive for sure!

Let's take a look at 2008 and some of the great parenting sites and books we have:

ADDitude Magazine - All about ADD/ADHD!
PE4Life - Teaching our Kids the Importance of Physical Education
Connect with Kids - Great Articles and DVD's for Parenting of all ages
Inhalant Abuse - Learn more about this growing problem among teens.
Love Our Children USA - Great information on keeping our kids safe today.
iKeepSafe - Promoting Parenting Education on Keeping Kids Safe in Cyberspace
Feingold Program - Fantastic information on alternative ways to treating ADD/ADHD
Education.com - It's all about kids of all ages!
Safe Teen Driving Club - Learn how to keep your teens safe on the road.
Next Generation Parenting - What's next?
OnTeensToday - Vanessa Van Petten has great insights on teens today.
Thinking Forward - A parent's guide to middle school years.
Break Free Beauty - Teen Body Image by Sarah Maria

Beautiful Boy by David Scheff
It All Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson
A Relentless Hope - Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression by Gary Nelson
You're Grounded by Vanessa Van Petten
Parent Survival Training - Dr. David Lustig
SOS - Students Guide for Saying NO to Cheating - by Lisa Medoff
SOS - Students Guide for Peer Pressure - by Lisa Medoff
Preventing Addiction by Dr. John Fleming
Thin Club - by Kim Tennant

There are many more - read through this Blog and you will see many helpful sites and books.

Oh, don't forget my own book release in July 2008 - Wit's End! Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-Of-Control Teen published by Health Communications, Inc. Watch for fall 2009 as they release my second book!