It Started with Pop-Tarts by Lori Hanson (Teens and Eating Disorders)

After reading this book, it offered a lot of insight on self esteem and how it can effect you and especially teens.

Lori Hanson bravely talks about her struggles with an eating disorder. She not only fought back to become a whole person again, she has taken her lessons and experiences and continues to help others through lectures, seminars, conferences and more. Visit http://www.learn2balance.com for more information.

Brain Rules: 12 Principles for Surviving and Thriving at Work, Home, and School

By Dr. John Medina

Most of us have no idea what’s really going on inside our heads. Yet brain scientists have uncovered details every business leader, parent, and teacher should know—like the need for physical activity to get your brain working its best.

How do we learn? What exactly do sleep and stress do to our brains? Why is multi-tasking a myth? Why is it so easy to forget—and so important to repeat new knowledge? Is it true that men and women have different brains?

Type the title of the book in the Amazon Book and find out more.

This book is highly recommend through PE4Life - which promotes physical education with our kids today and much more.

Sue Scheff: Safe and Sound Youth Transportation

Since creating Parents' Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), I have been introduced to wonderful people that take heart in helping families that are struggling with today's teens. Choosing the right program or school is your first major decision, deciding how to get them there safely, is your second. More and more families are resorting to Transport Companies, however just like with schools and programs, you need to find the right one. Remember, this is not kidnapping - as long as you have selected the right transport, the transition can be smooth. I have talked to many parents and teens that have actually kept in touch with their transport person as a friend. Listed below is one company that has an impeccable reputation and I have personally spoken with many families that have satisfied results.

Safe and Sound Youth Transportation - Owner Lorraine Colpitts (pictured above)

A Safe, Caring Transition at a Difficult time......Let us be the "First Step" in aiding your family during this time of family crisis.

Our Mission Statement........

To ensure the Safe and Reliable Intervention/Transport of your teen from your home or your childs current placement to your chosen destination in the most professional, yet nurturing and efficient manner possible.

Welcome to the Safe and Sound Youth Transportation, Inc. website.

This site offers you the opportunity to learn more about us and our company. We are here to assist you, the parent, with any and all of your teen escort and transportation needs. If you have comments or questions, please feel free to Contact Us. We thank you for visiting and would like to encourage you to check back for updated information.

" We go the extra miles "

The extra miles.....it is very important to us that the transport starts at your home, (or your chosen school or program), and it doesn't end until we get your child all the way to his/her final destination. What that could mean is that we drive them from your home to the nearest airport, fly across the country to the state the program or school is in, then rent a car and drive several hours, if your destination is a Wilderness Program or School. It can be a very long and trying journey, but we are excited to take it with your child.

We take having the responsibility of your child very seriously and will see them all the way through this part of their journey. We are committed to you and your family, and will always treat them with the utmost dignity and respect, kindness and compassion.

We will stay in communication with you, the parent or guardian, by cell phone, and call you at frequent intervals, which can be decided on prior to the transport.

Our goal is always the safest, least traumatic trip possible, and we always take the most cost effective route when we can.

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines

By Nic Sheff

After reading Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through his Son's Addiction, I felt compelled to read Tweak, his son's story.

I just started it, and find it extremely difficult to read - not that I don't like it, it is so raw and painful. Since I personally have never tried these drugs (meth, heroin, etc) a lot of the lingo I am not understanding. But what is clear is the inner pain these people are suffering with. The irony of confusing it with happiness is the reason many parents should consider reading this book - after - reading Beautiful Boy.

Any parent that is even questioning their adolescents behavior, these are a must read - as painful as they may seem, it is ignorant to think it couldn't happen to you. Be an educated parent - an informed parent. Most importantly, don't be a parent in denial.

Sue Scheff - Teen Sex, Social Networking and Parenting

The news today? Teens floating photo's of themselves in their birthday suits, well, more or less. It seems more and more teens are not thinking about the consequences of sending questionable photos through email, texting, social networks etc. Parents need to explain to their child that placing such pictures may potentially cause them "not" to be accepted at a college or not get a job. More and more college admissions offices and potential employee's are Surfing the Net to find out more information on applicants. What you post today, may haunt you tomorrow!

With all the discussions around the nude pictures - it brings up another concern - does this mean your teen is being recognized as a sex object? Does it say he or she is "easy"?

Many people will ask, "where are the parents?", however it is almost impossible to monitor your teen 24/7, especially Online. As parents and adults everywhere, we need to tell our kids how this can harm them in the future. Their BFF today - may be their enemy next summer! Then where will those photos end up?

Keep informed - stay up to date with information for parents and teens. Visit The National Campaign to Help Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

Parents Universal Resource Experts (Sue Scheff) Holiday Gift Ideas for Kids, Tweens and Teens!

As a Parent Advocate I am always looking for great parenting ideas, thoughts and articles. Now Education.com has given parents terrific gifts that can enhance your child's learning growth no matter what age they are! Check it out!

Need Gift Ideas? We Got You Covered!

We found the best toys, games, and books for each grade that will build your child's brain, as well as being chock-full of fun. We've also factored in the economy, with most gifts falling in the $20-$40 range, so you can shop smart. This list of loot is kid-tested, teacher approved, and easy on your pocket book. So check out our 2008 Gift Guide.

Gifts for Preschoolers
Gifts for Kindergartners
Gifts for First Graders
Gifts for Second Graders
Gifts for Third Graders
Gifts for Fourth Graders
Gifts for Fifth Graders
Gifts for Middle Schoolers
Gifts for High Schoolers

All these items and more are also available at our online store.

Check Out the Education.com Store

Happy Wrapping!

The Education.com Team

Sue Scheff: Safe Teen Driving Club

At holiday times - the busy roads can be frustrating for adult drivers, however for the inexperienced teen driver it could be potential dangerous. Parents, take a moment to educate yourself on Safe Teen Driving. Visit www.SafeTeenDrivingClub.org for valuable, life saving information.

Parents: as your teen begins driving, you are entering the most dangerous phase of your entire child-rearing career.

You might have seen that comment elsewhere on our site. It bears repeating.

Teens are under the control and influence of parents. There is no more important factor that affects a teen's driving behavior than parents. Here are some excellent insights into parenting issues that we hope you'll find helpful.

Read more here: http://www.safeteendrivingclub.org/reading_article.php?ID=43

Sue Scheff - Innovative Parenting for the Next Generation

Check out this new innovative parenting website - http://www.nextgenparenting.com/ - which offers great idea, parenting skills, parenting books, Blogs and more!

Parenting today has become more and more challenging. Whether it is Social Networking, Texting or some other new form of communication this New Generation of kids are using - we as parents need to keep informed and up to date!

Check out the NextGenBlog here - http://nextgenparenting.com/blog/

Sue Scheff: Drug Free America

Parenting today has become more challenging than ever. Social Networking is expanding a new area of concern for parents - and today more than ever, parents need to be informed and keep updated about substance abuse, teen drug use, huffing, drinking, inhalant use and other harmful habits. Peer pressure, the need to fit in - combined with kids suffering with low self esteem can lead to negative behavior.

Stay informed - visit http://www.drugfree.org/ to keep yourself educated.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free America is a nonprofit organization that unites parents, renowned scientists and communications professionals to help families raise healthy children. Best known for its research-based national public education programs, the Partnership motivates and equips parents to prevent their children from using drugs and alcohol, and to find help and treatment for family and friends in trouble. The centerpiece of this effort is an online resource center at drugfree.org, featuring interactive tools that translate the latest science and research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into easy to understand tips and tools. Research conducted by AP and MTV recently showed that kids see their parents as heroes— at drugfree.org, parents can connect with each other, tap into expert advice for children of all ages, and find the support they want and need in their role as hero to their kids. The Partnership depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and other contributors. The Partnership thanks SAG/AFTRA, the advertising industry and our media partners for their ongoing generosity.

Sue Scheff Authors "Wit's End!" Advice and Resources for Saving Your-Out-of-Control Teen

With peer pressure and social influences at all-time highs, many good teens are making bad choices, placing intense emotional and financial strain on parents and families. Lack of motivation, substance abuse, negative peers and gang affiliation are just some of the common challenges facing kids today.

To help address these and other issues, parent advocate Sue Scheff has announced the release of her new book, “Wit’s End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen.”

Scheff’s book chronicles her painful journey with a struggling teenage daughter and also offers advice, resources and help to mothers and fathers forced to make tough choices regarding their children.

“In the MySpace generation, kids are under more pressure than ever before,” says Scheff, author and founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.), an organization that assists families with at-risk children.

“This book will be an invaluable resource and allow parents to learn from my past mistakes,” she adds.

As a single mother in the ‘90s, Scheff struggled to raise her teen daughter, who embraced disturbing friends, beliefs and behaviors. Ultimately, Scheff was forced to utilize a residential treatment facility as a way to instill discipline and structure.

What happened next was chilling -- stories of beatings, sexual abuse, forced starvation and neglect all surfaced from the very facility that was supposed to be protecting and rehabilitating Scheff’s daughter.

In the years following her ordeal, Scheff championed for safe alternatives for at-risk teens and began helping other parents who were facing similar challenges as she once did.

Published by Health Communications, Inc., “Wit’s End” is an extension of the assistance Scheff has been able to provide to families over the years.

“Parents need to know that they’re not alone,” says Scheff. “This book is a much-needed guide to avoid the pitfalls and will ultimately help expedite the healing process.”

For more information, visit http://www.witsendbook.com/ .

About the Author
Sue Scheff is the founder of Parents’ Universal Resource Experts (http://www.helpyourteens.com/ ) and is a sought-after interviewee and speaker on topics such as Internet abuse, struggling teens, cyberbullying and defamation. She has been featured on 20/20, CNN Headline News, ABC News, Fox News, The Rachael Ray Show, Lifetime Television, NPR, BBC Talk Radio and has appeared in the USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Miami Herald and San Francisco Chronicle.

Sue Scheff: Silicon Moms Blog - Great Parenting Information and More!

Blogging is our latest and greatest form of getting information - usually up to the minute news, ideas, opinions and more!

Silicon Valley Moms Blog is one of many that are expanding their audience by targeting what parents are thinking, need to know, and getting great ideas from other moms throughout the country!

Jill Asher is one of the Co-Founders:

Jill Asher is the co-founder of Silicon Valley Moms Group. The idea came to Jill over two years ago (March 2006) to start Silicon Valley Moms Blog, after she finished her one year "Presidency" of PAMP. After inviting friend after friend to join this "crazy idea" that moms would want to write about parenting experiences in their regional area, Jill has watched Silicon Valley Moms Group blossom into over nine collaborative blogging communities.

By far, her biggest challenge and greatest joy is motherhood. Jill and her husband are the proud parents of two elementary school aged daughters. Jill admits that she is NOT A PERFECT PARENT and fears her daughter's teenage years. Her girls can be heard running around the house screaming, "Mommy is blogging again!" and she needs to bribe from time to time them with treats. Is she allowed to admit that? On the bright side, Jill really digs living in Silicon Valley and tries her best to blend in, praying that no one will hear her "New Jersey accent". Unless, of course, she is royally upset.

Read more about these moms and how they may be opening a chapter near you soon!

http://svmomblog.typepad.com/silicon_valley_moms_blog/2006/03/about_the_silic.html

Sue Scheff: Parenting Tips with ADHD Children

For any parent, teacher or relative of ADD/ADHD children, this magazine is a wealth of information to help you to better understand ADD/ADHD.

Source: ADDitude Magazine

ADHD Parenting Tips: Be Positive and Calm

What does my style of parenting look like? Let’s say your nine-year-old refuses to comply with a simple request, like “Please pick up your toys.” Don’t repeat your request. Don’t yell or threaten a time-out. Instead, respond with action — firm, calm, quiet, and dramatic.

For instance, you might begin placing the toys into a container. If the child asks what you’re doing, you can say that the toys will remain in your possession until she pays you a small sum or performs certain chores. Your floor will be free of clutter — and your child will be more likely to comply next time.

Read entire article: http://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/1879.html