Comments

• RD Harmony, wichita, KS 08/13/08

  Citation for below:
  
  prepinc.com (click on the upper right tab for free, printable research papers)
  
  Authors: Markman and Stanley

• RD Harmony, wichita, KS 08/13/08

  Research is showing that EVERYONE does their best in getting along with others when they know that the key is in the best possible management of differences. Despite moves toward tolerance and understanding of different races/religions, we have many national examples where "leaders" seem to delight in demonizing those with different views. (There are plenty of problems in our homes where bio parents take turns demonizing each other--completely failing to note the strengths and contributions of the other.)
  Getting kids to understand this central concept may be more important than any mental illness categorization--which to some, is little more than another form of "name-calling."
  

• maryann wiszniak, Plainville, CT 08/13/08

  Wow, I'll have to remember to be a lillte less talkative while driving my daughter and her friends around. I usually get right into the conversations because they very often engage me into it and they are a bunch of 8th grade girls into several sports each and their conversations are hillarious. Thanks for the great info.

• Nancy R. 05/07/08

  I can't imagine having 2 tweens! My daughter is 13 and has been a handful for awhile. Only in the past month has she started to ask me some questions about her body. I don't pry too much and I give her the answers she is looking for, short and sweet. I know she will ask me more questions when she is ready. My older daughter (20) was very easy going and rarely had the screaming matches. She was more of a crier when things got to her. She reminded me of how I was at her age, so I could totally relate to what she was trying to say. But my 13 year old is the total opposite. Even though she can say some mean things, I know for a fact this is only temporary. I actually heard the words "thank you mom" come out of her mouth last week! Patience is key I have found, but you can't let them walk all over you. Also, understanding. I try to see where she is coming from, why she may be so upset or angry. Can you relate to whatever it is they may be upset about? Do you recall what you were like when you were their age? It doesn't always work but sometimes it helps me to get into her frame of mind. I like the idea of working on a project together or even homework. That has been helpful for us sometimes. Also, she's very involved in a sport and we are always at her games. That makes her feel we care about what she's doing. Last year she didn't like us cheering for her. Of course we cheered even louder! This year is better, and she actually acknowledges us!

• Mary L. 05/07/08

  Help! I am in the midst of having 2 tweens and feel like I’m failing parenting. The problem is they are so inconsistent – one day, just fine and doing okay in school, the next crying and yelling and bringing home D’s and F’s. My daughter just got her period and claims she can’t get out of bed on her first day. I guess I just need patience to get through this.

• Jen 05/02/08

  My preteen is terribly shy, and I think the combination of her body image (she’s a little overweight), getting braces, and having the beginnings of some acne, have really thrown her for a loop. I try to do the “car talks” as the article suggests – also, I’ve found that working on a project together (bake sales for our church) has been good about getting her to open up and talk.