Annie Fox for Parents...

Parent Forum

Welcome to Annie Fox’s Parent Forum — online education and support for parents raising tweens and teens. At times, your job is the toughest in the world. That’s true, in part, because your daughters and sons may be pushing back hard, trying to convince you that they’ve got it all figured out. They don’t. Not yet. Your 21st century teens still need you. To lead them effectively, you need 21st century parenting skills.

So read my blog, and Q & A from other parents, check out my Parenting Tips and my essays. Have a listen to my new podcast series “Family Confidential: Secrets of Successful Parenting” where I interview authors of exciting new parenting books. Or send me a question. You’ll get straightforward advice that you can use immediately to create healthier relationships in your family. That’s going to translate into more trust, respect, honesty, and open communication at home. Sounds like something we’d all like more of, right?

Annie’s Blog:
Guest blogger: Having "The Talk" with your kids

February 2, 2012

by Dr. Elizabeth Miller, MD, PhD

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we're pleased to support the outstanding efforts of Project Youth Safety. According to PYS's website, Teen dating violence is defined as a pattern of physically, sexually, verbally, or emotionally abusive actions committed by a partner to establish control over the other. This article by Dr. Elizabeth Miller, Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, is part of our ongoing commitment to providing resources to parents so they can effectively teach their kids to be responsible, caring young adults.

Have you had “the talk” with your children? If this question instantly makes you think of the classic birds-and-bees chat, I was actually talking about the healthy relationship chat.

While many parents want their children to be safe, many don’t even think about addressing what it means to be in a healthy or safe relationship with their kids. Instead, the conversation usually slants toward sex.

In fact, one survey found that although three in four parents said they had a conversation with their teenager about what it means to be in a healthy relationship, 74 percent of sons and 66 percent of daughters said they have NOT had such a conversation with their parents

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and, as a physician who specializes in care for adolescents, a researcher on teen dating abuse, and a parent of a teen, I want to encourage parents to better educate their daughters and sons about what it means to be in a healthy relationship and how to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship and get help. More »


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Letters from Parents & Teens

Parents:
“My ex-husband's ex-gf is not welcome.”

Dear Annie,

My ex-husband's ex-girlfriend is going to attend my daughter's co-ed baby shower. I was not on good terms with my ex's girlfriend. She lived with my ex in our family house before they broke up. My daughter did not invite her initially, but when she (girlfriend) called and asked her about the...

Read Annie’s Answer »

Communication Problems:
“I want my daughter to stand up to her mother.”

Hey Terra,

I have an issue regarding my 14 year-old daughter's relationship with her Mom (two-homes). Long story short, Mom imposes her desires on our daughter and thinks our daughter "agrees." Our daughter does not. Therapy session set for tomorrow. Mom has been invited to hear daughter's feelings but Mom...

Read Annie’s Answer »