Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step Two

Last week in Step #1 we covered the importance of setting healthy boundaries & limits in conjunction with natural consequences.  Many times, parents can avoid trouble with their adolescent son by starting there. When that doesn’t work, move to Step #2: Step #2=Seek Counseling Many boys don’t know how to deal with the pain that comes…

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Adolescent Son In Trouble? Step One

I’ve blogged about “signs your adolescent son could be in trouble.”  Over the next few weeks I’ll dig into the steps and stages of escalation with a goal of you, the parent, nipping it in the bud! Step #1=Boundaries & Limits This is the first step that must be implemented in your adolescent son’s life.  His…

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Domestic Violence and Abuse

Every year in October there is a focus on domestic violence.  I listen to stories of survival, most of the time women with children, and their horrific experiences.  I wonder why we only hear about these stories in October? Frightened Little Boy I grew up in the “South City,” if you’re from St. Louis you know exactly…

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Parenting Advice-On Divorce

Are you divorced or going through a divorce?  If children are involved be careful not to put them in the middle.  I’m certain you’ve heard that before! Based on my experience the kids wind up in the middle most every time.  It’s a sad place for them to be. PAS Parent alienation syndrome, or PAS is…

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“Shame”-A Bad Five Letter Word

Your adolescent son shouldn’t feel shame.  Sadly he most likely does.  How does this happen and why would he feel shame? In a recent interview I was asked this question “why are boys in trouble?”  One of many reasons is they carry shame.  The interviewer  was shocked and went on to ask, “How can a young boy feel shame about something…

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Homework Versus Video Games

Do you get excuses from your son on why his homework and/or his chores didn’t get done?  I have some suggestions that may help. “Just a Minute!” My guess is you hear “I will, just a minute” a lot!  Based on my experience with the boys I see, homework and chores are not his priority, video games…

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Sharing My Message on The McGraw Show

It was an honor to be a guest on The McGraw Show!  I want to share the interview with all of you.  KTRS “The Big 550” McGraw Millhaven and Kelly Jackson, both Emmy nominated journalists, are some of St. Louis finest radio personalities.  I was honored to be invited to talk about “Saving Our Sons-A Parent’s Guide…

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Parenting Boys? The 5 Signs of Trouble

Don’t ignore the warning signs, you may think your son is just going through a phase, but that’s not always the case.  Your son could be in trouble.  It may be typical angst; here’s the difference. Over the past 20 years I have helped countless troubled teens make the transition from boyhood to adult life with my program, The Quest Project. The Warning Signs Boys are…

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Parenting Teens? Heroin Spares No One

The stories are disturbing; teens addicted to and dying from heroin.   It’s happening right under our nose, in our own backyard, rich and poor communities.  It is pervasive, from schools to homes to the streets and parks. The numbers are staggering.  But they don’t show the complete picture. “My Son Wouldn’t Do Drugs” That’s the most common response…

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Raising Sons? Discipline vs Punishment

Discipline or Punishment? What’s the difference you ask!  There’s a big difference between discipline and punishment.  Punishment. So your son has broken the rules; he’s been caught drinking or smoking, maybe a bad report card?  You have to do “something,” he’ll have to be punished. The way to stop a child from misbehaving is to cause some…

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