Maranda recently stopped by Godwin Height High School in Wyoming to talk to students participating in the Pure Passion for Fashion program.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Thank you to those of you who shared what you would like to see on this blog in the coming year. I appreciate your ideas and your openness in sharing what’s challenging for you. One of you shared some concerns and challenges in parenting your teen—concerns that I’m sure many parents of teens struggle with—how to respond to your teen when it appears that they are “slipping away”—not responding to yelling, counseling, conversations, etc. This can be frustrating and painful as parents—to wonder how your teen is going to emerge from the stressful years of adolescence.

Following are several ideas that I want to encourage those of you who are trying to connect to your teen to put in place. And remember, even if you aren’t seeing the kind of change you are hoping for right away, be patient with the process. I am convinced that this is one of the character lessons we learn through parenting.

1. On their terms: Engage your teen on their terms for an hour or two a week. This may in fact be the most challenging time for parents—to put aside your agenda, your “need to talk to you about this” list and your desires to persuade your teen in a certain direction—and just be with your teen. This might mean playing video games, perusing the mall, eating dinner while discussing the latest clothing styles at school, etc.
2. Know their environment: Is there a way you can better understand and get to know your teen’s friends or primary environment (usually school)? Attending school events, opening up your home to your teen’s friends (brace yourself!), or even offering transportation to your teen and friends to evening and weekend events can add to your understanding of your teen and help you connect with them in a different type of way.
3. What’s in it for me? As much as we’d like it to be different, teens are developmentally egocentric. Meaning—they think about themselves most, if not all, of the time (you probably don’t need this reminder!). When setting rules and boundaries, attempt to see the issue from your teen’s perspective. Why would it be of value to them to keep curfew if they don’t care if you are mad at them? What motivates your teen and how are you using this understanding to help them learn healthy behavior? Reminding your teen what’s in it for them is really about meeting them at their developmental level.

I would be interested in hearing how these ideas help you feel more connected to your teen—or what other ideas have worked for you!

For more information on behavioral health issues, or to seek assistance, go to www.pinerest.org.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

If you’re on a mission to live healthier, Priority Health wants to hear about it!  They have launched a program called “Team Priority Health” and they are looking for champions to join the team.   They’d love to hear from anyone who is moving more, passionate about participating in a sport or changing they way their entire family lives.

People selected to be team members will get great gear, free entries into community walks and runs and have the opportunity to travel to various places sharing their wellness stories!   Click here to enter and share your story!

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Miller College is sponsoring a writing and illustration workshop for students in Calhoun County.  Maranda met with students at Marshall Middle School to see how they’re participating in the program.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Maranda met with a speech therapist from Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital and got advice for parents on the best way to read to your kids.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

First graders at Moon Elementary have a special group of readers that visit on a daily basis to read to students.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Goodwill is a great place to buy books for your family.  In fact, they have over 4,000 to choose from online at shopgoodwill.com.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Students at St. Thomas the Apostle in Grand Rapids are using Skype technology as part of a unique March is Reading Month project.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

Maranda recently participated in the Southwest Community Campus Guest Reading Day.  She took along her Maranda-Cam to capture some of the fun.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments

In just a few months school will be out, but that’s not an excuse to take the summer off of reading!  This summer, Maranda is partnering with 120 local libraries for her annual Summer Reading Club.

Beginning June 13, head to your local library to sign-up.  Just for signing up you’ll receive special incentives and if you meet your reading goals you’ll be registered to win awesome prizes including passes to the John Ball Zoo, Double JJ Resort, Boyne Mountain and Avalanche Bay Water Park and a trip for four to New York City!

Make sure to check back for more updates as summer gets closer.

Permalink  |  Bookmark  |  View Comments