DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
The essentials for parenting teens
As readers of this column can attest, there are seemingly endless situations that require parenting strategies. But, one can ask “What really matters?” Are there some essential parenting practices that increase the likelihood of raising healthy, happy kids? Whatever else, do these. Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Social Media II: Ground Rules
Once you have decided to let your kid have their own social media sites and you have some idea what is involved from the previous column, you need to provide your teen with clear expectations for the appropriate use of social media and what will happen if your expectations are disappointed (i.e., misery and suffering). Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Social Media I: Intro for Parents
OK, so you’ve lost control of your kid’s participation in Internet social media. It is moving too fast and your kid has too much time (and too many peer consultants) to help them keep up with all the new opportunities. While you may not be able to know all the intricacies of every new opportunity for your kid to socialize online, there are ways you can try to rein in the beast. Let’s start by reviewing some general issues. (The next column will provide some suggestions for setting up ground rules for social media use.) Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Celebrating New Year’s Eve for teens
It’s the biggest party night of the year when everyone is encouraged to throw out the past and celebrate the wondrous possibilities inherent in a new beginning. Out with the old, in with the new. Put the past behind you. Look to the dawn of the very first day of a new year. Start the New Year with a bang. Party like it’s 1999. (Man, I’m getting old. Is Prince still even alive?) What are you going to do with the kids?
The best protection against your kid celebrating inappropriately on New Year’s Eve is to keep them in the house while you remain sober and constantly vigilant to suppress any attempts at inappropriate frivolity or socializing (e.g., escape). But, if you are foolish enough to want to help your kid learn about reasonable ways to celebrate . . . Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Editor's note: Over the next few weeks, BHP will be posting several of Dr. Wellborn's favorite columns while he takes a respite from the column to pursue another project. Today's was first posted on April 12, 2010.
A test to test your knowledge of your kid
So, you think you know your kid? Yeah, right. You probably have one of those kids who comes in at night, sits at the end of your bed and recounts to you all the things they did that day and shares many of their deeply held, personal views and inner turmoil.
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Creative, effective punishment takes thought
“If I had talked like that to my mom, she would have knocked the crap out of me!”
When parents say this to me I sometimes think, “Why don’t you?” All right, I don’t recommend corporal punishment. I didn’t spank or hit my own kids, which is not to say there weren’t times when I really wanted to. Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Editor's note: Over the next few weeks, BHP will be posting several of Dr. Wellborn's favorite columns while he takes a respite from the column to pursue another project. Today's was first posted on Nov. 16, 2009.
Holidays provide an ideal opportunity to reflect on important cultural and religious values as well as to reassess how we end up structuring our day-to-day lives. Unfortunately, the desperate attempts of manufacturers to encourage consumption and create a desire for luxuries can twist priorities all out of shape.
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I am mindful of the importance of pausing to appreciate the benefits of reflecting on the many blessings in one’s life; the benefits of gratitude. Read More >>
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DR. JIM WELLBORN: There's a Stranger in My House
Spiritual growth important for adolescents
Religion, and the spirituality it reflects, is crucial for everyday concerns and quality of life issues. It is soulful. It is a source of moral clarity. Religion is a fundamental source of hope and healing in the aftermath of the inexplicable horrors and suffering in the world. It provides perspective and an ultimate guide to living a good life. Read More >>
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