Raising adolescents is not an easy gig. That may be the understatement of the year. But you don’t have to do it all alone, and there are some great online resources that offer help whenever you need it. Here are some of my favorite online resources for parents of teens and tweens.
For helping your teen find balance, check out Challenge Success
I love this site because I’m working to help my kid achieve balance and finding that it’s really, really tough. This project out of Stanford University works with schools and parents to shift the focus from kids’ academic performance to raising healthy kids who like to learn, not just to get a certain test score.
They explain on their site that they “provide families and schools with the practical, research-based tools they need to create a more balanced and academically fulfilling life for kids.”
Find their Facebook page here.
For knowing how to best reach your kid, visit the Center for Parent Teen Communication
From Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, I love that there are medical professionals behind this effort to reframe how adults view the teenage years. They’re very positive, and frame “adolescence as an age of opportunity.”
Find their (pretty new) Facebook page here.
For help talking about sex, puberty and relationships, go to Amaze
This website has lots of great videos to start important conversations about tough topics like puberty, sexuality, sexual health (including STD’s), gender identity and more. I love that they also address the importance of healthy relationships based on respect.
Not sure when is the right age to talk with your kid about something? They have an age guide to help you out.
Find their Facebook page here.
For knowing about the latest shows, movies, apps, music and books, you need Common Sense Media
Chances are that you’ve heard of this one. I used to rely on it to know what’s appropriate for my kiddo, but now that she’s older, that’s less of a concern. The site is still very helpful, whether I’m looking for a synopsis of a series or conversation starters that don’t mean I have to devote a full day of my life to binging something she loves but I don’t, or just looking for gift ideas in the book section.
Find their Facebook page here.
For help and facts to use when talking with your kids about alcohol, head to Responsibility.org*
Parents of tweens should check out Ask, Listen, Learn. Parents of high schoolers can check out the section specifically about teens. And there’s even a portion aimed at moms and dads of college kids and alcohol responsibility on campus.
Find their Facebook page here.
For fun activities that allow you to connect with your kid and solid parents advice, use your Local Parenting Magazine
While you make think this is geared toward younger kids, local parenting magazines, like Chicago Parent and the many others specific to metro areas are the country, can be good resources for parents of tweens and teens.
You can find activities that allow you to have fun together and connect (which can be great for reaching balance, per Challenge Success) as well as resources in your community and solid parenting advice. Teens feel like toddlers sometimes, and I’m a big believer that good parenting advice is often applicable across all the age ranges.
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* I write for Ask, Listen, Learn and for Chicago Parent. That’s because I’m a big believer in their messages and the resources they offer, and that’s why I’m including them in this list. I’m not compensated for this.