I've started a FaceBook Fan page for our parenting teens site. This is a great way to keep up to date with updates to the site and to write your thoughts and ideas on our wall.

A mom on our forum seeks advice: Before I start info on my kid: 15, Th grade, on JV soccer team, sophomore class president, Very social, Honors English, AP world History, grades not bad, but not near where they could/should be. Also, I'm a single mom.

I'm so confused. I used to think that schoolwork issues were easy. Your kid is not doing the work... punishment. Call/email the teacher, call conferences ground the kid on and on...

I never miss an Open House I even have a binder I put my own copies of every syllabus, etc... handed out so i can grab it and show my daughter look at this. I was proud of that notebook, It showed my daughter what a caring and involved parent I was and of course look out I know what the deal is, kid! It made me feel good about my parenting.

Now, I'm so confused one day a thought popped into my head after the WH teacher emailed all of the parents about making sure our kids studied more. I thought WTH? Why do *I* have to make sure a 10th grader studies, does her work? Shouldn't she learn natural consequences? I won't be there when she's away at college to make her study.

BUT do I just wash my hands of this and let her deal with her natural consequences? I guess that would be a low GPA, failing a class?? WH is a hard class I used to read the chapters she was working on (I even emailed the teacher for the actual assignments b/c my daughter was never clear about that) Oh, the SHAME. Now I tell her if she asks me ahead of time I will read and *help* her study, but only if she asks.

And now the county gives parents access (internet) to each teacher's grade book. So now I can see the real story I never got in the past except at conferences.

Read more...

As your teen will be invited to birthday parties from time to time, it is advantageous to be ready with a small stockpile of teen gifts. Take advantage of sales throughout the year of things that teens enjoy. For instance, our local movie theater was having a sale on its gift certificates - you buy so many and you get some free. I bought some as gifts for my teens and saved the free ones to cover the next couple of birthday parties my daughter will be attending.

More: Use Teen Crafts for Christmas Gifts | Snacks for Teens, Waste Not, Want Not

Follow the About.com Parenting & Family's Thrifty Thursday:

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• Two Ways to Wrap It Up For Less
• Got Packages? Save on Shipping This Holiday Season
• Holiday Fun For Cranky Preteens
• Free Online Office Tools
• Budgeting for Breastfeeding
• 5 Baby Clothes Gifts Under $10

Christmas time is always a special fun time of year for the whole family. If you need ideas for some activities for your teen, youth group or entire family, here are 50 things teens I know will have fun doing this holiday season.