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Quiz: Do you spend enough time with your teen?

Believe it or not, your teen wants to spend time with you. Not every day and not as best friends, but they wouldn't say no to a light conversation over a breakfast you've cooked.

Teens Spell Love: T-I-M-E

Teens Spotlight10

Denise's Parenting Teens Blog

Summer Activities for Teens - Week Eight

Monday July 13, 2009
These summer activities for teens can be done individually, with friends or with the whole family. Each week has four different types of teen summer activities: Make This (Recipe), Craft This, Learn How and Get Out and Go! Each activity idea is fun for your teen. Check out week eight's summer activities for teens now.

Teen Son's Girlfriend Is Doing Drugs

Friday July 10, 2009
A mom seeks advice on our forum: My son is beside himself because his girlfriend drinks, smokes marijuana, and does ecstasy. He is against these activities and knows he cannot do them himself because of a heart condition. He loves her and is very concerned for her well-being and is also angry that she won't stop even though he has said he will break up with her. He asked me to call the police anonymously, which I did, but I don't think they'll do anything just on my anonymous tip. I would like to call her mother but the girl (who is 15) is a third-generation marijuana user and I'm not sure the parents or grandparents would take any action. Who can I call in this situation to help this girl confront her drug and alcohol problem?

Denise's thoughts: I commend you on calling the police. Something may not be done now, but it could help her in the long run. The important thing to remember is that your son trusted you and you were able to follow through for him. I agree that there isn't much you can do as far as calling her parents if they promote drug use in their home and I wouldn't recommend it.

I would suggest talking to your son about a tough choice he will have to make and stand by whichever choice he does make. If he does continue to see her, talk to him about what he is going to do to protect himself from becoming a drug user - because you love him and don't want to loose him to drugs. If he breaks up with her, be there for him to talk to and see if you can't drive him a movie with a group of friends that includes a few girls.

Asking our community: Have you had this experience? What would you do? Please share your thoughts, opinions and advice in the comments area.

Related Resources:

Thrifty Thursday: Recycle Old Jeans

Thursday July 9, 2009
Blue jeans, or any kind of denim pants, are useable long after your teen grows out of them. Besides being a strong soft cloth that makes excellent car washing rags - guess what my oldest teen is doing today - jeans can be made into a variety of teen crafts. Here are few with step-by-step directions: Follow the About.com Parenting & Family's Thrifty Thursday:

It's Time to Start Buckling Down for College Students

Wednesday July 8, 2009
While your teen may want to be wild and free for a week or so more, leaving for college is right around the corner and preparing for it should also be a priority. One way that will help with motivation and give your teen an edge this year is the book How to Become a Straight-A Student. Now, do not turn away from this book if you feel there is no way your child will ever see an A in college. While the book helps students strive for that goal, it’s teachings on organization and time management will aid every student. I recommend this one highly and feel the author, Cal Newport, has done an excellent job.

More: The Naked Roommate: And 107 Other Issues You Might Run Into in College

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