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Over 50 Holiday Gift Ideas for Teens

If your teenager isn't into the latest computer game craze or have an ongoing hobby, it can be difficult finding ideas for Christmas gifts. Here is a list of things you can get that are bound to be a hit!

More Christmas Gift Resources

Denise's Parenting Teens Blog

Do you have a FaceBook page? Join the Parenting of Teens Fan Page.

Friday December 4, 2009
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.

How Can Parents Help a Teen Get Back on Track in School

Friday December 4, 2009
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...

Thrifty Thursday: Purchasing Birthday Gifts for Your Teen's Friends

Thursday December 3, 2009
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:

50 Fun Holiday Activities Your Teen Will Love

Tuesday December 1, 2009
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.
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