teens
I joined a Facebook group in 2009 for fans of “The Wheel of Time” fantasy series.In the group, I met Tyla, a woman from South Africa with whom I had a lot in common.Over the years, we chatted online, learning we had a strange amount in common, so we married.This…
One piece of early advice in my parenting journey has stuck with me. Now that my kids are teens, I have two rules for them: no screens or food in their bedrooms. The rules give all of us structure. Out of all the parenting tips I read as a new…
After the pandemic, I took a job in a thrift store, working with all Gen Z kids.I expected them to be shallow, but they have been compassionate and welcoming.I’m surprised I made such a deep connection with them, but I’m glad I did.A Prince “Purple Rain” T-shirt was dropped off…
Once I got the hang of parenting little kids, my kids turned into teens.It’s a confusing time for parents of teens and teens themselves.Things constantly change, and sometimes I’m a parent, and sometimes I’m a friend.”Be their parent and not their friend.” This has been an ongoing debate about parenting…
I have four kids, two of them are teens. I don’t want any of them using social media.The risks of teen bullying and my own experiences with online threats have led me to this decision.My 16-year-old recently thanked me for shielding her from the anxiety her peers have experienced.I have…
I took my twin sons and their chosen companions on a three-week trip across the US and Mexico.We used collaborative planning and a group chat to give teens ownership of the adventure.The experience taught me valuable lessons about traveling with teens.Planning an international trip for six people is challenging; doing…
I had my kids pretty close in age, and people would often tell me they’d be best friends. They are polar opposites, and I wish they were closer. But maybe all the bickering is simply how siblings interact with each other. When I had two babies under 2, people assured…
Teens say that TikTok has a culture that other apps can’t replace.Many of them became emotionally attached to the community during the pandemic.Some teens are pushing back on the ban by seeking out other Chinese apps.Over the past few weeks, Madeira Semins, 18, has spent a lot of time thinking…
Andrew Jernigan, 51, has moved with his family between the US and Brazil multiple times.The last time he lived in Brazil, his children were teenagers and found the move difficult.He says that when moving with kids older than 12, parents need to think about safety and college.This as-told-to essay is…
Mark Cuban learns about new technologies and trends through his teenage kids.Knowing about social media also allows the billionaire to connect with them.Cuban recently left “Shark Tank” to spend more time with his kids.Social media may feel like unchartered territory to some parents — but Mark Cuban is leaning in.In…
