The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

What teens need to know before they start dating. One day, your little one is skipping down the sidewalk with her hair in pigtails and a firm grip on a teddy bear. The next, it seems like, she’s bouncing down the stairs on her way to greet her first date. Watching kids grow and mature, especially during the teenage years, can be a bittersweet experience. It can also be the harbinger of the most difficult period of your parenting career. Preparing your child for the world of adult interactions, romantic entanglements and independence isn’t always easy, especially when you’d much rather they stayed small forever. Just as you can’t keep a child from growing into an adult, neither can you stem the tide of romantic attraction and the desire to date. All you can do is hope that you’ve instilled the values that you set out to, and that you’ve adequately prepared your teenager for the complicated and sometimes painful world of dating. The Friendship Code There are certain rules that c...

It's a right of passage, going on their first date.  Are they ready? Are you? One day, your little one is skipping down the sidewalk with her hair in pigtails and a firm grip on a teddy bear. The next, it seems like, she’s bouncing down the stairs on her way to greet her first date. Watching kids grow and mature, especially during the teenage years, can be a bittersweet experience. It can also be the harbinger of the most difficult period of your parenting career. Preparing your child for the world of adult interactions, romantic entanglements and independence isn’t always easy, especially when you’d much rather they stayed small forever. Just as you can’t keep a child from growing into an adult, neither can you stem the tide of romantic attraction and the desire to date. All you can do is hope that you’ve instilled the values that you set out to, and that you’ve adequately prepared your teenager for the complicated and sometimes painful world of dating. The Friendship Cod...

Is your teen old enough to date?  This is usually a decision based on your teen's maturity level.  Are they responsible? Do they respect your rules and boundaries?  Let's put it in to reality and look at some statistics to share with them. Dating Abuse Statistics: Young adult dating violence is a big problem, affecting youth in every community across the nation. Learn the facts below. Too Common Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. Why Focus on Young P...

Teen dating: Have fun, be safe. Let's face it, when our teenager wants to start dating it can be extremely stressful for the parent.  The real life pain of falling in love and breaking up can devastate a youth.  It is important you not only talk to your teens about dating and the emotions they may go through, but also about dating safety.  Teen dating violence is a serious concern - and an issue that is becoming more prevalent.  What is Teen Dating Violence? Teen dating violence is a pattern of controlling, abusive and aggressive behavior in a romantic relationship. It can happen to anyone, regardless of race, gender, age or socioeconomic status. Abusive behaviors may include some of the following: Physical: punching, kicking, slapping, choking, pinching, hair pulling Verbal: name calling , put downs, threats , spreading rumors Emotional: Feelings of isolation, fear, worthlessness, low self-esteem Sexual: pressuring to have sex, rape, forcing unprotected...

From time to time I receive guest Bloggers that have written excellent articles on information I believe my reader will benefit from.  As school is in full swing now, teen relationships are forming. How do you know if your teen is in a healthy relationship? Is Your Teen in an Unhealthy Relationship? Relationships are an essential part of life; without them, we would all wither and die of loneliness. However, there are times when relationships are the cause of immense suffering – when they’re abusive, one-sided or unhealthy, they tend to take more out of you than they give in return. It’s hard enough for adults to tackle relationships maturely, so when you know your teenager is interested in the opposite sex and has started to date, it’s only natural that your parental and protective instincts soar high. As long as your child is happy and cheerful for the most part, you don’t worry – you’re the indulgent parent watching your child grow into an adult. But when you sens...

What do you get your teen as a Valentine's gift? Hmmmm .... is it always about gifts? Simply reminding them you love them and and maybe spending time with - lunch, dinner? We know most teens sleep through the breakfast hour! Why not get your teen a book - a book that can help them in their relationships in life and love. It could be a priceless gift - for those that remember those puppy love years, they can be as painful as they are blissful. Check out HCI's Teen Love Series on Relationships by Kimberly Kirberger . Love is such a mystery - sometimes painful, other times glorious, always challenging. This book will guide you to understand and sort out your myriad feelings and experiences. However you feel about love - love it, hate it, wish you knew, wish you didn't, or feel too scared and confused to even try to find out - this book will show you that your feelings are okay, and most important, that you are not alone. In it you'll find letters from other teens an...