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

What plans do you have for your teen this summer? Will they have a job? Will they be hanging out in the neighborhood?  Maybe catching up on some community service hours and volunteering. Whatever you decide it is a fact to keep your teens busy so that they don't find themselves busy in a way that may not be what you want.  Like a trip to the local sheriff's office! Do you know your teen's friends? Do you know where your teen surfs online? Do you know where your teen hangs out? Do you know what your teen does in their spare time? If you answered no to any of these questions, now it the time to find out.  Summer has a lot of down time.  There is nothing wrong with vegging a little and taking some time to relax from their studies, but be sure they are playing it safe and keeping within boundaries you approve of. Do you suspect your teen is using drugs? Drinking? Are you skeptical of the kids they are hanging out with? Is your teen being secretive about ...

I hear many times that parents say that their teen is hanging with a negative peer group, however you have to remember, it is your teenager that is choosing to be with them. There is no denying how awkward the teenage years are. Surging hormones, increasing responsibility, and feeling a lack of control over their lives have long caused stress among teens. Parents might struggle to find sympathy when their teenager moans how hard their life is but it is true more than ever for today's teens. A parent's job is to help guide their child through this time, hopefully having them emerge from the chrysalis as a competent adult. One problem teens struggle to deal with is pressure. Non-stop access to social media has made it difficult for them to learn to switch off. As their parent, you can help them develop the skills they need to manage pressure in a positive way, without turning to damaging alternatives like alcohol or drugs. 1. Switching Off Put your teen in an...

Parenting teens in today's society is not an easy task.   Communication with your teenager is key to their success on many levels, however as a mother that raised two teenager, I know it is easier said than done.   Drug and alcohol use among teens is an issue parents need to be aware of.    There are many good kids making some very bad choices.    A common misconception parents make is thinking that a teen that is only smoking marijuana is a phase.   Marijuana and the substitutes for it, such as spice, are more risky and dangerous than years/generations prior.   They can be laced with higher levels of PCP than can literally alter the mind of your teen as well as cause brain damage.  Drug use (substance abuse) is a serious cry for help, and making your teen feel ashamed or embarrassed can make the problem worse. Some common behavior changes you may notice if your teenager is abusing drugs and alcohol are: Violent o...

You have finally reached your wit's end with your teenager. You have exhausted all your local resources, your nerves are fried, you have removed all their privileges and nothing is making a difference - you are literally a hostage to your own child! What now? It is time for outside help... but you get online and realize first the sticker shock.... (price of programs and schools) then you see all these horror stories - EXACTLY WHO SHOULD YOU BELIEVE? Your gut! Years ago I was in your exact spot - and I didn't listen my gut, and the results were not good, however it had a purpose.  The reason was to be a part of helping parents not make the mistakes I did. When you get online you will see many toll free numbers going to places unknown.  Usually sales reps that will more than happily give you a list of programs that they believe will be perfect for your child - but how do they know? Point is - you don't want a sales rep - you don't want a marketing arm, y...