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

2009 will be here, as parents, making a resolution to learn more how to keep your child safe online should be a priority. With the ever expanding cyberworld - social networking - texting etc. the time is now to learn more. Source: http://www.ikeepsafe.org/ You don't have to be a computer expert to keep your child safe online.As parents, we want our children to be safe and responsible while using technology. We will have succeeded when each child can recognize and minimize the three main risks associated with all connected technology (i.e., iPods, instant messaging, chat, computer games, game consoles, cell phones, text messaging, webcams). Read More For more information: Hot Topics Videos & Tutorials Family Fun Lessons DARE Activity Center Online Safety Digest

As a parent that had a son graduate a very prestigious Military School, I know the firsthand what an honor and privilege he was given. Many parents think of Military Schools as a punishment or where the “troubled” kids go - that is simply a myth. My son was accepted in accordance with his GPA as well as letters of references and interviewing with the school. It is almost as rigid as applying for some colleges. To further my opinion of Military Schools, when my son interviewed and applied to Universities, all the Admissions Directors were extremely impressed with his schooling at a Military School and was accepted to all the colleges he applied to. Has your child mentioned military academies to you? Have they expressed an interest in attending such a school? If so, you as a parent have an obligation to listen, and more importantly to help them make the right decision. Many ADD/ADHD students do very well in Military Schools. A military school teaches various ages (middle school, high sc...

i-Safe Inc. is one of the leading organizations in promoting Online Safety for our kids and teens. As a parent advocate , I believe it is a parents responsibility to keep informed and updated on todays technology and what and where are our children are “surfing.” For the New Year - take the time to learn more about Cyber-Safety. Source: i-SAFE Inc . is the worldwide leader in Internet safety education. Founded in 1998 and endorsed by the U.S. Congress, i-SAFE is a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting the online experiences of youth everywhere. i-SAFE incorporates classroom curriculum with dynamic community outreach to empower students, teachers, parents, law enforcement, and concerned adults to make the Internet a safer place. Please join us today in the fight to safeguard our children’s online experience.

Today is a time for reflection of the past and all we have to be thankful for. Most of all it is a time for families! Take the time to spend time with friends, family and all the people that have been there for you. Here is a very special story that has meaning at this time of the year. Can I Borrow $25? A man came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find his 5-year old son waiting for him at the door. SON: 'Daddy, may I ask you a question?' DAD: 'Yeah sure, what is it?' replied the man. SON: 'Daddy, how much do you make an hour?' DAD: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the man said angrily. SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?' DAD: 'If you must know, I make $50 an hour.' SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down. SON: 'Daddy, may I please borrow $25?' The father was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow s...

Source: Connect with Kids “You don’t get paid, but see that’s not the issue really, the issue is just helping out and you have fun while you do it.” – Vishnu Kuttappan, 16 years old For years, Vishnu wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. But after volunteering at a hospital, he’s not so sure. “It’s kind of a battle,” Vishnu says, “between me, you know, sticking to medicine—and I like medicine a lot—or trying something new.” Vishnu is part of a new trend among teens who volunteer in order not only to help their community, but also to choose a career. “If you want to go into medicine,” Vishnu says, “you know, you can learn facts all you want, but until you’re in a hospital, you won’t really experience what it’s like.” Teens say volunteering also teaches them respect and compassion for others. “You don’t get paid, but see that’s not the issue really, the issue is just helping out and you have fun while you do it.” Vishnu’s father, Dr. Muthu Kuttappan says, “I thi...

Learn more about keeping your kids in good health . Especially with more and more kids sitting behind their computer screens we need to encourage more activities! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRSGUZrOU_w Here is a recent News Article Seven ways to help your overweight teen On paper, the statistics are shocking enough: the obesity rate for teens has tripled over the past 25 years and with this increase an average weight, type 2 diabetes, once unknown in young people, is now diagnosed in 45 percent of all new cases involving children or teens. Medical experts fear that high blood pressure and heart disease could become increasingly prevalent among young adults, making this generation of teens the first to have potentially poorer health and shorter life spans than their parents. Seeing a young person you love struggle with overweight or obesity in the sensitive pre-teen or teen years is painful, frustrating and alarming — from watching them deal with cruel remarks to seeing them on the ...

As American citizens, we find ourselves in a privileged and unique position as members of the most powerful Democratic state in the entire world. But the luxuries we enjoy in this country come with a powerful responsibility—the responsibility of positive citizenship. We must all embrace our unique ability to be good citizens, and we must maintain our civic duty by helping the community around us through positive civic involvement. This site is dedicated to helping show people how they can be a positive part of their community and truly embrace the ideal of a good citizen. My name is Sue Scheff ™, and I’ve been working to help promote proper parenting techniques and information through Parent’s Universal Resource Experts, an organization I created in 2001 that helps compile information and share parenting knowledge among an ever expanding network of concerned families. I want to use this web site to share some of the things I’ve learned through my involvement with parenting advocacy, a...

Source: ADDitdue Magazine Symptoms of ADHD and bipolar disorder are often confused—and often coexist in the same person. How to make the distinction, and suggestions for treating bipolar disorder along with ADHD. by William Dodson, M.D. It can be difficult enough to obtain a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD), but to complicate matters further, ADHD commonly co-exists with other mental and physical disorders . One review of ADHD adults demonstrated that 42 percent had one other major psychiatric disorder. Therefore, the diagnostic question is not “Is it one or the other?” but rather “Is it both?” Perhaps the most difficult differential diagnosis to make is between ADHD and Bipolar Mood Disorder (BMD) , since they share many symptoms, including mood instability, bursts of energy and restlessness, talkativeness, and impatience. It’s estimated that as many as 20 percent of those diagnosed with ADHD also suffer from a mood disorder on the bipolar spectrum -- and correct di...

As the holidays are here, parents should be aware of their teens and tweens concerns with body image . Today’s peer pressure compounded with Internet Images of what a teen should look like, can add stress and frustration to a young teen (both girls and boys). Eating Disorders can sometimes be hard to recognize. As a parent, it is important to be informed and know the warning signs. Here is a great article from Connect with Kids from this week’s parenting articles and tips: “I would never want to look at one. I think that would be really depressing to tell you the truth.” – Mary Hardin, 14 years old What Mary doesn’t want to see, to millions others is just a few key words and mouse clicks away. “Who’s the skinniest and how can they stay the skinniest (or) here’s how you can have only one thing to eat all day or how you can survive on water and gum,” explains Bryna Livingston, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in eating disorders. Livingston is referring to pro-anorexia ...

Speaking with parents on almost a daily basis, it is obvious teens and kids are exercising less and less. Well, except with their keypads! Get your kids into a healthy New Year! Give a Friend of PE4life Membership! With the holidays quickly approaching and the economy quickly dwindling, it's important more important than ever to purchase gifts wisely. This year, instead of wasting your money on another expensive kitchen gadget, why not give them a gift that invests in the future and improves the lives of children across the country? PE4life is offering you the chance to purchase a Friend of PE4life subscription for a loved one. You can choose from four levels of giving - Rookie, All Star, Champ, or MVP - one for every price range. By joining this exclusive opportunity, the recipient will become an appreciated contributor to the organization that has trained teams from 38 states and five countries, impacting more than 2 million school children! Remember to visit the Pro Shop f...

Want to know more about the Internet and the Legal Boundaries? Leading Internet Specialist Attorney, John Dozier Jr. is one of the best in the country and represents some of the top businesses in the world. Keep in touch with the Legal World of the Internet at John's Blog at http://johndozierjr.typepad.com/dozierinternetlaw/ John W. Dozier , Jr. began practicing law in 1981 and has the highest rating (AV) by Martindale - Hubbell (meaning he has reached the "height of professional excellence and is recognized for the highest levels of skill and integrity"). Mr. Dozier is a "Legal Elite for 2008" as an Intellectual Property Lawyer through a peer selection process of the Virginia Bar Association and Virginia Business Magazine, was recognized through peer review as a "Super Lawyer" in Internet Law in the " Superlawyers " Magazine, was named as one of the top attorneys nationwide for 2008 in Intellectual Property Litigation in the Law and Politi...

Posted on Sun, Dec. 14, 2008 Weston mother helps other parents By JULIE LEVIN When Sue Scheff was at the end of her rope trying to deal with her own out-of-control teenager, she admits she never could have imagined a time when she would become a leading voice in the field of parent advocacy. Yet the Weston author is rapidly becoming a familiar face in the national spotlight speaking about just that. ''I never went into this to become a national voice or figure, but that is what I have become,'' said Scheff, author of Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out of Control Teen. Scheff appeared last month on the Lifetime Network's daily television series The Balancing Act during an episode entitled ``Plain Talk and Straight Answers for Parents with Troubled Teens.'' A taping with the Oprah Winfrey show also is planned. Wit's End, a 168-page book released earlier this year, is a tool for parents navigating the choices and methods available to he...

Tweak: Growing Up on Methamphetamines By Nic Sheff After reading Beautiful Boy: A Father's Journey Through his Son's Addiction by David Sheff (which is a must read - in my opinion, for all parents with at risk adolescents) , I felt compelled to read Tweak, his son's story. I just started it, and find it extremely difficult to read - not that I don't like it, it is so raw and painful. Since I personally have never tried these drugs (meth, heroin, etc) a lot of the lingo I am not understanding. But what is clear is the inner pain these people are suffering with. The irony of confusing it with happiness is the reason many parents should consider reading this book - after - reading Beautiful Boy . Any parent that is even questioning their adolescents behavior, these are a must read - as painful as they may seem, it is ignorant to think it couldn't happen to you. Be an educated parent - an informed parent. Most importantly, don't be a parent in denial.

Are you at your wit’s end? Are you experiencing any of the following situations or feeling at a complete loss or a failure as a parent? You are not alone and by being a proactive parent you are taking the first step towards healing and bringing your family back together. Is your teen escalating out of control ? Is your teen becoming more and more defiant and disrespectful? Is your teen manipulative? Running your household? Are you hostage in your own home by your teen’s negative behavior? Is your teen angry, violent or rage outbursts? Is your teen verbally abusive? Is your teen rebellious, destructive and withdrawn? Is your teen aggressive towards others or animals? Is your teen using drugs and/or alcohol ? Does your teen belong to a gang ? Do they frequently runaway or leave home for extended periods of time? Has their appearance changed – piercing, tattoo’s, inappropriate clothing? Has your teen stopped participating in sports, clubs, church and family functions? Have they become...

As usual, Connect with Kids offers valuable articles for parents. This week they touch on the critical subject of our kids and the Internet. I know first hand the pros and cons of Cyberspace, however the challenge is getting our children to understand how important it is to protect yourself online and know that the Internet has a vast amount of great information but like with many things in life, you need to be aware of the pitfalls that may come with it. Source Connect with Kids “I wasn’t like other kids, you know, they had the Internet at home and I didn’t, so I felt like I was being deprived of something.” – Ashley, 16 years old Sixteen-year-old Ashley has always been a good student, but two years ago, she became a better student. “In my history class, where we had to do a lot of research, I went from a B to an A,” she says. What made the difference? Ashley believes it was her increased use of the Internet. She always had Web access at school but not at home. “I wasn’t like other k...

The news today? Teens floating photo's of themselves in their birthday suits, well, more or less. It seems more and more teens are not thinking about the consequences of sending questionable photos through email, texting, social networks etc. Parents need to explain to their child that placing such pictures may potentially cause them "not" to be accepted at a college or not get a job. More and more college admissions offices and potential employee's are Surfing the Net to find out more information on applicants. What you post today, may haunt you tomorrow! With all the discussions around the nude pictures - it brings up another concern - does this mean your teen is being recognized as a sex object? Does it say he or she is "easy"? Many people will ask, "where are the parents?", however it is almost impossible to monitor your teen 24/7, especially Online. As parents and adults everywhere, we need to tell our kids how this can harm them in the futur...

As a Parent Advocate I am always looking for great parenting ideas, thoughts and articles. Now Education.com has given parents terrific gifts that can enhance your child's learning growth no matter what age they are! Check it out! Need gift ideas? We have you covered! We found the best toys, games, and books for each grade that will build your child's brain, as well as being chock-full of fun. We've also factored in the economy, with most gifts falling in the $20-$40 range, so you can shop smart. This list of loot is kid-tested, teacher approved, and easy on your pocket book. So check out our 2008 Gift Guide. Gifts for Preschoolers Gifts for Kindergartners Gifts for First Graders Gifts for Second Graders Gifts for Third Graders Gifts for Fourth Graders Gifts for Fifth Graders Gifts for Middle Schoolers Gifts for High Schoolers All these items and more are also available at our online store. Check Out the Education.com Store Happy Wrapping! The Education.com Team

Teen Runaways are on the increase. Many teens think that the grass is greener on the other side. They are confused and following the crowd of peers making poor choices. Teens want to escape the "rules of a household" and we as parents, become their number one enemy. They feel that they are fearless and can prove they can survive without their parents and our rules. Rules are put in place for a reason; we love our children and want them to grow up with dignity and respect we try to instill in them. Their flight plan, in some ways, is a cry for attention. Many times runaways are back home shortly, however there are other situations that can be more serious. This is not to say any child that runs away is not serious, but when this becomes a habit and is their way of rebelling, a parent needs to intervene. So many times we hear how "their friend’s parents" allow a much later curfew or are more lenient, and you are the worst parents in the world. This is very common and ...

Check out this new innovative parenting website - http://www.nextgenparenting.com/ - which offers great idea, parenting skills, parenting books, Blogs and more! Parenting today has become more and more challenging. Whether it is Social Networking, Texting or some other new form of communication this New Generation of kids are using - we as parents need to keep informed and up to date! Check out their NextGenBlog here: http://nextgenparenting.com/blog/ Here is a brief example from NextGenParenting : Who Are You? The Who asked this question in the 1960s, but their Boomer generation is still searching for the answer. The soul searching, self-actualizing hippies that characterize our parents' generation (1943-1960) are called Prophets by Strauss and Howe, "because they are remembered best for their coming-of-age passion and principled elder stewardship." But clean-cut behavior can be a good thing. The last Artist generation experienced the lowest levels of suicide, teen preg...

Parenting today has become more challenging than ever. Social Networking is expanding a new area of concern for parents - and today more than ever, parents need to be informed and keep updated about substance abuse, teen drug use, huffing, drinking, inhalant use and other harmful habits. Peer pressure, the need to fit in - combined with kids suffering with low self esteem can lead to negative behavior. Stay informed - visit http://www.drugfree.org/ to keep yourself educated. Parent Campaign Greater parental involvement in the decisions kids make about drugs is critical to preventing and reducing substance abuse. Our research has shown that kids who report learning a lot about the risks of drugs from their parents are up to half as likely to use drugs as those who don’t. However, only about 3 out of 10 kids report learning a lot about drugs from their parents. Our Parent Campaign is designed to inspire more parents and other family influencers to connect with their kids in ways that p...

Parenting Blogs - Parenting Articles - Parenting Websites - Parent Advice - Parenting Tips and more! When you visit www.suescheffbooks.blogspot.com I keep an up-to-date listing of books, websites, blogs and other parenting information to help you help your child. Today's generation of adolescents has become more challenging for parents. Be an educated parent - stay informed and learn more about today's peer pressures.

Vanessa Van Petten , author of You’re Grounded , as well as a great communicator for parents of teens today, created a website - OnTeensToday - which offers a variety of Teen and Parenting Articles, Blogs and great up to date information on today’s generation of adolescents. Here is a brief introduction: Welcome Brave Parents HOORAY! Finally, parenting advice from the kid’s perspective! It’s usually impossible to get more than one-word-answers from us, but here I hope that I, along with my 8 teen writers (age 13-17) can be honest about real issues that teens and pre-teens are dealing with, so parents can actually understand us (well at least a small part of our world)…and we can finally develop better relationships. As much as I LOVE my freedom, I know that adolescents are often two steps ahead of parental controls and because of this, watched many of my friends make really, really bad decisions. So, we have decided to break open the door to our SECRET, terribly complex world and let...

Parent Empowerment! By Sue Scheff Are you at your wit’s end? Completely frustrated and stressed out over your child’s behavior? Are you questioning where the child you raised with values went? It is time to empower yourself with information that can help you take control again. So many parents are desperate to find resolution and peace with their out of control teen. They feel helpless, hopeless, scared, exhausted, and bewildered where this behavior came from. Many teens are suffering with low self esteem, depression and other negative feelings that are making the act out in defiant ways. For more information on Teen Depression, please visit www.suescheff.org . It is important to try to resolve these feelings before they escalate to worse behavior, including substance abuse and addiction, sexual promiscuity, eating disorders, self injury, gang involvement, etc. These teens are usually very intelligent and capable of getting Honor Roll grades, however are not working up to their ...

Source: Connect with Kids “Every TV show now has like at least one character who is like a slut.” – Katie Seewald, 14 years old Parents have heard a thousand times that sex is all over the media. But is the sheer volume of sexual images harming our children? Or is it something else? A recent movie, “A Guy Thing,” begins with a bachelor (played by Jason Lee) hurrying a woman (Julia Stiles) out of bed after a drunken one-night stand. The scene is typical of how casual sex is portrayed on television and in the movies. 14-year-old Katie Seewald says, “Every TV show now has like at least one character who is like a slut.” A study by the Rand Corporation finds that teens who watch shows with heavy sexual content are twice as likely to get pregnant or get someone pregnant compared to kids who don’t watch those shows. Still, while the study demonstrates a correlation between teenage sexual behavior and television content, it does not prove a cause. Are the higher pregnancy rates the result of...

With today's economy, many parents are working full time and/or two jobs leaving many teens home alone. Many will spend their days online - however it is important to get them involved in constructive activities outside the home. This can also help build self esteem! Is there a local Humane Society? A local Nursing Home that needs help? Maybe a Holiday Tree Stand that hires many teens to help carry the trees or deliver them? Booths in malls that wrap gifts? Jobs at movie theaters increase - check in your local area. Encourage your teen to get busy! Keeping your teen active can help prevent them from mixing and hanging out with peers that are less than desirable and looking for trouble. As difficult as it is, keep your lines of communication open! They may think they need a break from the structure of school and studies, but help them to see that all these activities could be fun! Parents, your employment is critical to feeding your family and keeping up with your mortgage or rent ...