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

Is Your Child in Trouble? This article from the American Chronicle by Genae-Valecia Hinesman lists and details several signs that parents should watch out for, as they may indicate problems in your child's life. Many of these signals are also applicable for inhalant abuse, but this is a great article to read for any parent. 1. Erratic Behavior "As young people carve out their own individuality separate from that of their parents´, and seek an answer to the proverbial question, "Who AM I?" they could clash more frequently with those around them. They may be happy one minute and sullen the next. Even this is normal. However, if your child starts reacting violently, either at home or at school, clearly something is seriously wrong." 2. Loss of Coordination, Glazed Eyes, Slurred Speech "Without question, only two things can explain these symptoms. The first is that the person in question has suffered a stroke or a seizure. The second is that this person is ine...

By Education.com http://www.education.com/ Building a Bridge Between Dependence and Autonomy Author: Alexandra DeGeorge, Psy.D. Source: NYU Child Study Center Although adolescence was once believed to be a time of rebellion and tumult, we now know that this developmental stage is calmer than previously assumed. The "rebellion" often seen in teens is likely due to the increased physical, cognitive and social changes that occur in development. During this period, parents may feel as if their teen has turned into another person. Teenagers are often described as "moody," "irritable," "argumentative," "indecisive" and "consumed with oneself." The once docile school-aged child is now snapping back to her parents when she isn't able to wear a particular outfit to school. The child who listened and agreed with his father's reasoning for the way things work in the world is suddenly questioning his father's explanat...

Source: The Nemours Foundation You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the but-I-don't-want-to-go-to-school-today blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety? When you consider that the teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but morally and intellectually, it's understandable that it's a time of confusion and upheaval for many families. Despite some adults' negative perceptions about teens, they are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. So, although it can be a period of conflict between parent and child, the teen years are also a time to help children grow into the distinct individuals they will become. Understanding the Teen Years So when, exactly, does adolescence start? The message to send your kid is: Everybody's different. There are early bloomers, late arrivals, speedy developers, and slow-but-steady growers. In other w...

By Connect with Kids “For some reason, when I’d get depressed, I would just take a razor and I’d cut little slits in my arm. I don’t know why I did it.” – Melissa, 19 At thirteen, Melissa Gerjoi tried to kill herself. “I just wanted to do something, something that would just totally stop everything,” Melissa, now 19, recounts. She later realized she didn’t want to die; she wanted to get rid of the pain. “For some reason, when I’d get depressed, I would just take a razor and I’d cut little slits in my arm,” she says. “And I don’t know why I did it, and I don’t know why it was any consolation whatsoever.” It was after her father died in a car crash that Melissa started cutting herself. It was her way of coping. “Sometimes kids are engaging in this behavior as a way of converting their intense emotional pain into the more tolerable physical pain,” explains Dr. Leslie Apfelbaum, a child psychologist. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, in the year 2005, nearly half a m...

By ADDitude Magazine Seven parenting strategies guaranteed to improve the behavior of your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). The fundamentals of behavior therapy are easy to understand and implement, even without the help of a therapist. Have you ever given your child a time-out for talking back — or a “heads-up” before taking him someplace that is likely to challenge his self-control? Then you already have a sense of how behavior therapy works. “A lot of behavior modification is just common-sense parenting,” says William Pelham, Jr., Ph.D., director of the Center for Children and Families at the State University of New York at Buffalo. “The problem is that none of us were trained how to be good parents, and none of us expected to have children who needed parents with great parenting skills and patience.” The basic idea is to set specific rules governing your child’s behavior (nothing vague or too broad), and to enforce your rules consistently, with positive consequenc...

By ADDitude Magazine Young motorists with ADD need to be extra careful on the road. Here's how they can drive safely. Motorists with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) - especially teens - need to be extra careful on the road. Here's how to help them minimize distractions and stay safe. Pick a safe car. Larger cars offer greater protection in the event of an accident. Help your teen with ADD learn to drive. Practice sessions should cover a variety of situations. Ask that he drive with an adult for at least his first 500 miles behind the wheel. Don't let your teen drive at night. Most fatal crashes involving young drivers occur between 9 p.m. and midnight. Don't let your teenager chauffeur other teens. Remind your teen that he must wear a seat belt at all times ...and that he must never drive after drinking or using drugs. For more on keeping teenagers safe behind the wheel, see AD/HD & Driving: A Guide for Parents of Teens with AD/HD , by J. Marlene Snyder, Ph.D...

As a parent advocate , this is one of the most important conversations you should have your kids today - opening the lines of communication can sometimes be difficult, but we never give up. Source: The Nemours Foundation Just as you inoculate your children against illnesses like measles, you can help "immunize" them against drug use by giving them the facts before they're in a risky situation.When kids don't feel comfortable talking to parents, they're likely to seek answers elsewhere, even if their sources are unreliable. Kids who aren't properly informed are at greater risk of engaging in unsafe behaviors and experimenting with drugs. Click here for the entire article. http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Talking_Your_Drugs/ http://www.education.com/ http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/

Inhalant Abuse is a lesser-known form of substance abuse, but is no less dangerous than other forms.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service has reported that more than 2.1 million children in America experiment with some form of an inhalant each year and the Centers for Disease Control lists inhalants as second only to marijuana for illicit drug use among youth. However, parents aren't talking to their children about this deadly issue. According to the Alliance for Consumer Education's research study, Inhalant Abuse falls behind alcohol, tobacco and marijuana use by nearly 50% in terms of parental knowledge and concern. The Partnership for a Drug-Free America reports that 18 percent of all eighth graders have used inhalants, but nine out of 10 parents are unaware or deny that their children have abused inhalants. Many parents are not aware that inhalant users can die the first time they try Inhalants. Sudden Sniffing Death Syndrome is caused in one of two ways. First, Inh...

Source: Stop Bullying Now! (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) Bullying among children is aggressive behavior that is intentional and that involves an imbalance of power or strength. Typically, it is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms such as hitting or punching (physical bullying); teasing or name-calling (verbal bullying); intimidation through gestures or social exclusion (nonverbal bullying or emotional bullying); and sending insulting messages by e-mail (cyberbullying). There is no one single cause of bullying among children. Rather, individual, family, peer, school, and community factors can place a child or youth at risk for bullying his or her peers. Characteristics of children who bully Children who bully their peers regularly (i.e., those who admit to bullying more than occasionally) tend to: Be impulsive, hot-headed, dominant; Be easily frustrated; Lack empathy; Have difficulty following rules; and View violence in a positive way. Boys who bully tend...

Are you considering any of the following programs for your child? Take a moment to read my experiences - http://www.aparentstruestory.com/ as well as my book where you can hear my daughter's experiences for the first time - order today at http://www.witsendbook.com/ . Choosing a program is not only a huge emotional decision, it is a major financial decision - do your homework! Academy of Ivy Ridge, NY (withdrew their affiliation with WWASPS) Canyon View Park, MT Camas Ranch, MT Carolina Springs Academy, SC Cross Creek Programs, UT (Cross Creek Center and Cross Creek Manor) Darrington Academy, GA Help My Teen, UT (Adolescent Services Adolescent Placement) Promotes and markets these programs. Gulf Coast Academy, MS Horizon Academy, NV Lisa Irvin (Helpmyteen) Lifelines Family Services, UT (Promotes and markets these programs) Jane Hawley Majestic Ranch, UT Midwest Academy, IA (Brian Viafanua, formerly the Director of Paradise Cove as shown on Primetime, is the curren...

By ADDitude Magazine Help children with ADHD think before they act by establishing clear expectations, positive incentives, and predictable consequences for good or bad behavior at school and home. For children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) ruled by their impulses, calling out in class or pushing to the front of the line comes naturally. These kids live in the moment, undeterred by rules or consequences. Even when they are rude or unruly, they may not recognize that their behavior is disturbing to others. Lack of impulse control may be the most difficult ADD symptom to change. Medication can help, but kids also need clear expectations, positive incentives, and predictable consequences if they are to learn to regulate their behavior. Click here for entire article.

Tips for Parents and Professionals Author: Kate Fogarty Source: University of Florida IFAS Extension Romantic Feelings of Teens: A Natural Process Teens face strong pressures to date, as well as get involved in a romantic relationship1. A romantic relationship is one that invloves feelings of attraction–physical and friendship. In fact, over half of teens in the United States report dating regularly (casual dates with one or more partners at different times) whereas a third claim to have a steady dating (exclusive) partner2. Young teens usually hang out with peers who are the same gender as they are. As they reach the mid-teen years (age 14-15 years), they start having relationships with peers of the opposite sex3. Such relationships are likely to be friendships and/or physical attractions. Although most romantic relationships among 12- to 14-year-olds last less than 5 months, by age 16 relationships last an average of 2 years4. In the early teen years dating is more superficial–for f...

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services What was he thinking? How could she? If you find yourself wondering what your teen was thinking, the answer may be “not much.” Kids often make snap judgments based on impulse, especially when situations come up quickly, leaving teens with little time to sort through the pros and cons. Some of those hasty decisions may involve cheating in school; skipping class; using alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs; going somewhere or being with someone that you do not approve of; or driving too fast. But the consequences can include losing your trust, letting down friends, getting into trouble, hurting education and job prospects, causing illness or injury, or leading to other reckless behavior. Click here for entire article from http://www.education.com/ http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/ http://www.suescheff.com/

By ParentingmyTeen.com These are subjects you’ll want to talk about with your children before there is a problem. As a family, you can establish boundaries and consequences and come to a common understanding of what is acceptable.Sex: According to Advocates for Youth, statistics indicate that children who talk to their parents about sex are less likely to engage in high-risk behavior, such as having sex without condoms. 70.6% of teens who reported they didn’t feel comfortable talking to their parents had sex by age 17-19. That compares to 57.9% of teens who reported a close relationship. It’s true. Not talking to your children about sex isn’t that likely to keep them from doing it. But the opposite is also true. Talking to them about it, isn’t more likely to have them engaging in sexual activity. If it means having sexually active children behaving maturely, talking things out can only help keep our kids safer. If you think your child is already having sex, chat with them about it. Don...

Keeping Your Profile Clean By Elizabeth Ody Since winning an unprecedented jury verdict of over $11M for Internet Defamation and Invasion of Privacy, more and more people are learning about the valuable services of companies like ReputationDefender . In today's CyberWorld - it only takes a few keystrokes to potentially ruin lives and businesses. I will continue to be a voice to help others and help promote Internet Safety.

More and more parents are contacting us with this latest trend among teens: Teenage Gambling Addition. Read more at http://www.teenage-gambling-addiction.org/

By Connect with Kids Approximately 2.5 million American children are on stimulant medication for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD) -- medication that, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), could potentially trigger heart problems. That’s why the American Heart Association has a new recommendation. Read the entire article here.

Parents Universal Resource Experts ( Sue Scheff ) As a parent advocate, more and more parents need to learn about the dangers of inhalant abuse in our country with our kids. It is just as important as drug use and other substances teens are abusing. Learn more by visiting http://www.inhalant.org/ and http://www.inhalant.org/resources/

By John W. Dozier (Super Lawyer in the Law of the Internet) The federal prosecutors in California obviously did their legal research before asking the grand jury to indict under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act in the myspace.com suicide case. I don't like the statute's seemingly over-broad reach. I've criticized the statute in the past for the very same reasons some of the free speech liberal commentators object all over the airwaves today. The difference, however, is that I don't pretend to make the law mean what I would like for it to mean. It is what it is. And, as it is written, the prosecutors believe they are right, I think they are right, and the 9th Circuit does too! Wonder if the prosecutors read my blog entry from last June about Dozier Internet Law and our view on the law of hacking ? And I wonder how many of these law professors and talking heads on TV have ever tried a hacking or unauthorized access case? Maybe the prosecutors are new to this, maybe they ...

By ADDitude Magazine Parents of children with attention deficit disorder often wonder if their kids will stay on ADD drugs for life. A medical expert explains. I recently diagnosed eight-year-old Aidan with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). When I met with his parents to explain the disorder, each time I described a symptom, his mother exclaimed, “That’s me!” or “I’ve been like that all my life, too.” At the end of the appointment, she asked me if she should be evaluated, as well. As an adult, Aidan’s mother had jumped from job to job, and had difficulty meeting household demands. As a child, she had struggled through school, often getting into trouble and getting poor grades. After a thorough evaluation of her chronic and pervasive history of hyperactivity, distractibility, and other symptoms of ADHD , she was diagnosed by a psychiatrist who works with adults. Click here for entire article.

Krysten Moore is 2007 Miss Teen International of New Jersey continues to be a voice to help protects kids from cyberbullying . As a once victim of cyberbullying , she fought back and went on to rise above it all. Today Krysten's voice is heard in the many lectures she has given and recently she was on The Cyber Savvy Show with Erika-Marie Geiss . Listen here . I meet Krysten when we were both on The Rachael Ray show and was extremely impressed with her maturity and dedication to help others. This week (May 21st) on The Cyber Savvy Show , Michael Fertik from Reputation Defender will be on.

Parents Universal Resource Experts ( Sue Scheff ):As a parent advocate, I am learning more and more about inhalant abuse and parents need to be aware of this type of way that kids are getting high today and potentially deadly. Read this article and learn more. ********************************* We've had a few questions on the inhalant.org message board in the past months about teens potentially using their asthma medication to get high. One poster's friend had a daughter whose inhaler recently needed to be refilled every week when it normally was only refilled every two or three months. Another's stepson was misusing his asthma medication and "has been eating this pills as if they are M&Ms!" The University of Michigan News Service featured an article about a new study looking at the prevalence of inhaler abuse in teenagers. The study in question was performed by researchers at the U of M using 723 adolescents in thirty-two treatment facilities. The study rep...

Woman indicted in Missouri MySpace suicide case Cyberbullying is finally be recognized! This was a long time coming and how sad that it took the death of an innocent young girl to help make a movement towards change. As a victim and survivor of Cyber harassment, you don't have to be a child to be harassed and bullied online - it is happening to all ages. The case of Megan Meier is nothing short of tragic and brings cyberbullying to a new level of extreme concern. I received emails and calls daily from victims of Cyber Slander and Internet Abuse, this is a growing and expanding problem that needs to be addressed, this new bill is only the beginning. After winning an unprecedented jury verdict for damages of what was done to me on the Internet of over $11.M - I continue to be a voice for those that are being harassed and help others with their potential cases. When the jury read through the many posts of slanderous and defamatory comments posted online about my family, ...

Parents Universal Resource Experts ( Sue Scheff ): Love our Children USA offers help for kids and parents today with all the issues they face. Bullying, cyberbullying and school violence is part of what our children may face. Learn more here .

Connect with Kids is a comprehensive website that offers parenting articles, helpful tips for parents, parent forums and more. They also offer Parenting DVD's on a variety of subjects that affect our kids today. Whether it is Troubled Teens or how to raise successful kids - there is probably a DVD that can help you better understand the issues surrounding our kids today. Click here for more information and a variety of Parenting DVD's. http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/ http://www.suescheff.com/

Kristin Stattel is an amazing young adult that has been through the darkest of times after losing her mother to cancer when Kristin was only 14 years old and then being placed in several schools and programs while she tried to sort out her feelings of grief. She boldly admits she has had her share of troubles, but rising above them all in her new and inspiring book - " It's All Good " that will touch the hearts of teens and adults alike. Kristin is pictured here with my book which she felt has inspired her to open up and write her own story with the desire to help others, as Wit's End does- helping others through my own experiences. Although Kristin has suffered in some " not-so-good " programs, as my daughter did, she believes without intervention her life, she may not be where she is today. In the end, the right program was found and gave Kristin the strength and courage to become the wonderful young adult she is today. I believe people will be amazed ...

By ADDitude Magazine Simple changes in diet, like cutting back on snacks with sugar, could bring out the sweeter side this holiday season in your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD). Chances are, you’ve had the following chat with the doctor of your child with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) — probably just before the holidays : “Every time Johnny eats lots of sugary foods, his symptoms of ADHD worsen, and he becomes irritable and hyper. I dread this season because Johnny turns it into unhappy days for everyone.” Your doctor leans back in his leather chair and says, “What your child eats has nothing to do with his behavior! There is no research that supports this idea.” Click here for the entire article.

Parents Universal Resource Experts , Sue Scheff - Today parenting a teenager has many more concerns - drinking and driving is a major concern, and now we have to add texting and driving or talking on cell phones while driving. Here is a tipsheet parents need to review if they have a teenage driver in their house. Click here for the article and tipsheet by Connect with Kids.

Junk Food Commercials By Connect with Kids The number of overweight kids in the U.S. has doubled since 1980, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Some blame the long, inactive hours that children spend watching TV, but new research suggests the reason may be less about how much television children are watching and more about what they're watching. Click here for Tip Sheet for Parents . http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/ http://www.suescheff.com/

As a parent advocate ( Sue Scheff ) I think there needs to be more awareness on inhalant use of today's kids. Huffing Freon can be so accessible to kids today - especially since I am in Florida - I think parents need to take time and learn more. www.inhalant.org is a good place to start. Read More.

By ADDitude Magazine Do you have ADD? Use this checklist to understand common ADHD symptoms and test your own behavior before seeking an ADHD diagnosis. You may have attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) if you notice the following symptoms persisting for at least six months to a degree that is maladaptive and immature. If you suspect that you have ADD or ADHD, contact your medical health-care professional... At least six of the following ADHD symptoms often apply: Click here for the entire article.

Parents' Universal Resource Experts wishes all the mothers, grandmothers and others that are like mother's to someone - a very happy and wonderful Mother's Day !

By ADDitude Magazine Learn your child’s educational rights to get him the support he needs in the classroom. In an ideal world, teachers and school administrators would be as eager as parents to see that children with ADD get what they need to succeed in school. Unfortunately, teachers are pressed for time as never before, and school districts are strapped for cash. So it’s up to parents to make sure that their kids get the extra support they need. “The federal government requires schools to provide special services to kids with ADD and other disabilities, but the school systems themselves bear much of the cost of these services,” says Susan Luger, director of The Children’s Advisory Group in New York City. “Though they’ll never admit it, this gives the schools an incentive to deny these services. The process of obtaining services has become much more legalistic over the past 10 years.” Click here for the entire article.

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. Click here for more information .

By ADDitude Magazine Wondering about ADHD medications? Expert answers to common questions about ADD drugs and treatment. 1. How can I tell if my child really needs ADHD medications? Experts agree that medication should be considered for any child whose symptoms of attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) interfere with his social, emotional, or academic life. Behavioral therapy and other non-drug treatments can be helpful for controlling ADHD symptoms, but, in most cases, experts say, these approaches are not powerful enough to replace medication. "If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and is struggling, he probably needs medication," says Stephen Copps, M.D., an ADHD specialist in Macon, Georgia. "Medication is the cornerstone of therapy. It's appropriate for most children with diagnosable ADHD. It is not a last resort." Of course, it's essential that your child's diagnosis of ADHD is a reliable one. ADHD-like symptoms can be caused by a range of di...

http://www.education.com/ is a website that offers parents a wide variety of information for parent from toddlers to teens! Check it out and learn more about parenting your individual child. The Teens Years (13-18) The Middle Years (6-12) The Early Years (3-5) What is education.com? Education.com is an online resource for parents with kids in preschool through grade 12.On our site you can: Search over 4,000 reference articles from the best and most authoritative sources across the web. From the NYU Child Study Center to the Autism Society of America, Reading is Fundamental to Stanford University School of Education, our Reference Desk brings the best information from the most trusted universities, professional associations, non-profit institutes, and government agencies together in one place. Browse our online magazine for hundreds of ideas that take learning beyond the classroom and into your family’s everyday life. We cover topics across the parental spectrum-- from practicing fra...

Since signing up with ReputationDefender after winning my $11.3M jury verdict for damages done to me on the Internet, I have proudly spoken out about this priceless service. Even winning my unprecedented case, it didn't eliminate the horrific, malicious defamatory statements online about me. I retained ReputationDefender and was amazed at how they were able to have my Online image match up with my in person reputation. In a matter of months, my Online Profile was back to normal and I felt like a new person. Now they have launched their latest service ReputationDefender MyEdge which is a personal PR for the web for you! Now everyone is able to maintain their reputations and most importantly promote themselves and regain their reputation online. Lastly, I continue to encourage parents to review/sign up for ReputationDefender / MyChild to help maintain their child's privacy online especially in the growing social networks. I am not a spokesperson for ReputationDefender ...

What a fantastic show to promote Cyber -Safety. Last night I had the opportunity to be interviewed with Erika-Marie Geiss . It was a great introduction to my book - Wit's End ! - although we wanted to do more on Cyber Safety, time ran out! But don't miss next Wednesday night when the CEO of Reputation Defender , Michael Fertik , will be her guest. A must for all parents concerned about their children's safety online. Click here to listen.

By Connect with Kids Shattered It’s hard to get teens to really listen when adults talk to them about the dangers of drinking and driving. Your kids will listen to Shattered. The program features true stories from real teens whose lives were drastically changed as a result of drunk driving. Watch and learn together, and suddenly the pressure is off your own children as they relate to the kids onscreen. You won't be talking at your children... you'll be talking with them. “I didn't think I’d ever be one of these people, you know, that drinks and drives and hurts people, but I am.” – Jayme Webb, her story, in Shattered Shattered is a no-sugar-coated, heart-wrenching program, with facts and tips from experts to help parents and teens avoid the risks of drinking and driving. “As teenagers, we always think we are invincible and nothing bad is ever going to happen to us,” says Whitney, 16. But bad things do happen. Nearly 3,000 teenagers die each year due to alcohol-related car ...

As a parent of an ADHD child, I know the struggles and frustrations I had endured as well as the rewards. Now there are so many new resources. ADDitude Magazine and websites offers volumes of fantastic and educational information for parent of ADD ADHD kids. Visit their Parenting Forum . http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/

Many learning and behavior problems begin in your grocery cart! Did you know that the brand of ice cream, cookie, and potato chip you select could have a direct effect on the behavior, health, and ability to learn for you or your children? Click here for more information.

A new online program called Parent Connect allows parents to check their children's grades step by step — long before a report card is printed. But is the technological advance an ace for students and teachers or a hindrance that allows helicopter parents to hover? Visit http://www.parentconnect.com/ or for more on Good Morning America's Show click here . http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/

Internet Safety Websites to help educate parents to protect their children from Internet Predators: SafeKids.com Wired Safety I-Safe I Keep Safe For more information on Internet Predators and Teens - Dateline Series - To Catch a Predator . Check your local listings. Reputation Defender / My Child -- Know what's online about your child before it can hurt them.

Parents are the #1 Reason Kids Don’t Do Drugs…. Test with HairConfirm Drug Test for a 90 Day Drug History Report! http://www.healthtestingathome.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=76 Click on the link above if you are a parent that suspects your child is using drugs. Knowing early could prevent drug addiction. http://www.helpyourteens.com/ http://www.witsendbook.com/ http://www.suescheff.com/