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Parenting Teenagers

Ten Questions to Ask your Teen:

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  1. How does it feel to live at this house and be in this family? (If words are hard to find, offer a number scale, 1 is fine and content, 10 is upset, overwhelmed and in fear of total rejection)

  2. I am a horrible mind reader so what would you like to see happen with me or in this family that would help you feel freer, more relaxed?

  3. What sort of changes need to be happening with me so that you feel like I’m taking better care of you?

  4. How was your morning/afternoon or evening on a scale of 1-10? 1 is fine, neutral and content and 10 is upset and overwhelmed? Feel free to explain your number so I understand what it was like to be you today.

  5. I f you could wave a magic wand and change things that are going poorly what would you change?

  6. What are some pieces that are going well at this point?

  7. What are some of the most enjoyable parts of your life--parents/guardians, just pay attention to whether these things are happening now or are historical references.

  8. How can I be more supportive so that you feel comfortable approaching me with any concerns?

  9. Have I gotten it wrong with you when you have tried this before? If so, what do you remember happening?

  10. Is it hard coming up with compliments for me and my excellent parenting? If so, would you like me to get you started? ;) (Humor is the best way to bond, people.)

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Image by John Tuesday

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The 15 APPS were identified as gravely concerning to local sheriffs, who gave a press conference recently so that parents are empowered as they know these apps are used by suspected predators who were recently arrested.

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  • “MeetMe” is where teens can easily be in contact with users much older than them, with an emphasis on dating.

  • “WhatsApp” and “SnapChat” are for messaging but what you should know is that teens can send unlimited messages, have video chats and even share their live location with other users, people they may not even know.

  • “Skout” is a flirting app that’s used to meet and chat with new people. Teens and adults are in different groups, but age is not verified. 

  • “TikTok” is used for sharing user created videos that can contain bad words, even adult content.

  • “Badoo” and “Bumble” are dating apps for adults, but teens can still find ways to join. 

  • “Grindr” is geared towards the LGBTQ community. It allows users to share photos and meet up based on their phone’s GPS location. 

  • “Kik” is specifically for kids, but anyone can join and anyone can contact or direct message your child.

  • “LiveMe” is a live streaming app, but you don’t know who’s watching and your kid’s location is revealed.

  • Enough said.

  • “Whisper” is a social confessional where kids can remain anonymous, but still share their feelings. And it can reveal your child’s location for a meet up.

  • “ASKfm” encourages people to allow anonymous users to ask them questions, which opens the door for online bullying. 

  • “Hot or Not” rates users on attractiveness. There’s no age verification and users can send each other messages. 

  • And lastly, “Calculators” apps are several secret apps that allows kids to hide their photos, videos, even browser history (AKA The Vault). The app looks and performs like a calculator until a specific series of numbers are entered to open up the actual user content.

15 Apps That Require Close Supervision

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