Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Did you know that "approximately 9% of high school students report being hit, slapped, or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the 12 months before surveyed"? (source)  

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month and we want to help get the word out, inform parents and help put an end to this harmful cycle.

All relationships are different, but the common denominator to most abusive dating relationships is that the violence escalates over time.  It tends to become more and more dangerous for the young victim.


According to the CDC, "victims of teen dating violence are more likely to do poorly in school, and report binge drinking, suicide attempts, and physical fighting. Victims may also carry the patterns of violence into future relationships". (source)

It is very easy for parents to assume that their child would never do something like this nor would they be with someone who would.  Unfortunately, this is simply not always true.  Communication is key.  It's very important for parents to discuss healthy relationship patterns with their children and teens and what dating violence can look like.


Dating Violence can take on several forms:

• Physical
• Verbal or Emotional
• Sexual
• Digital
• Stalking

You can also help your teen understand what signs to look for if they are in a relationship:  

• Checking your cell phone or email without permission
• Constantly putting you down
• Extreme jealousy or insecurity
• Explosive temper
• Isolating you from family or friends
• Making false accusations
• Mood swings
• Physically hurting you in any way
• Possessiveness
• Telling you what to do  (source)

Be in the know!  Protect your kids!  Help your kids protect themselves!

Did you get your hug on today?

                             
                                                         

Did you know that "a 10-second hug a day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions in your body that can greatly improve your health?" (source)

Levels of the "love hormone", oxytocin, are increased while hugging. "Oxytocin is a naturally occurring hormone in your body with incredibly powerful, health-giving properties,"  that is released in response to physical touch. (source)

Some of the physiological and biochemical benefits that occur from positive physical touch such as hugging include:

• stress reduction (from lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol)
• ease depression
• boosts in immune system
• fight fatigue
• fight infection

You might say that your child is not a "hugger".  It is true, that not everyone has the same "love language" and everyone responds differently to physical affection (you can read more about that here). However, everyone needs and/or desires physical affection to some level.  "Many people are touch-deprived. One study found that one-third of people receive no hugs on a daily basis while 75 percent said they wanted more hugs." (source)

Who doesn't love to be loved?! There are so many reasons, physically and emotionally, to hug.

So, with Valentines Day right around the corner, it's a great time to spread the love.  If you have a teen or other young ones around, grab them for a little bear hug, today.  You never know just how much that might mean to them! (even if they act like you have cooties)

Have you hugged your child today! 

Is your teen stressed out: Teens and Stress

Is your teen stressed out? It would seem that because most teenagers don't have the pressures of bills, careers, and raising families that they would't be faced with much stress.  This isn't necessarily true.

Did you know that stress in teens is as common as it is in adults?!  Stress in teens can be a very serious problem.  According to reports, "Inadequately managed stress can lead to anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, physical illness or poor coping skills such as drug and alcohol use." (source)

Sadly, stories like that of Madison Holleran, a 19 year old Penn State student that committed suicide from the pressure of stress about grades and sports is not uncommon  (source)

Sources of stress in teens:

• physical changes in their body
• parents’ divorce 
• death of a loved one
• moving/changing schools
• chronic illness
• financial problems in family
• having too high expectations for themselves or by parents 
• taking on too many activities 
• relationship issues
• possibly having become a young parent
• peer pressure

Be sure to look for signs of stress in your teen:

"The years as a teenager are a high-risk time for depression. Intense stress is often seen as a trigger. Possible signs of chronic stress include: upset stomach, headache, insomnia, avoiding other people, crying, irritable reactions and eating too much or too little." (source)

Try to help your teen manage their stress by:

• maintaining positive friendships
• getting enough sleep 
• avoiding caffeine
• getting regular physical activity
• eating regular healthy meals
• avoiding illegal drugs, alcohol and tobacco
• decreasing negative self-talk
• taking regular breaks (from stressful situations/activities)

If you are local and want to learn more about teens and stress, you won't want to miss this:

American Teens in Crisis 2014

Teens Under Stress

American Teens in Crisis: Teens Under Stress is focusing this year's efforts to empower adults in coping with the current teen issues, improving communication and increasing commitment to today's youth. 

Get more information and register here.