“You don’t understand!” “You don’t have a clue what I am going through!”  “You don’t know what your talking about!”  If you have not heard these statements from you teenager get ready because it’s coming! However, during these transitional years, parent involvement becomes a crucial aspect of their successful high school career. Student Fears – [...]

Going from “Idol to Idiot” in the eyes of their Middle Schooler! It is this battlefield of questions that we leave our children to face their own fears, tackle their own obstacles and to become their own person; and all too often it is with our regret that we have not prepared them for this [...]

It is often believed by educators, counselors, and parents that children and adolescents are shielded from drugs and alcohol, in the private school sector. However, children and adolescents are part of a much larger society, of which private schooling is only a part. Furthermore, the face of private school is changing as students matriculate in [...]

*’!#$ you mom said Anthony at the restaurant with his family. Jackie, his mother responds “Don’t you talk to me like that and if you say that one more time I will slap you!” I knew when Jackie was telling me this story what Anthony was going to do. Anthony cursed again and Jackie in [...]

The “war against drugs” in the schools is succeeding! The 2008 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey reported that every area of substance abuse declined from 2000-2008, with the exception of marijuana use and prescription drug abuse. Binge drinking (5 or more drinks in a row) declined, though the most significant decline occurred in the use [...]

Lindsey Lohan, Brittany Spears, and Shia LaBeouf are all popular celebrities with alcohol or drug problems. Shia LaBeouf reportedly drank and smoked with his father when he was growing up. Brittany began drinking at age 13 and using illegal drugs at 15. Lindsey is continually in and out of rehab. With their pop icons so [...]