Does your teen have online friends? Internet relationships have become common among teens, and in  many cases they know each other only via the Internet, text, or even virtual character. For some teens,  these online interactions help them gain an audience that listens and responds via comments or direct  messages. See what teens are sharing and watching and what this means for their relationships IRL (in  real life).
Have your heard? "Houseparty" is an iPhone App like "group Facetime" rated #8 in Social

A YouTuber with 4.4K subscribers shares his daily struggle with loneliness since high school and as a young adult.
 
As we expect more from technology, do we expect less from each other? Sherry Turkle studies how our  devices and online personas are redefining human connection and communication -- and asks us to  think deeply about the new kinds of connection we want to have.

Download The Bridge Teen Center's 
resource on Social Media


What assumptions do teens make about each other? How do they affect their relationships?
Ask your teen.


  • Be approachable. 
    • HOW: Teach open non-verbals and practicing good hygiene.
  • Get involved in activities you enjoy. 
    • HOW: Try new ones, keep doing what they love.
  • Have a positive attitude. Smile and be open to new experiences. 
    • HOW: Smiling, practice gratitude, thinking good thoughts.
  • Don't wait for others to make the first move. (not talking about PDA here!!)
    • HOW: Say "Hi" first, host a party.
  • Follow up. Set up a time to hang out again. 
    • HOW: Teach how to respond to conversations, invites, say "thank you."
  • Say "yes" to invitations.
    • HOW: Teach overcoming fear, obstacle vs. opportunity.
Click here to read more

Can you think of someone who might be lonely? Gather the family and visit them!

 

Image Source: http://www.gapingvoidart.com/gallery/images/287182/empathy-sympathy.jpg 

Can you use some more fun in your life? Fun over time is one more way to be a better parent, a better  spouse, and a better friend. It builds authentic relationships, breaks down walls, and heals. We asked  Bridge parents what they like to do for fun with their family, spouse, and friends. Here is what they said:  
  • Family Picnics
  • Trips to local forest preserves
  • Family game nights
  • Weekend getaways
  • Watching a TV show together
  • Dinner date with the spouse (click here for fun conversation starters)
We asked Bridge students what they like to do for fun with their family. Their answers were:  
  • Camping
  • Family game night
  • Watching movies together
  • Talking about high & lows of the day

Fun is second nature for The Bridge staff! Here is what we recommend:
Have a fun idea to share? Tag us on social media!

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What fills your tank? What do the people you care about need from you to feel loved? Discover your love language by taking this free short quiz and begin improving your relationships.

Click here to take the quiz!
Image Source: https://static1.squarespace.com/static

Quality over quantity: 40 minutes a day that will improve your relationship
  • 2 minutes each morning before you leave each other. Make goodbyes important.
  • 20 minutes at the end of the day to reunite and talk about the day.
  • 5 minutes a day to express appreciation for each other. Say "please" and "thank you."
  • 8 minutes a day to show your affection.
  • 5 minutes a day to sharing dreams and planning ahead.
Parent Newsletter this semester sponsored by:

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External links are provided by The Bridge Teen Center for information use only. Links to other websites, social media sites, and mobile applications do not constitute an endorsement from The Bridge Teen Center. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers, or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, are not necessarily those of The Bridge Teen Center. The content does not necessarily reflect the views, policies or practices of The Bridge Teen Center, its officers, or employees. Although every effort is made to provide the best content possible, The Bridge Teen Center is not responsible for any defamatory, offensive, or illegal conduct that may result from links or third party content. 

15555 S. 71st Court, Orland Park, IL 60462 | 708.532.0500 | http://www.thebridgeteencenter.org
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