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Teenagers..being one or living with one.October, 2010
In This Issue
From The Positive Perspective....Teenagers
Quote of the month:
"Few things are more satisfying than seeing your children have teenagers of their own." by Doug Larson, 1924 Olympic Gold Medalist
My Philosophy 
 
 My therapeutic philosophy is a combination of believing that discussions of the past can help you to understand where you have come from, which allows you to be able to define where you are today, which further aids in the creating of goals needed to help you reach your full potential.
 
I will treat you with compassion, understanding and respect, knowing that asking for help is not an easy thing to do.
 H.O.P.E. WORKSHOP
Saturday
Nov 13th
9-1pm 
Keller, TX
Need help dealing with change? Need help painting a positive picture of a loved one or yourself?
With the use of visual images (scrapbooking and/or Creative Memories supplies), to be provided by us at a cost...or bring your own to spend the morning helping to visualize a positive future for yourself. I will privide inspirational support as you create a loving image of yourself or someone else.  Great for those going through divorce or starting a new phase of life or those who have just lost someone special in their life.
 
Cost of the workshop:
$40.00 to attend
Additional cost if you need supplies for the workshop.
 Only 20 spots available.
Email me for more information: 
Maryellen@
dabalmft.com 
Greetings!
 

Welcome to those of you receiving this newsletter for the first time.  The purpose of this newsletter is to shed light on topics that interest the people I come in contact with throughout my business and personal interactions.  If you have a suggestion on a topic of interest, please send an email.  I would be very interested in your thoughts. 
 
This issue is about dealing with teenagers and keeping certain things in mind regarding what they may be telling you as well as hints for letting them know you care as a parent or adult in their life. 
 
No matter how old we may be at the moment, we were all a teenager at one time.  Some things have changed and some things have not. 
 
Enjoy the article and stay in tune with all that is going well in your life.  There can be both physical and psychological benefits to looking at life from a positive perspective.....
 
Sincerely,
Maryellen Dabal, MA, LMFTA
 
 420 N Carroll Avenue Suite 140
 Southlake, TX 76092
 817-876-9958
From The Positive Perspective.......
 
Do you remember what it was like when you were a teenager?  Do you remember the good times of learning about life and experiencing many things for the first time or do you remember the struggles of trying to manage those hormones and finding ways to fit in?  Do you remember a little of both?
 
If you have a teenager, I'm sure you have been told that things are different now and that you couldn't possibly understand what it's like to be a teenager today.  Am I right?  In some ways they are right but in some ways they are not.
 
Today's teenagers, just like teenagers of yesterday, still struggle with hormones, are also challenged by fitting in when they move to a new school or new state for that matter and are all faced with the challenges of their future...what do I want to do with my life?  You may not know how to work that fancy calculator they need for Calculus but you can let your teenager know that you are there for them regarding these issues and want to learn about the new struggles they are facing.  Rejoice with them when they achieve a fantastic grade in a very difficult class or they master that skill they have worked on for a long time.  The key to this connection with our teenagers is to BE THERE FOR THEM.  The technological connection is an improvement over what we had as teenagers but that person to person contact is extremely important as well.  Turn the phones, the TV and the computer off once in a while and just talk....novel idea but it works. The sooner they know you are there for them, the safer and more secure they can feel.
 
In this world of many dual working parent homes, as is my case, we make it a point to connect with our daughters as often as possible. We connect not only through technology(texts, emails, IM's)  but we take advantage of any time they want to spend with us, whether it's movie night at our house or going to a concert (yes we actually like some of the same music) or letting them have their friends over to hang out when we are home.
 
Be a part of their life, know their friends and let them know that you support them...even when they make mistakes.  Separating the behavior from the person is important for them to understand.  Good people can make some not-so-good choices.  Think back to your teenage years.  Did you always make the right choices? Keep that in mind when dealing with your teenager and love and appreciate them for who they are.  It helps to think about it ....From The Positive Perspective.
Feedback
I welcome feedback regarding the newsletter or questions about my practice and can be reached at maryellen@dabalmft.com.  I cannot, however, give advice through email. For more information on my practice please visit my website: www.dabalmft.com
 
I wish you well...