Teens aren’t lazy—they’re sleep-deprived. Learn how to reset sleep schedules before school with simple, realistic strategies.

Summer is here, and for some teens, the shift away from school’s built-in structure can bring unexpected quiet, and sometimes unexpected loneliness.

From parties to peer pressure, graduation season has risks. Here’s how parents can prepare teens to make safe choices.

Mother’s Day isn’t just about gifts. Learn how to reconnect with your teen and build a stronger, more resilient relationship.

Technology is a central part of your teen’s life — connecting them with friends, learning, and entertainment. While there’s plenty of value in being online, it’s easy for screen time to become unbalanced without thoughtful boundaries and guidance. As a parent or caregiver, one of the most meaningful ways to support your teen’s physical, mental, […]

From social media threads to school hallways, the stories of bullying—both online and in person—are far too common. While movements like #BeKind and anti-bullying campaigns raise awareness, one question still remains: What can we do as parents and caregivers to truly support kids who are being bullied? The answer begins with us—our presence, our conversations, […]

💛 I’m in Love… Supporting Teens in Building Healthy, Respectful Relationships Hearing your teen say, “I’m in love,” can stop any parent in their tracks. We know the emotional weight and physical commitment that can come with those words—but seeking and experiencing love is a normal, even essential, part of adolescent development. The good news? […]

The start of a new year often brings reflection—especially for parents of teens. You may be asking yourself questions like: How do I stay connected when my teen seems more distant?Am I saying the right things—or saying too much?How do I support them without pushing them away? If those questions feel familiar, you’re not alone. […]

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy and celebration—but for many teens, it can be anything but cheerful. Between social media pressures, school deadlines, and family dynamics, the holidays can add a lot of stress, especially for teens already struggling with anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges. If your teen seems […]

In today’s busy world, teens are more connected than ever—but that doesn’t always mean they feel close to the people around them. One of the best ways to help teens grow emotionally and connect with others is through real, meaningful conversations with the trusted adults in their lives. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, or […]

“Doctors peek into their patients’ lives using surveys, which to teens feel like more tests to take … I want doctors to ask themselves if they are sure they took enough time with their teen patients and asked the right questions … because issues can get worse if untreated.”— Carmen Pangilinan, winner of the 2024 […]

As parents, it’s natural to worry about your teen’s well-being, especially as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. Teen years are full of growth and independence, but they also come with risks, including substance use. Whether your teen is experimenting or you’re aiming to prevent it, having open and honest conversations about vaping, alcohol, and […]

The back-to-school season can stir up a lot of emotions for teens—especially anxiety. Whether they’re entering a new grade, starting high school, or adjusting to a new environment, the pressure to meet expectations and navigate social dynamics can feel overwhelming. The good news? As a parent you have the power to help your teen manage […]

As the school year winds down and summer is in full swing your teen is probably dreaming of beach days, pool parties, lake trips, and long afternoons by the water. And while they may be craving independence, adventure, and fun — there’s one gift that you can give them this summer that could actually save […]

As parents, we want to keep our children safe, happy, and healthy. But for those raising or supporting LGBTQ+ youth, the journey can include unique challenges. The good news? Love, support, and advocacy can make a life-changing difference in the life of LGBTQ+ young people around you. LGBTQ+ youth face increased risks of bullying, mental […]

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time for everyone to spend less time in front of screens and more time outdoors. Whether it’s soaking up the sun, going for a bike ride, or simply enjoying the fresh air, spring offers countless opportunities for unplugging and reconnecting with the world. As parents, you want […]

What Every Parent Should Know This Prom Season Prom is a milestone—an exciting night of celebration, photos, and memories. But it can also come with real risks, especially when alcohol is involved. As parents, it’s important to recognize how drinking can impact consent, safety, and decision-making for our teens. Why Prom Night Can Be Risky […]

As parents, it can be tough to know how to best support your teen’s mental health, especially during times of stress or moments of disconnect. We won’t always have perfect communication with our teens and that’s okay… but to recognize when our teens are going through a tough time is a superpower that we need […]

As parents, we all want to maintain a strong and open relationship with our teens, but between their school, extracurriculars, screen time, and friends – finding those meaningful moments to connect can feel challenging. The good news? You don’t need hours of deep conversations to build trust and communication. Just 15 minutes a day can […]

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on everything your family has experienced and accomplished over the past twelve months. Life with teens can feel like a whirlwind of school assignments, sports practices, clubs, social events and maybe even part-time jobs, but in the midst of the chaos, there […]

Holiday season is here and we hope you are able to slow down, spend meaningful time with family, and make memories that last. But sometimes, the pressure of making the holiday season so perfect when our teens don’t even want to participate can be A LOT to figure out how to manage. As your kids […]

You’re likely feeling a shift in family dynamics this holiday season. Your child who used to be so content with a traced hand on paper, brown crayons + fake feathers to glue on to their “turkey” is now a tween/teen who rolls their eyes or crosses their arms when you ask about what they’re excited […]

Anxiety is an increasing epidemic in our teen population. Anxiety can seriously disrupt your child’s daily life, making it hard for them to focus in school, build friendships, and join in activities. Getting help early on is essential for teaching them coping skills and building their resilience. At Teen Speak, we are dedicated to providing […]

This summer we got to experience the magic of the Olympic Games and if your family is anything like mine, there was a lot of excitement around watching these incredible athletes. Something we proudly noticed this year was that the conversation around mental health was so prominent. You can only imagine what is going on […]

Your family’s favorite summer movie may have more psychological benefits than you know… Inside Out 2 is not only a fun and sensitive family-friendly animated film, but it holds a strongly researched and formulated storyline that can kickstart important conversations in your family. The movie connects to the emotion – anxiety – and is a […]

It’s summer and your teen’s schedule is wide open. They may be staying up late, enjoying their lack of responsibilities, and inevitably, spending more time on their phone or computer. This increase in screen time isn’t always a “bad” thing – but at Teen Speak, we love to gently remind you that Smart Tech Needs […]

There has been an enormous shift in the role of fathers over the past decade, and even more dramatically in the past few years as gender norms have been challenged and changing. It’s exciting to see that dads are making an effort to be more present now than ever in their kids’ lives, and it’s […]

Quite possibly the BEST Mother’s Day Gift that you can get this year is a relationship with your teen that endures all battles. I’m not referring to a picture-perfect relationship where no one argues and your teen’s room is always spotless, because let’s be honest – that isn’t reality …  I’m talking about a REAL […]

It’s a scene from many teen movies and sitcoms: mom or dad sit their teen down for an introduction to the birds and the bees. Whether it’s over sharing, over scripting, over emotional, over the top, or the good ol’ fashioned banana demonstration, when it comes to talking with teens about sex, it often derails. […]

“I love you.” The first time your teen drops those words about a boyfriend or girlfriend can be a surreal experience. It was for me as a mom. I’m talking about that first love – the heart eyes that are just oozing from your child’s face. It’s equal parts adorable and terrifying, because you know […]

Picture this: Your teen walks through the door from school, you throw the classic after-school question their way “How was your day?”, and what do you get? The one-word responses, the blank stares, and the grand finale – the door slam. Ah, parenting teens – a real life roller-coaster ride that you hoped you would […]

If you’re like most parents, you’ve probably lost more than a few hours of sleep worrying about the wellbeing of your teen as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence. The teen years are a time of rapid change, exploration, and, sometimes, experimentation. Drinking alcohol, vaping, and other types of substance use is not […]

It’s no secret that this generation of teens is immersed in tech and only 0.4 seconds away from Googling anything that comes to mind. It may even feel like we are constantly fighting for their attention against the tiny device in their hands.  As a mom who raised teens in the thick of screen time […]

Your teen comes home and throws their stuff on the floor, sits at the kitchen counter, and buries their head in their hands. I’m SO stressed! You may hold back a chuckle or think about how they can possibly be stressed – their life is so easy compared to yours, right? But there are two […]

Welcome to part TWO of our two-part blog series – Staying Connected with your Teen this Summer ☀️I hear it every year – Dr. Jen, what is my teen going to do ALL summer?!  Last month, we touched on the Activity Bucket and giving your teen space to hang out with their friends. If you […]

Welcome to Summer, Parents!! We are kicking it off at Teen Speak with a two-part blog series – Staying Connected with your Teen this Summer ☀️ I hear it every year – Dr. Jen, what is my teen going to do ALL summer?! June hits and the realization sets in that your teens have a […]

May is Mental Health Awareness month and at Teen Speak, we encourage parents and caregivers to check in on their teen’s mental health, then continue to check-in throughout the year. It can sometimes be difficult to assess if your teen is just going through “normal” changes or if a change in mood, weight or activity-level […]

Okay mamas, we all know how it feels. You subtly drop hints for your spouse or kids to buy you the perfect gift or plan a fun family day. You’ve probably even sent a few links or not-so-subtly said That’d make a great Mother’s Day gift! as you drive by the spa… We believe and […]

All parents should have a TikTok account–here’s why. Do you have an Instagram or TikTok account? If not, I highly encourage you to get one. Yep, I said that. Why? Because it is the only way you will truly see what is happening on your teen’s social feed. I do NOT recommend being sneaky and […]

If you feel like you are constantly a referee in the UFC octagon pulling one kid off of another or playing negotiator between your teens/tweens who can’t seem to ever agree on anything – you are not alone!  We all recognize that siblings arguing and fighting is completely normal – but we shouldn’t have to […]

Hormones. Something we talk about a lot when it comes to our teens. We talk about this a lot because it plays a large role in every aspect of our teen’s lives. It impacts the physical changes they are going through, but also the emotions they experience.  Big emotions are great in so many ways […]

Remember the statement – actions speak louder than words? These are great words to live by when raising a teen! They may not always want to talk with you, but they are paying very close attention to everything you do and thankfully, you can use this to help build that strong foundation. When we recognize […]

Our teens are physically growing like weeds, but did you know their brain is going through significant changes as well? Preteens go from a black and white way of thinking to more complex as they enter their teenage years. As teens mature, their decision-making skills increase, but when they get put into sticky situations like […]

Alright parents – imagine this… Your teen has been coming home extra giddy the last few days and you are just SO curious as to why she’s acting so different. After dinner, you’re hanging out on the couch with her and you open the conversation with: Can we take a few minutes to catch up […]

It’s a new year and while you may have new goals surrounding your career, household, fitness journey or self-care routine – have you thought about the goal of being more present in your teen’s life this year?  Your initial thought may be – Dr. Jen, I don’t believe my teen WANTS me in their life […]

Today’s conversation is one I never sit back on because it is very important. You may already know at this point, but teens going through puberty can gain an average of 45 pounds in just a couple of years. This leads to A LOT of physical changes, but the mental and emotional effects are what […]

Puberty. PHEW.  It can be a whirlwind for us,but I challenge you to imagine what a whirlwind it is for your teen! Let’s just focus on the physical changes today. Did you know the average weight gain during puberty years is 45 pounds for teens? For a young man, this can be exciting as they […]

If you’re anything like me, you may have grown up in a more “hush hush” environment that didn’t allow for conversations about sex, changing hormones, emotions, peer pressure and all the things teens go through. As awkward as it can be, don’t you wish you had these important conversations with your parents? If open, non-judgemental […]

For some parents, teens growing into more responsibility and independence is exciting and freeing – for other parents, it is terrifying! No matter which feeling you lean towards, it is very important to recognize that teens NEED moments of independence to feel trusted and grow into their own confident selves. It’s time to let go […]

Let’s take a moment to think back to our teenage years. I know, I know – it was a long time ago and maybe you can’t remember everything, but try to imagine the way you felt about your parents. Maybe you had a great relationship with them, maybe you had a tough one or even […]

If you’ve been reading my previous monthly emails, you know that we chatted about our trust bucket and how to build up trust with your teen. We also discussed that if you respect boundaries and do your best to only provide your advice when they are open to it – they are much more apt […]

Here’s one thing that you probably weren’t anticipating to hear from me today. It’s time to be quiet. An important part of communicating with your teen that is often overlooked is LISTENING. Many times when our teens bring us their problems, they don’t even want a solution! They simply want someone to empathize and recognize […]

When I think back to conversations I had with my parents, I sometimes cringe… And then guess what happens in the next moment? I catch myself saying the exact same things to my kids as my parents did to me. Like the classic, “If you don’t pick up your room, I’m going to toss everything […]

We’ve all had moments walking away from a conversation with our teen thinking “that went nowhere….” But when it comes to the important conversations about critical topics like safety, drugs, alcohol and sex–it’s essential the conversation lands in a place where you feel comfortable as a parent. To avoid important conversations leading on a path to […]

October is Let’s Talk Month, a national and statewide initiative that supports partnerships between families and organizations that serve them to foster open and honest parent-teen conversations. Research shows that parents—the biggest influencers on teen’s decisions—are not talking often or openly about the risks that matter most during this time in their teen’s lives: sex, […]

Source: Scary Mommy None of us could have seen 2020’s changes coming, although I’m sure you were noticing the changes in your teen over the last year and doing the best you could to survive by trying to understand and adapt to their needs. In this article, I will be walking through the three stages of teen […]

Source: Buzzfeed Maybe things were hard before 2020, but now they seem IMPOSSIBLE with the two (or three, or four) of you sharing the same walls 24/7 and playing in your own version of Survivor. Yet in your version of Survivor, instead of competing for $10,000, you are competing for sanity, the remote, and for […]

Source: Today Parenting Team No one wants to play bad cop. And, of course, each of us remembers what it was like when our parents said ‘no’ when other’s parents said ‘yes’, but this time we are VERY scared! None of us want our kids to get sick, or hurt, or even endanger others by […]

Parent engagement and education is hard work, but it is so very crucial. At the Child and Adolescent Health Program (CAHP) in Northern New Jersey, they strive in all their programs to not tell teens or parents what to think or do but to give them the skills and tools to communicate better and make […]

A common theme among teens (not dealing with a crisis) is the intense levels of stress in their daily lives. It may be surprising to think that teens often experience higher levels of stress than adults, but a study of more than 1,000 teens revealed an average stress score of 5.8 on a 10-point scale—with […]

You planned and prepared for having a baby, the newborn years and toddlerhood—wouldn’t you give just 4.5 hours to equip yourself for the ups and downs of the teen years?  During this challenging time when you are feeling pushed away, your teen still loves you and wants to come to you for support. And the […]

The holidays offer a special opportunity to spend time together as a family; kids are home for winter break and many offices are closed. Before they run off to spend vacation days with friends this weekend, make a point to reconnect with your teen—talking with your teen is one of the greatest gifts you can […]

Vaping was originally thought to be the safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, but boy was that wrong. The seven confirmed deaths connected to vaping in the last few months, on top of the nearly 400 cases of reported lung disease across 36 states, have health care providers, parents, and the CDC scrambling for answers. In […]

Summer is winding down and your teen or tween will soon be stepping into another school year of new experiences, personal and academic growth, new friends, new classes—and a whole new slew of challenges. Whether your child is entering the intermediate level, middle school or high school, there are a few helpful tips and tricks […]

By Dr. Jennifer Salerno, Adolescent Expert and Author “Mom, I’m not sure I believe in God.” If you’re like most parents, panic sets in and you wonder what the heck went wrong. That curious little girl who loved vacation Bible school, church camp, and felt a calling to be baptized, all of the sudden is […]

Source: Parenting Teens & Tweens Recently, the role of technology in Gen Z was exposed in Netflix’s new documentary, ‘Social Animals.’ The show gave an inside look at the lives of three adolescents—a self-taught daredevil photographer capturing novel shots in New York City…

Source: Professor’s House Sadie was tormented on Facebook and Instagram. Classmates would tell the 15-year-old to kill herself. Eventually, she did.

Below is a letter I wrote to my son, Bryce, before he left for college three years ago. Since he just recently graduated from Western Michigan University as a pilot, at the ripe age of 20 years-old (okay, I’m totally bragging), I decided to pull out the letter (and tissue box) I wrote him as […]

Source: Miranda Southern I hope you will make the investment into parenting your child and read Teen Speak for yourself. Grab a highlighter and be ready to make notes!

Source: Family Education Social media can have serious negative effects on your teen’s body image, mental health, and more. Dr. Jennifer Salerno, Nurse Practitioner and Founder of Possibilities for Change, weighs in with tips on how parents can help support a positive body image in teens in the age of social media.

Source: Dr. Laura It’s a scene from many teen movies and sitcoms: mom or dad sit their teen down for an introduction to the birds and the bees.

Source: Hitched Mag Most parents dread “the talk” about sex with their kids. Here’s why you shouldn’t and how you can still educate them.

Source: Wellness It’s always a fine line—do I bring it up? Is this the hill to die on? When it comes to Juul use among teens, it’s love at first puff.

Source: Thrive Global Here are some tips to get you started discussing the birds and the bees—and any other difficult topic—with your teen.

3 Tips to Keep Teens Safe in the Age of Social Media Sadie was tormented on Facebook and Instagram. Classmates would tell the 15-year-old to kill herself. Eventually, she did. Texting, sharing, trolling, scrolling, you name it. Teens, who are sometimes dubbed the iGen or screenagers, are professionals in the social media spheres. It’s gotten […]

Anyone parenting a teen has a list of dreaded words in the back of our minds that we never want to hear… “I’m pregnant.” “Last night. What? I can’t remember.” “I’m in the principal’s office and need you to come and get me.” “I just had to send a quick text…that car hit me!” Sometimes […]

Source: Metro Detroit Mommy There is a central, carefully chosen word in that headline. If you were to change “with” to “at,” it would change the outcome completely. Talking with your teen is a two-way conversation that involves listening as opposed to lecturing or talking at your teen.

From the #metoo movement to the heart wrenching testimony of sexual abuse perpetrated by Larry Nassar – the news lately has been filled with one story after another of things we wish we could have changed.  But how? Early identification is key for young victims of sexual abuse. These victims have a higher incidence of […]

It’s the holiday season again (wasn’t it just yesterday?)  And for parents of teens, presents made of macaroni or popsicle sticks may be a thing of the past.  However, there’s one homemade present every parent will still treasure:  better parent-teen communication. Granted – it’s more of a present to yourself.  But we deserve it. The […]

Teen depression grew by 37 percent over the last decade. “Self-Harm Increasing Among Adolescent Girls.” – HealthDay News “Smartphones May Increase Risk of Depression Among Teens.” – TIME Magazine “Teen Depression On Rise In US” – Chicago Tribune “Rise in teen suicide, social media coincide; is there link?” – Chicago (AP) These are just a […]

Source: Children’s Health Foundation In my last articles, I explored normal behaviors that occur during adolescent stages of development, and what to watch out for—drawing from chapters in my book, Teen Speak: A how-to guide for real talks with teens about sex, drugs and other risky behaviors.

Source: Ready, Set, Grow Hearing that your teen is in love can be terrifying. As parents, we know the emotional and often physical commitment these words bring into a relationship, yet seeking out and experiencing love is a normal part of teen development. When your teens share their feelings with you, avoid having emotionally charged […]

Addressing teen suicide: critical next steps for adolescent health professionals and parents of teens. If it seems like everyone is talking about the hit Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why, it’s because they are. The bestselling book turned Netflix series produced 3.5 million tweets—more than any other Netflix show. Its overnight buzz among teens and young adults […]

Source: Children’s Health Foundation In this article, I hope to help you understand how physical and cognitive development influences emotional and sexual development.

For teens, having a positive adult influence is mission critical to their overall health and well-being. Whether it’s a teacher, parent, health care provider, coach, mentor or other family member, having a trusted adult to confide in when it comes to issues or problems is an extremely important determinant on a teen’s decision-making. Looking at […]

Source: Ann Arbor Family During my career working with adolescents as director of the University of Michigan’s school-based health center program, a surprisingly common theme among tweens was their intense levels of stress.

Source: Oakland County Moms Raising a teen with open lines of communication is an ever-changing challenge requiring significant stamina. There are likely to be many setbacks, frustrations and obstacles before crossing the adulthood finish line.

Source: etr How sexually active—and sexually risky—are today’s teens? Scientific studies continue to support the notion that teens today actually have less sex than their parents did as teens. Yet nearly one in four teens will become pregnant by age 20, and half of the new STDs in the U.S. each year occur among people between the ages of 15 and […]

Source: Children’s Health Foundation If I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard that, I would be writing this on my own private island. As a healthcare provider and founder of Possibilities for Change—an organization dedicated to transforming teen health—my team and I have found that while most parents ask this question, many don’t […]

Oakland County Moms Communication Tips for Teen Attitudes – By Dr. Jennifer Salerno – Eye rolls, slammed doors, sarcasm, talking back—if you’re a parent of a teen I’m sure you can unfortunately relate.

Momming Hubb “I’m pregnant.”“Last night. What? I can’t remember.”“I’m in the principal’s office and need you to come and get me.”“I just had to send a quick text. The car hit me!”

This post originally appeared on ETR: http://www.etr.org/blog/my-take-teen-talk/. Whether you’re a parent or an individual who works with youth, you are placed in an influential role to help keep teens safe and healthy. But that’s no easy task! Risky behaviors account for the majority of teen injury and premature death. In the face of these challenges, educators, […]

Source: Today Parenting Team If each verbal conversation with your teen was turned into a manuscript texting conversation it would go something like this?

Source: etr Whether you’re a parent or an individual who works with youth, you are placed in an influential role to help keep teens safe and healthy. But that’s no easy task!

Source: Mom Unleashed My son is a good kid.  He’s smart. Talented.  A strong athlete and student.  We’ve always had a great relationship and have always been super close.  But over the last few years, as he’s entered his teens, it feels like more of a wall has come between us.

Source: School-Based Health Alliance Dr. Jennifer Salerno has learned a lot about connecting with teens through her clinical work as a nurse practitioner in school-based health centers (SBHCs). She’s created trainings and online content to help professionals talk to teens and help them make healthier decisions.

Teen Speak: A how-to guide for real talks with teens about sex, drugs and other risky behaviors. Take yourself back to your teen years. Many memories—and probably regrets—come to mind. If you were a 70s teen, you’re probably thinking of bell bottoms and feathered hair. Or if you were an 80s teen, you are probably […]