FRENCH: About Parenting Teens: Teen Having Testosterone Spikes?

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Parenting Teens

Parenting Teens

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From Denise Witmer, your Guide to Parenting Teens

Teen Having Testosterone Spikes?

A parent asks on the forum: "My friend told me boys as they are about to enter puberty can get testosterone "spikes." These "spikes" can happen up to 5 - 6 times a day and make the boy angry, frustrated etc (Hey - maybe I'm getting them too?!! :))

I have tried to find info about these "spikes" as I want to be understanding if that's what's happening to second child, and eldest son, about to turn 12. But... if the info is not right, I don't want to let unacceptable behavior go unchallenged (not wanting to help out at home, getting surly with homework, arguing with third child - his 9-year-old sister - when they have previously been very close, door slamming, eye-rolling etc).

Most of the info I have found to date indicates testosterone is released slowly and gradually over time, although mood swings (causing behavior changes) are certainly a feature of puberty.

Has anyone else heard of these spikes? And does anyone know where I can access info about them if they do exist?

Denise's thoughts: Mood swings are normal in both sexes when a child reaches puberty, How to Help Your Teen Control Mood Swings. I think if your son is having problems with anger issues, finding him some help via a doctor's appointment and then going on his doctor's recommendation would be the way to go.

And no, I've never heard the term 'testosterone spikes' attributed to normal adolescence. It may be a medical term but I think your teen's doctor would know if this is a problem with your teen.

Asking our parenting community: Have you heard of testosterone spikes? How have you handled your teen's mood swings? Please share your thoughts, opinions and advice in the comments area.

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Teen Grant Contest from Bridgestone Americas

The Teens Drive Smart Road Show Rally 2011 Tour is a high school grant contest promoting safe driving skills and the importance of learning these skills before a driver sits behind the wheel. Bridgestone Americas is asking parents: Did you know teens are 50 percent less likely to speed, 71 percent less likely to drive after drinking and 29 percent less likely to use their cell phones while on the road if they have parents who actively talk to them about the associated dangers? I'm thinking we may have not had the figures, but we've got the gist, yes... and I'm happy to promote a grant that teaches it. For all the nitty gritty details on the contest see their site: link in post.

Only 29.6 Percent of All Teens Worked This Summer

A look at the unemployment rate for teens this summer by the U.S. Department of Labor showed that only 29.6 percent of all teens worked this summer, the same low rate as last year. And in the last three years, the jobless rate for teenagers - no job at all for the entire summer - was 35 percent. The worst trend since 1948. By comparison, summer teen unemployment was averaging around 15.8 percent as recently as 2007 and in 2000, over half the teens worked at some point in the summer.

So, what can a teen who needs money do if they need money and can't find summer work? Here are a few thoughts:

Offer your babysitting services to parents of younger children who are off school for the summer.
Offer errand running services for the elderly in your neighborhood.
House-sitting and dog walking and sitting services are appreciated in the summer by those who are going on vacation.
Landscaping for those who live around you.

Also, while teens are looking for work, they can volunteer in their local area to get work experience. This will help them become more employable in the future and it will teach them about helping out in their community - a wonderful 'build your moral fiber' experience!

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The Book Thief by Markus Zusak is a heartbreaking tale based on a true story about a young girl in Germany during the time of WW II that is narrated by Death himself. If you have a mature teen reader in your home and you are looking to enjoy some time with them talking about life, hope, history and the dark side of mankind, this book will facilitate that and more. A story you will not soon forget, if ever.