Teen culture changes rapidly – sometimes daily. Here are some tips to help parents keep up.

• Talk to your teen about current things he or she is doing.  Don’t accept “I don’t know,” or “Nothing” as answers to “What did you learn or do today?”
• Know the warning signs of drug use and keep up with current drug trends.  The Internet has a wealth of information, and the school’s counselor or nurse can also provide resources.  Make sure you are talking with your teen about drugs.
• Check in regularly on your teen’s social networking page.  When he or she knows you’ll be looking, better decisions are more likely to be made.  Also, the rule for your teen is, “If you wouldn’t post it on a bulletin board at school, don’t post in cyberspace.  Same for contacts; treat strangers in cyberspace the same way you would in your regular day.”
• Watch your teen’s TV shows and check out his or her magazines and book choices.
• If a fad does not go against your family’s morals or values, allow it.  More than likely, the fad will soon pass.
• Help your teen get involved with something he or she enjoys.
• Make good use of the time you have with your teens.  That way when you are not with them, they will make good use of their time.
• Most importantly, be engaged in your teen’s life and make some of their priorities your own.

Click here for a two-minute tip on Keeping Up from Sue Blaney at Parenting Teens Info.