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PARENT QUIZ

The Internet is a fascinating place for teens. Yet it can be dangerous. Answer the following questions yes or no to see if you're encouraging online safety.

1. Do you keep the computer in a central spot (not in your teen's room)?
2. Do you educate yourself about Internet use and terminology?
3. Do you make sure your teen doesn't spend money online without permission?
4. Do you explain the importance of using reliable websites for research?
5. Do you review online safety rules with yuor teen?

How did you do? Each yes answer shows that you're promoting safe online activity. For each no answer, try to use that idea from the quiz to change your answer to yes.

WORKING WITH YOUR SCHOOL

Stay in touch with the school staff.

Your teen is in charge of his academic work and behavior, but you can help by building a good family-school relationship. To do this:

• Make a communication plan - Introduce yourself to his teachers. Attend school events. Read notes from schools. Find out how to contact teachers and staff, such as by email.
• Make the most of conferences - If teachers have concerns about your teen, ask for specific ways you can help.
• Share Information - You know your teen better than anyone else. Tell teachers things they may not realize, such as how your teen learns best.
• Show that school - is a top priority. Encourage good attendance. If your teen misses school, he should do make-up work. Support his daily study time.

Question and Answer

Is your teen too busy?

Q. My daughter plays two sports, She sings in the choir. She volunteers at a homeless shelter. I want her to cut back, but she says it's her life. Besides, she says she needs to do all this to get into college. Is there anything I can do?

A. Your daughter's schedule sounds pretty typical. Today's teens do carry a full load. Between studies and extracurricular activities, many of them have little time for themselves.

Your teen is learning to set priorities. You can help by asking questions. Does she have time to eat meals with the family, spend time with friends, and get enough sleep? If not, she should probably adjust her schedule.

Help your teen see that she should do activities because she enjoys them. Colleges don't want someone who has plodded through things just to build a resume. Have her think about her commitments. Which ones mean the most to her? Those may be the ones to keep.

Meanwhile, look for warning signs that she is doing too much. If her grades start to slip, for example, you'll need to step in. Keep the lines of communication open. Remind her, "I love you for who you are, not what you do."

Excerpt used with permission from The Parent Institute® , a division of NIS, Inc., www.parent-institute.com