Teens, screens, and prepping for the future

This is our annual Teen Issue, and although they say that parent magazines are geared more to the issues of the very young children in our families, having been through it myself, I would have to say that the real challenges begin when kids enter puberty. That’s when they stop listening to what we say, rely mostly on their friends and peers for advice and guidance, and start pulling away from our lead.

Some families find it more frustrating than others, and of course, no two kids are alike, and so, even within families, kids will develop and behave differently. Getting your youngsters ready for high school is not only about them getting the grades to matriculate, but it’s also about picking the right school for their needs. There is a special advertising section in this issue offering many of the finer choices your family might want to explore. Open Houses are throughout October and even beyond.

Our writer Allison Plitt has reviewed a new book on internet safety that should help parents long before the teen years kick in. How important is that for all of us! Certainly every parent should be doing as much as possible to get “hip” to the realities of social media and what their kids are up to online, which changes from day to day.

Myrna Beth Haskell has contributed Part 1 of a series on “Hooked on Screens,” a subject I addressed in my column in last month’s issue. It relieved me to know I’m not the only one who is concerned about the dependence factor in our connection to electronic media.

There’s so much to discuss when it comes to our preteens and teens. Concerns about body image, approval and influence of friends, and the pressures of school and grades are only some of them. It’s not easy as a parent to feel them pulling away from us, and they do, but not only do they need preparation for that, but so do we.

Separating from our kids should not be a startling reality when we become “empty nesters” but be a process the whole family is in training for years before it actually occurs. In getting our kids ready for adulthood, we will also be getting ourselves ready for their eventual independence. I know from personal experience how shocking it can be even though you know it’s coming, and sometimes, even though you’ve been waiting for it with your breath held.

Thanks for reading!

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<p>Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!</p>

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<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Riverdale’s Premier Theater Arts Intensive Camp allows young artists to develop creatively and perform in a full-scale musical theater production.</span></p>

Trinity School

<p dir="ltr">Come join us for another summer of fun, exploration and discovery. Our campers get to engage with each other in the following activities: Swimming, Golf, Chess, Lego Robotics, Art, Dance, Multisports and Storytelling (subject to change)…and of course, ice cream or ices every day! We will supply our campers with a daily snack but you will need to provide your own lunch. Come join us for a fantastic summer!!!</p> <p dir="ltr">Camp runs from 8:30am - 3pm.</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #1: Tuesday, June 20th - Friday, June 23rd (closed Monday 6/19th)</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #2: Monday, June 26th - Friday, June 30th </p> <p dir="ltr">Session #3: Tuesday, July 3rd - Friday, July 7th (closed Tuesday, July 4th)</p> <p dir="ltr">Session #4: Monday, July 10th - Friday, July 14th </p> <p dir="ltr"> Session #5: Monday, July 17th – Friday, July 21st </p> <p dir="ltr">       For more information, please contact:</p> <p dir="ltr">        Seth Goldberg,</p> <p dir="ltr">        Director of Afterschool Programs & Summer Coordinator </p> <p dir="ltr">        Ph: (212) 932-6849</p> <p dir="ltr">        E: [email protected]</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 2pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"> </p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-849a3a81-7fff-34df-9c6e-6714b519a740"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.44; margin-left: 36pt; background-color: #ffffff; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 2pt 0pt 0pt 0pt;"> </p>