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Parenting Teenagers.

Parenting & Pregnancy / by MistyMagic

4 minutes ago

...See more Coping with teenagers can be challenging, but with the right approaches, it’s possible to maintain a strong relationship, support their growth, and handle conflict in constructive ways. Here are some tips and ideas to help you navigate this journey effectively. 1. Focus on Communication, Not Control * Listen Actively: Teenagers are often navigating intense emotions and experiences. Rather than jumping in with solutions or judgments, listen attentively to understand what’s really bothering them. This shows that you respect their feelings and can help de-escalate tension. * Use Open-Ended Questions: Avoid questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Try something like, “How did you feel about what happened at school today?” This can encourage them to open up. * Empathy Over Solutions: When teenagers vent or share frustrations, sometimes they just want to feel heard. Try empathizing by saying something like, “I can see how that would make you feel upset,” rather than immediately offering solutions. 2. Establish Boundaries with Flexibility * Set Clear Expectations: Teens may push boundaries, but they also need them. Explain rules clearly and ensure they understand the consequences if they’re broken. Be consistent with enforcing these rules, which helps build a sense of security. * Allow for Negotiation on Some Rules: If you’re open to compromising on smaller issues, it can help teens feel they have some control over their lives, which is essential for their development. For example, if they’re unhappy with a curfew, allow them to discuss it respectfully and maybe compromise. * Involve Them in Rule-Making: When appropriate, let them help create some of the rules or consequences. This can encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and understand why the rules are in place. 3. Be Their Role Model * Demonstrate Healthy Behavior: Teens absorb more from what they see than what they’re told. Model respect, patience, and healthy communication in your own behavior. * Own Up to Mistakes: If you react too harshly in a moment of frustration, apologize. This not only shows maturity but also teaches them the value of accountability. * Self-Care is Key: Coping with teens can be draining. Taking care of your mental and physical health sets a good example for them while helping you stay balanced. 4. Encourage Independence and Responsibility * Assign Age-Appropriate Responsibilities: Give them tasks that they can handle, whether it’s managing their own schedules or contributing to household chores. This teaches them about responsibility and helps build self-confidence. * Encourage Decision-Making Skills: When they’re faced with choices, help them evaluate pros and cons rather than making decisions for them. This approach fosters critical thinking and accountability. * Celebrate Small Wins: When your teen demonstrates responsibility or follows through on something challenging, celebrate it! Positive reinforcement is often more effective than punishment. 5. Stay Calm During Conflict * Take a Pause if Needed: When arguments get heated, take a break before responding. You can say, “I need a moment to collect my thoughts. Let’s talk about this in a few minutes.” This helps prevent saying things in anger. * Use “I” Statements: Instead of saying, “You’re so irresponsible,” try “I feel worried when you don’t communicate with me about where you are.” This keeps the focus on your feelings rather than placing blame. * De-Escalate by Lowering Your Voice: Speaking softly, even in tense situations, can have a calming effect on both of you and prevent the conflict from escalating. 6. Understand Their Need for Identity and Peer Connection * Give Them Space to Explore Identity: Adolescence is when teens start defining who they are outside of their family identity. Encourage safe exploration, even if it involves hobbies, fashion choices, or music that you might not understand. * Respect Their Peer Relationships: Teens often value peer opinions more than family. This can be challenging for parents, but it’s essential to respect these relationships as long as they’re healthy. Offer a safe space to talk about their friends without judgment. * Encourage Healthy Risk-Taking: Teens need experiences to learn and grow, so it’s okay to support safe, challenging activities like joining a sports team, pursuing an art project, or taking up a challenging hobby. 7. Offer Consistent Unconditional Support * Check-In Regularly: Even if they seem uninterested, short check-ins like “How was your day?” or “Anything interesting happen today?” let them know you’re there for them, even if they don’t feel like talking. * Remind Them of Their Strengths: Teens can be self-critical, so take moments to acknowledge their efforts and successes, big or small. This reinforces their sense of self-worth and boosts their resilience. * Be Patient: Building a trusting relationship with a teenager takes time. They may pull away and push back, but with patience, you can stay connected and supportive. 8. Seek Support When Needed * Don’t Hesitate to Seek Counseling: If conflicts are intense or if your teen is showing signs of mental health challenges, consider reaching out to a family counselor or therapist. Professional support can provide both you and your teen with strategies to cope better. * Find a Support Network: Sometimes, sharing experiences with other parents of teens can provide fresh perspectives and remind you that you’re not alone. Look for local support groups or online forums where you can talk through parenting challenges and gain advice. Final Thoughts Remember that every teenager is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Staying flexible, open-minded, and focusing on maintaining a supportive, respectful relationship will go a long way. Remember that parenting is a skill and we can all learn tips and share our feelings hereto help us navigate the pitfalls of parenting. Now, over to you! 🏃‍♂️ Share some of the things that have worked for you as a parent. 🏆Teenagers will someday be the adults in this world, what might that look like in their future? 💚How do you feel as a parent? How are you doing?

🦄Unicorn's little corner 💜

Pen Pals / by LittleNini16

3 minutes ago

Inclusive Trick or Treating

Disability Support / by AffyAvo

9 minutes ago

...See more More people are becoming aware about how to be inclusive to all Trick or Treaters this Halloween! [A gif where the lighting makes a pumpkin teal] Teal Pumpkin Project When people put out Teal Pumpkins it means they have non-edible treats available. This started off as being a way to be allergy friendly, and this is also good for trick or treaters who have other dietary restrictions. For some good ideas and some more fanciful ones, check our the on-going A-Z game here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/AZtreathandoutsfortheTealPumpkinProject_262266/] Treat Accessibility Treat Accessibility offers tips to remove barriers to trick or treaters. Some cities have locations where you can pick up a sign [https://www.treataccessibly.com/free-lawn-sign-2024-version], plus you can print your own [https://www.treataccessibly.com/free-lawn-sign-2024-version] and set it outside before Halloween so people know ahead of time your house will be accessible/ Treat Accessibility also hosts Halloween Villages - inclusive events for Trick or Treaters where all participating households are accessible. Blue Pumpkins Some families choose to use a blue pumpkin to indicate that their trick or treater is autistic. This may help create some extra patience for children who may have trouble communicating, aren't comfortable wearing a costume or may have additional sensory needs. Some households also put out blue pumpkins to indicate they are friendly households for these children. Questions If you're handing out treats or trick or treating, are you participating in any of these? Is there a Halloween Village near you? Share an accessibility tip for any household or trick or treater (hint check out treat accessibility [https://www.treataccessibly.com/how-to] if you're stuck) Bonus question - share a recipe we can use after carving those pumpkins!

I'm so hopeless, I don't know what to do

General Support / by Zae1

10 minutes ago

...See more Hi everyone, I hope you're all doing well, anyone reading this. It's my first post here so I'm a little anxious. I would like to share a little of how I feel. I won't share much of my personal information, but I am a girl. I'm in my second semester of college, and so far I'm doing very well. The thing is, about 5 years ago I started to develop low self-esteem. But it's something I was able to control. But over time, everything got worse. I looked for support from my friends and other people and those things. Everything was going well. But about 4-5 months ago I started to suffer from something similar to anhedonia. My life has always been one of constant stress because of the fear of disappointing my parents with my grades. I developed gastritis at an early age.Well, getting back to the topic of my supposed anhedonia, I feel weird. I'm being honest. I feel bad and very weird.Before, (I mean about a year),I was a very compassionate and emotional person. I spent a lot of time playing my favorite video games and characters, enjoying my hobbies and spending time with my friends. A lot.I have always been a good student, daughter, and daugther. I was passionate about mysterious things and magical, medieval vibes.I had a talent. Yes, I did. I loved drawing since I was little. I have an art account on ***, but I haven't posted anything there for a month.I feel hopeless. For a couple of years now I guess I really was suffering from depression. Nothing matters to me. I stopped talking to many friends. I have a void in my chest. I can't cry the way I'd like to. I've never been completely happy for long in my life. I'm always going from here to there. I've always felt like I'm weird. I'm not happy with myself. The last few months have been about getting through my day to day life. I have a music playlist. I loved that music and it made me feel things and feel good, wanting to fight for my passions. But now I don't feel anything. I listen to them and I don't feel anything. I've been looking into this a lot and I think it's "emotional burnout". But I'm not interested. I don't want to go outside. I miss how I used to feel. With my tastes and my passions and the things I loved. I used to have a lot of projects with my art and stuff like that. I've tried to convince myself that I'm supposed to grow up. But adults are also happy and feel things, right? I guess I've ruined my life with my pessimism. I'll never feel anything again, I think.All my pleasures for which I fought three years are not worth it.I have been looking for new interests in case you are wondering. Yes, this year I discovered a sport that I love and that did not affect my other interests. But now I no longer feel that spark when I watch my favorite sports. I can't really talk to my parents for help right now because they are in a difficult situation with their jobs. And I can't get a therapist at the moment... I miss my video games, talking to my friends, enjoying my art and my favorite characters.I miss my emotions. I miss being sentimental.. I miss everything. And I blame myself every day.. it's hard to cope with all this.. for all these years.. All these four years of holding on and thinking that the next day will be better. All those nights I cried because I wished I wasn't here.All these years doubting everything. I've been miserable.I'm the oldest sister, so I don't want my little brother to go through what I've been going through. My chest hurts. I feel lost. I feel bad.I don't care about myself. I miss everything. That's all.I don't feel well enough to give more details. I'm sorry if you read all this and thank you for reading it. Thank you for your patience and your valuable time.I would appreciate if anyone could leave a comment if they could. Just wanted to share this. Thanks and have a nice day.

Good moments 🌈

Positivity & Gratitude / by exuberantBlackberry9105

10 minutes ago

...See more hey everyone, i'm creating this space for myself to come to every day, hopefully, and share my good moments. ✨ when i say 'good moment', it doesn't mean i have to feel happy or anything. it could be anything that made me feel a tiny bit better or something that made me feel good for a little bit. it could even be something that happened that's supposed to be good, even if it didn't change how i feel. or if i'm having a particularly bad day, a good moment could be a moment when i just didn't feel that horrific. and of course, it could be a moment when i just somehow magically feel fine for a bit, with no apparent cause. magic, lol. 🪄 i've recently realised that thinking of good moments makes every day feel a tiny bit different, instead of every day feeling the same and having that school, homework, exam, eat, sleep, repeat cycle going on. when i'm depressed and have been for months on end, it's really easy to just see that and forget the good that does occasionally come. perhaps after a while of posting on this thread, i might even be able to go back and read previous good moments when i'm feeling awful. i know that every time i try to feel better and actually get to feeling better, it eventually comes crashing down soon and i feel bad again. but i guess i'll try to feel better anyway by focusing on the good moments. and when i do get to feeling better, i want to make the best of it and use it to get work done, so that the times when it gets bad again don't affect my schoolwork too much. i will really try to come here every day and post something, even if it's very small and seems insignificant, even if i feel like i didn't have anything good happen that day. and if i ever have a miracle day when i have a lot of good moments, i'll try my best to list them all out for me to read on the awful days that follow (somehow my really good days are always followed by some really bad ones, and it sucks). if i ever miss a day of posting, i will try to post that day's good moments the next day. i know that sometimes i will need to mention the bad stuff too here, to be able to explain why something was a good moment, but in general, i will try my best to avoid talking too much about the bad on this thread. thank you, @bestVase7265, for encouraging me to write down my good moments. this idea of yours has been of a lot of help to me. i hope it works well with this thread for posting good moments. feel free to follow along and read whatever good i find every day, and share yours too (only if you'd like to, of course. you can always just stick to our space if you wish). 🤍🤍 anyone else reading this is welcome to share their good moments as well, i'd love to hear them. wishing you all the best. 💙

October 2024 Forum Spotlight

Site Updates / by tommy

11 minutes ago

...See more October 2024 Forum Spotlight It's that time of the month again where we join together to celebrate the opportunities available to us across the forum. There are two core purposes of our forum spotlight: one to spotlight forum discussions more widely and two to showcase the amazing work of those community users who go above and beyond to help ensure everyone gets a reply to their thread. Here is an overview of our forum discussions for this month: * I'm Just Me Because Month [https://www.7cups.com/forum/trauma/CheckinsandPrompts_1095/TraumaSupportCommunityCheckInforOctober2024ImJustMeBecauseMonth_338157/] * World Mental Health Day [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/WorldMentalHealthDay_338207/] * How can I manage changes and life transitions? [https://www.7cups.com/forum/relationships/CopingToolsResourcesforRelationships_1161/RelationshipSupportDiscussionWaystoManageChangesandLifeTransitionsTogether_338525/] * POTS World Day [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/ArticlesResourcesConditionSpecificInformation_458/POTSWorldDayPosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome_339066/] * Inclusive Trick or Treating [https://www.7cups.com/forum/disabilities/CommunitySpace_227/InclusiveTrickorTreating_339078/] * Parenting Teenagers [https://www.7cups.com/forum/parenting/Parenting_2568/ParentingTeenagers_339581/] Looking to help us with forum engagement? Join our forum team by clicking here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/7cupsleadership/CommunitiesHelpWanted_2306/Soyouwanttobeaforumleader_334833/]. Here is our leaderboard for our monthly engagement challenge (with the number of needs reply posts answered): @Sunisshiningandsoareyou 204 @GentleHealingInitiative 101 @Phoenixthepoised 19 @Optimisticempath 17 You can find out more about this engagement initiative here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/siteupdates/EventsDiscussions_2666/Introducingournewandimprovedforumengagementchallenge_335791/] (including the link to participate). Are you wanting to get involved with this initiative for the month of November? Let us know about it by replying down below this forum spotlight! Please join me in congratulating our fantastic forum engagers down below! 🔗 Links * Do you want to join our taglist so you are notified of the next spotlight? Click here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/7cupsleadership/ProjectsEvents_2399/ForumEventsAutomatedTaglist_316255/]! * Do you have a thread which you've recently posted that you feel could be highlighted in our next monthly spotlight? Or perhaps you've noticed another thread which you think could be featured in our spotlight? Let us know about it here [https://forms.gle/wGWYW4izzS2Ukrrq6]!

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Pen Pals / by ALeXaNdEr0712

16 minutes ago

Hy guys...

7 Cups Online Therapy / by frankKitten4973

20 minutes ago

CRPS - What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Disability Support / by MistyMagic

24 minutes ago

...See more Today is World CRPS Day!What is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)? Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition usually affecting one limb, often after an injury. It is thought to be caused by damage to, or malfunction of, the peripheral and central nervous systems. The pain associated with CRPS is disproportionate to the initial injury and can result in long-term disability. CRPS is classified into two types: * CRPS Type I (formerly Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy - RSD): Occurs without confirmed nerve damage. * CRPS Type II (formerly Causalgia): Occurs with confirmed nerve damage. Symptoms of CRPS CRPS symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but commonly include: * Severe, constant, burning pain: Often out of proportion to the injury. * Swelling and changes in skin color: Skin may appear blotchy, purple, or pale. * Temperature changes in the skin: The affected area may feel unusually warm or cold. * Sensitivity to touch: Light touch or even wind can cause significant pain (allodynia). * Changes in skin texture: Skin may become thin or shiny. * Changes in hair and nail growth: Increased or decreased growth in the affected limb. * Stiffness and decreased mobility: Especially in the affected joints. * Muscle weakness or atrophy: Due to disuse or decreased movement. * Tremors, spasms, or dystonia: Uncontrollable muscle movements can occur. Symptoms often spread from the site of the initial injury to other areas and can worsen over time if not treated. Commonly Asked Questions about CRPS1. What causes CRPS? CRPS often follows an injury (like a fracture, surgery, or even a minor trauma), but the exact cause isn’t fully understood. It may result from an abnormal immune response, nerve damage, or improper healing of an injury, leading to abnormal pain signaling. 2. How is CRPS diagnosed? CRPS is typically diagnosed based on a combination of a detailed medical history and physical examination. There's no definitive test, but tools like X-rays, MRI scans, or bone scans may be used to rule out other conditions and observe characteristic changes like bone loss or abnormal inflammation. 3. Can CRPS spread to other parts of the body? Yes, in some cases, CRPS can spread from the originally affected limb to other parts of the body. The spread can be gradual, and it may involve the opposite limb or nearby regions. 4. Is CRPS curable? There is no cure for CRPS, but early treatment can help manage symptoms. Treatments include physical therapy, medications (like pain relievers, nerve blocks, or corticosteroids), and psychological support to help cope with the chronic pain. 5. What are the treatment options for CRPS? Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary approach including: * Pain management: Medications such as NSAIDs, anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin), and opioids for severe cases. * Physical therapy: To maintain movement and reduce stiffness. * Nerve blocks or spinal cord stimulation: For severe cases, nerve blocks or electrical stimulation may be used to reduce pain. * Psychological support: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage the emotional and mental toll of living with chronic pain. * Alternative therapies: Acupuncture, mirror therapy, or graded motor imagery have been used in some cases. * Coping strategies https://rsds.org/living-with-crps/coping-strategies/ [https://rsds.org/living-with-crps/coping-strategies/] 6. What is the prognosis for someone with CRPS? The outlook for people with CRPS varies. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to preventing the condition from becoming more severe. Some individuals recover fully, while others may continue to experience symptoms for years, potentially leading to long-term disability. 7. Are there any complications associated with CRPS? CRPS can lead to several complications including: * Chronic pain and disability: Severe pain can lead to loss of function and disability in the affected limb. * Depression and anxiety: Coping with chronic pain may lead to mental health issues. * Muscle atrophy: From reduced movement and use of the affected limb. 8. Is there a genetic component to CRPS? While CRPS is generally not considered hereditary, some research suggests that genetic factors may play a role in how people process pain, making certain individuals more susceptible to CRPS. 9. Can children or adolescents develop CRPS? Yes, although it is more common in adults, CRPS can also occur in children and adolescents. In young people, the condition tends to resolve more quickly with treatment compared to adults. 10. What research is being done on CRPS? Ongoing research aims to better understand the underlying mechanisms of CRPS, improve diagnostic tools, and develop more effective treatments, including targeted therapies to modulate pain pathways. References * National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Fact Sheet [https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome-Information-Page] * Mayo Clinic. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crps-complex-regional-pain-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20371151] * American RSDHope Organization. CRPS Information and FAQs [https://rsdhope.org/]

Career

Work & Career / by Love349

40 minutes ago

no lurking >:(

Pen Pals / by PastaIsVeryUnderrated

42 minutes ago

Weekly Healthy Living Check-In November 2nd, 2024

Healthy Living / by PoliteOcean

44 minutes ago

...See more WEEKLY HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN NOVEMBER 2ND, 2024 HEY EVERYONE~ *WELCOME To Our End of the week "WEEKLY" HEALTHY LIVING CHECK-IN"~ This is our "FIRST" Check-in for "NOVEMBER"~🌻🍁🌾🍂 ⭐️If you aren't a member yet Please "JOIN" the Healthy Living Community Here!! [https://www.7cups.com/home/healthyliving/] ⭐️FEEL FREE TO ANSWER ANY OR ALL QUESTIONS! Or Simply tell us about yourself and how you've been doing! Feel free to share or Vent about your week~ We are here to listen! 🌻Hey All~ Welcome to the Weekend~ And Welcome to "November"~ How did your week go? 🍁This is our "First" Check-in for the Month~... How do you feel the Month of October went for you overall?... And what things might you be looking to either Adhere to from October OR Do differently for yourself in the new month ahead? 🌾As we enter November, we reflect upon the Month that celebrates "Thankfulness & Gratefulness"..... (They say there is Always something to be "Grateful" for).... For this First Check-in of the Month, what is something that you are Most Thankful & Grateful for "Today"?! 🍂JUST FOR FUN:.. What is One Healthy Thing that you do for yourself as you start your day? 🌻What were your "Highlights Or Struggles" of the week?.... How were you able to work through your challenges?! 🍁What is something that "YOU" want to Talk about, Add or Share with us this week?... WE want to hear from YOU~ Healthy Living Team Leaders: @PoliteOcean @SunShineAlwaysGrateful @vivelespatates @SunShineAlwaysGrateful @vivelespatates @Regmo @purpleTree4652 @InsightfulPhoenix @nordurnStar @KateDoskocilova @KatePersephone @SirenOfSerenity @Rebekahwriter13 @EmbStitcher33 @calmsoulmeet @sweetrosa1987 @AffyAvo @Bre4Me @Caringmama2022 @CarolineEmily01 @CyclingThroughLife @determinedCat7367 @diamondintheROUGH2022 @GoldenNest2727 @selflessSpruce1515 @SilverSeastar @Spectaculaur @BestMaple2045 @determinedNest6866 @HipsterChic @DestinyM2026 @charmingSky597 @GreenFairie @WayJay @orangeHuman868 @lilCatNamedVenus **AND ANY & ALL "NEWBIES" THAT WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US

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