Wow! Does America shop a lot? Every time I go to a store to get something I need, I see thousands of people consuming. Consuming a lot, a lot of what they don’t need. I watched this video on my computer a few days ago called “The Story of Stuff”. I highly recommend this video to everyone.

It shows how much we consume and why. It has been something that has been on my mind for quite a while. My oldest daughter is always questioning me about the stuff I buy and where it’s made. If a nice shirt cost $9.99, you have to wonder how they made it so cheap. The cost aren’t cheap at all, it’s just who is paying for it, if we aren’t.

The video “The Story of Stuff” talks about how we watch TV, only to be told by the ad’s that we aren’t good enough because we don’t have the up and coming stuff. We work, watch TV, shop, sleep, work, watch TV, shop. It’s a viscous cycle. This video really helped me understand how TV makes me feel bad about myself, and since I’m all about building self-esteem in teenage girls and helping parents raise their teenage girl with confidence. I say monitor the TV your teen watches and watch this video “The Story of Stuff” with your teen. Healthy Happy Teens, isn’t that what we all want?

After you see it, let me know what you think. Debra

It’s been 3 days in bed from allergies and a cold, and TV has become my friend. I hardly ever watch TV, and I guess there is a reason for that…There is nothing on!

Except Today, I watched the Tyra Banks Show; I always find her shows interesting. Today she had teenage girls and their mothers on and they were talking about the girls getting lost to drugs, and what their life could end up like. These girls had hopes and dreams, yet they were walking down and path of no return.  The mother’s didn’t know what to do they felt like they couldn’t do anything.

What Tyra and a few specialist talk about was that something had happened either to the family or to the girls that had affected them, and because no one in the house wanted to talk about it, the girls were acting out.

It is so important to be able to express your feelings about things going on in the house or outside of the house that affect you. I grew up with an alcoholic father and a very depressed mother and we never talked about it, no one ever acknowledged that there was even a problem. 

Moms and Dads, keep an open line of communication between you and your teen, let them know that they can come to you with anything. When something happens to the family, sit down and talk about how everyone feels about it.  Teens if something is up in your life, try to go to your parents, if they won’t listen, make sure you go to someone who will listen. Talk about your feelings, don’t stuff them. You will only be able to stuff them for so long and they will come out someway.

I know there are other reasons for teens to do drugs, this is just one of the reasons. I would love to get your feedback on why you think teens do drugs. 

The Prom is right around the corner and the anxiety is building. Buying a new dress, the perfect shoes, having your hair done, and your make-up. Don’t forget your nails! What about having enough money.

Are you forgetting something, “OH, a date”.  It’s seems so stressful. Thank goodness it’s a bit different now than when I was a teenager. You actually don’t even need a date to go. I love that, even though most girls would probably admit they would prefer having one. 

This is when having self-esteem and confidence comes in handy.

Here are some tips to lowering stress during Prom season.

• Shop early for a dress and shoes.
• Get together with your friends and get ready and help each other with make-up, hair and nails, it cuts costs.
• Let go of the idea of having to go to the Prom with the perfect guy, it’s okay to go with a guy friend.
• If you don’t get invited, gather up your friends and make it a party.
• Go to the Prom and enjoy yourself.