Category: Teen Life

Growing Up Comes with Responsibility— Ways to Show You Can Be Responsible

Many teenagers are eager to prove themselves ready to handle the challenges of adulthood in order to gain more freedom. After all, growing up comes with its fair share of responsibilities that require maturity to handle. If you’re looking for some good ways to show your parents or guardians that you can be responsible, then here are a few pointers to get you started!

Driving

One great way to demonstrate how responsible you’ve become is to drive safely and avoid mishaps. Being a responsible driver not only guards your well-being, but it gives you plenty of opportunities to prove yourself as well.

For starters, make sure you’re driving attentively: A responsible driver is aware that there are several road dangers that cause accidents, so it’s important to be alert and pay attention to the road. Don’t let friends, music controls, or phone notifications distract you and put you at risk.

Additionally, demonstrate your level of responsibility by planning ahead when you go out so that you come home at a reasonable hour and show a solid ability to manage your time.

Working

Getting and performing well at a job is another excellent way to demonstrate to your parents or guardians that you’re more responsible than you used to be.

When you get your first job, make sure you do well with whatever tasks you’re responsible for and ensure that you’re a reliable member of your work team. This will help you demonstrate your value in the adult world and show that you’re willing to learn and work hard.

In addition to showcasing how well you can manage tasks that you’re given, having a job will also give you the opportunity to demonstrate responsibility by handling money well. Start saving as much of your earnings as you can and show the adults in your life that you can adhere to a smart budget. Being responsible with your resources is a huge part of adulthood!

Being Proactive at Home

Another way that you can show your increasing level of responsibility is by taking initiative around the house. It might seem frustrating to have to deal with the same chores you’ve been doing since you were a little kid, but completing them more efficiently than ever is a great demonstration of your growth as an individual.

Along with tackling your usual chore list with renewed vigor, try going a step further and taking on some extra tasks here and there as well. Doing the bare minimum is never going to impress anyone, so look for added opportunities to shine.

If you notice that no one’s taken the trash out and the truck’s coming in the morning, then go ahead and take care of it. If someone just brought home groceries, help carry them in and put them away. Seeing what needs to be done and completing tasks without being asked shows tons of responsibility!

Plenty of teenagers are eager for the freedom that comes with adulthood, but most of the time you have to prove that you can handle the responsibilities first. You can start by driving safely, getting a job and being responsible with your money, and being proactive by helping out at home.

How to Deal with the Death of a Grandparent

For many teens, the death of a grandparent is their first experience with loss. Grief affects people in different ways. Some teens may feel angry, others devastated, and yet others may be numb or in disbelief.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of a loved one. The most important thing is learning how to heal and move on.

Understand the Five Stages of Grief

Many teens who lose a grandparent will go through the five stages of grief, but you may also experience other emotions.

The five stages of grief include:

Denial and isolation
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance

You may not experience these stages in this order, or you may not go through certain stages. You may go through these stages at different points in your life. Many people never reach the acceptance stage simply because we are not afforded the time to properly grieve a loss.

It’s common for bereaved grandchildren to feel:

Emotionally numb, or to have difficulty crying. This does not mean that you are not affected by the loss. It just means that it is taking some time for you to accept that it is real.
Alone or forgotten. You may feel like your friends and family don’t realize how much you are hurting. You may feel that your parents and your surviving grandparent are receiving more support than you, and that others don’t realize that you also need help.
Guilty for not spending more time with the grandparent. You may have so many questions or things you’d like to say to your grandparent.
Anxious about death, particularly if this is your first time experiencing a loss. You may feel anxious for the safety of your loved ones.

Take a Time Out and Talk About It

Many people will tell you to keep busy after the death of a loved one, but it’s important to instead take time out to process and work through your emotions.

If you try to rush right back to school, you may find it hard to be in the present moment and to pay attention to the work. Give yourself at least a day or two to work through the initial shock and grief.

Stay close to your family, and talk about your emotions. Sometimes, talking through it can help you process what you’re feeling.

Understand the Estate Settlement and Probate Process

The death of a loved one is difficult enough as is. The last thing you want to think at such a time is the legal steps that need to take place.

As a teen, you won’t have to worry too much about the logistics of making funeral arrangements or having to deal with the probate process or hiring a probate attorney. Depending on your family’s preferences, you may be asked to be present during the reading of your grandparent’s last will and testament. During the reading, you will find out what you inherited from your grandparent, if anything.

Support Your Family

Be there for your loved ones. Understand that you are all grieving the loss of your grandparent. Check in on your loved ones. Ask how they are doing, and provide as much support as you can to those around you.

How to endanger your chance to receive Federal Financial Aid

For most students, obtaining financial aid isn’t optional. It’s a must. College debt continues to rise, and the vast majority of students would not be able to pay for college without some sort of outside financial support. That makes it all the more important that you be able to qualify for financial aid. Here are four decisions that could disqualify you from receiving it.

Ignoring Graduation Requirements

Receiving federal financial aid means that you actually have to attend college, and doing so means that you must meet all high school graduation requirements. Failure to do so means that you lose your federal financial aid award, and it could also mean that you are ineligible to receive aid in the future. Make sure that you resolve any outstanding academic issues in your high school classes before the end of the school year so you can be sure to graduate.

Following the Wrong Crowd

Pick your friends carefully as failure to do so can expose you to situations that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars or your college career. Certain criminal convictions, such as being convicted of a felony or drug charge, will cause you big problems later down the line. It’s important to remember that, as Michigan Defense Law says, those who commit felonies become ineligible to receive federal financial aid. Not only that, but you could also have trouble getting a job later on. Avoid these potential problems by making sure that you hang around with the types of people who will not pressure you to do illegal things.

Lying on Your Paperwork

Even after you sign all your paperwork, the process of receiving financial aid isn’t complete. Your signature means that everything you’ve filled out on the form is, to the best of your knowledge, true. If something is later found out to be false, and it is determined that the lie was intentional, you can lose all your funding and any eligibility to receive aid in the future. Additionally, if the lie is serious enough, you could face criminal charges and be sentenced to up to five years in jail in addition to having to pay a $20,000 fine, according to Edvisors.

Failure to Meet Academic Goals

According to Student Loan Hero, you will lose your federal financial aid if you fail to meet your SAP, or Satisfactory Academic Progress. The good news here is that if you do lose your aid because of SAP requirements, you can appeal the decision or work to get your grades up. Either of these methods may allow you to receive financial aid again.

Federal aid can help you achieve your dreams, but in order to receive that assistance, you must meet all federal requirements and keep your nose clean. The good news is that these requirements are relatively easy to meet. If you keep your grades up, be honest and stay out of trouble, maintaining your financial aid should be a simple task.

Why you might want to see a Chiropractor

Chiropractic care is not just for adults. Even teenagers can benefit from this type of treatment. While most teens do not exhibit severe back issues, regular chiropractic adjustments can keep everything in alignment and prevent future issues from developing. In addition, they can treat injuries related to sports and help to promote good mental health in the process. Here are three reasons why you might want to see a chiropractor—even as a teenager.

Prevent Future Issues

It is no secret that today’s backpacks are heavier than ever before. While it may not seem like lugging this load around is hurting you now, it can be setting you up for back problems down the road. Regular adjustments can help to mitigate these future issues. According to the American Chiropractic Association, chiropractic care can also improve posture as you get older. Using chiropractic treatment as a preventative measure can assist you in staving off future back problems as you age. This is important because minor back issues as a teen can turn into chronic conditions that follow you throughout life. Not only will care as a teenager deliver relief for lower back and neck pain, but it may also reduce the incidence of degenerative joint disease while maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Teens Are Active

According to Congruent Life, chiropractors can help teens manage injuries related to sports. Even if you finish your competitive playing career at the end of high school with no major physical complications, you may carry the nagging sports injuries with you as you age. Treating your back and neck now will ensure that you are limber and relaxed and ready for competition. Regular adjustments will work to help you play better and feel better. They will also help prevent other injuries.

Better Mental Health

Chiropractic care is not just good for your physical health. According to Circle of Docs, consistent treatments can also help to mitigate mental health problems. Because chiropractic care is centered on finding the right mental and physical balance, these treatments provide an all-natural way to boost your emotional well-being. Chiropractic care encourages relaxation and helps you to sleep better. This holistic approach to health is also beneficial in treating anxiety and depression without having to resort to drugs and their side effects.

As one of the least invasive types of medical treatment, chiropractic care can help teens with a wide range of problems. The impact of regular chiropractic sessions can be useful as both a preventative measure and a positive way to treat an assortment of both physical and mental issues.

Here’s another article you might enjoy: 5 Ways to Avoid Stress as a Teenager

What Do I Need to Know About Living in an Apartment During College?

Thinking about making the move from the dorms to an apartment for the upcoming school year? It’s a big step, and one that you’ll want to consider from all angles. While dormitory living can be restrictive, it comes with convenience and affordability—two perks that are increasingly difficult to find in off-campus dwellings. Read on to find out if you’re ready to take the plunge.

Cost

This is by far the most important consideration. Can you afford to pay rent and utilities while attending school full-time? When you take into account that you’ll also be responsible for your own groceries and incidentals, the costs grow even higher. There’s also the fact that you may need to furnish the apartment before moving in. Renting Out Rooms recommends that, while having roommates can help to offset these expenses, you’ll need to sit down and hash out your budget before making any decisions. Also, if the added expense means you’ll need to take on a part-time job, consider whether this will leave you enough time to keep up with your course load.

Noise Restrictions

According to SouthGate Companies, noise regulations are designed to help tenants live in close proximity while keeping disturbances to a minimum. Check to see if the building’s rules or your lease mention anything about quiet hours. You might think that the restrictions are a drag at first, but when you’re attempting to study for finals or write a difficult term paper, you’ll be glad that someone had the foresight to put them in place. If you have a loud neighbor whom you suspect of violating the noise ordinances, pay them a warning visit before alerting your landlord or local law enforcement.

Proximity to Campus

You can bet that the closer an apartment complex is to campus, the quicker the units will be rented out to students who like the idea of sleeping in a bit longer. Walking a few blocks might not seem like a big deal when you’re signing the lease, but a longer commute means less time overall for studying, work, and socializing. University Business says that if you plan on driving to campus every day, ask other students what they know about the commuter parking situation beforehand.

So, is living off-campus more trouble than it’s worth? Not at all. You just have to think realistically about what you can afford, in terms of money and time. Those who are able to successfully commute to college will find themselves well-prepared for the transition to adult life.

Curious about college? Take a look at these other informative articles from Teens Wanna Know:

Major Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Papers

Writing papers is a rite of passage for high school and college students throughout the United States. While you may not be a great writer or particularly like to write, learning to do so at an elevated level will make you a better communicator. Here are some serious mistakes to avoid when creating your next composition — your grades will thank you!

Spelling and Grammar Errors

There is no excuse for misspelling a word these days, because in most cases the program that you’re using to write your paper will underline words that are not spelled properly. These programs are also likely point out glaring grammar errors or questionable sentence structures in your prose. It is critical that you don’t make too many spelling or grammar errors as it can undermine your credibility. Your teacher or professor may also take points off for each error that you make, which can have negative consequences on your final grade.

Plagiarizing

While it is acceptable to quote other people in your paper, it is important that you acknowledge your source with a citation. Copying the work of another author is generally seen as intellectually and academically lazy. Plagiarizing has even more serious consequences if discovered in college essays, such as getting kicked out of your program or being expelled. Even if you aren’t a great writer, it is better to turn in mediocre work that you created as opposed to stealing content that the original author worked hard to create.

Repeating Yourself Over and Over Again

Every word that you write should add something to the narrative that you are creating. At best, your teacher or professor will catch on to the fact that you’re making the same point in a variety of different ways as a lazy method of reaching your required word or page count, and you’ll get a note about it. At worst, you will be asked to write the paper over again or get a failing grade. If you’re not sure whether your paper is too repetitive, ask a friend or family member to read the paper before you turn it in.

Failing to Stay on Topic

In many cases, you will be assigned a specific paper topic. For instance, you may be asked to analyze the root causes of the Civil War or the works of Mark Twain. It is important that you stay on topic if you hope to get a good grade as your teacher is likely looking to see how well you understand the material. Going off-topic is a good way to show your instructor that you either don’t understand the assignment or that you simply don’t care to follow instructions. Either way, not sticking to the assignment at hand is a quick way to get a poor grade on your paper.

Those who learn how to write well generally have an advantage both in school and in life afterward. Therefore, it is important that you do your best when writing a paper and that you ask for help if you are struggling to create a quality text.
For more helpful writing tips, read this post next: Practical Writing Tips: Ways To Get Higher Grades on Your Papers

Can herbs really make your breasts bigger?

A lot of girls are very self-conscious about their bodies. While there is plenty of advice out there to “just accept yourself,” it is not that easy. We are hit every day with standards of beauty in the media and social platforms. This makes us compare ourselves, and its kind of impossible not to.

One area which girls are sensitive about is breast size. Generally, we want them bigger! Its just kind of a normal part of being a girl to want to look like the fashion models and actresses we see, but understand that breast size doesn’t determine your worth or even whether guys like you. Guys like all types, trust us!

The truth is: your genes and the amount of estrogen in your body determine your breast size, and they will also naturally grow as you get older. They will also grow when you get pregnant. However, say you are hell-bent on getting bigger breasts. You have probably heard about breast enhancement pills, creams, implants, plastic surgery, and many more methods. But what about herbs like dong quai, wild yam, watercress leaf, saw palmetto, and so on ?

Not all herbs are beneficial for your health. They may have side effects and interact with other medications. In other words, ask a doctor before you go taking a bunch of herbs which might not work or even cause you harm.

That being said, here are some herbs which supposedly increase estrogen and therefore help increase bust size. Take this information with a grain of salt, and consult with doctors FIRST before taking your research further!

Fennel seed

Fennel seeds have some essential compounds named dianethole and photoanethole. These compounds purportedly help to increase the level of estrogen inside your body and increasing the flow of breast milk.

Hops

Hops (the stuff they use to make beer) contains a phytoestrogen named 8-prenylnaringenin which has 0.2-20% of estradiol. This THE primary estrogen hormone that enlarges your breasts — however whether it works the same by eating hops is anyone’s guess at this point.

Dong Quai

Dong Quai supposedly helps balance the level of your body’s estrogen and thus affect breast enlargement. Moreover, this herb contains isoflavone, a chemical that some say keeps breasts firmer and fuller.

Watercress Leaf

Watercress is also touted by some to promote milk production in your breasts, which enlarges breasts. Of course, if you are breastfeeding, your breasts are already bigger so….

Wild Yam

A vital natural hormone called diosgenin is found in wild yam. This hormone allegedly helps balance female hormones, enlarge breasts, and even promote healthy levels of cholesterol.

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto is another breast enlargement natural herb that you can find mostly in North America. It has another name, Serenoa Repens. It has benefits for both men and women. It contains phytochemicals which might stimulate the estrogen hormone that is involved in enhancing your breasts’ size.

Pueraria Mirifica

Pueraria Mirifica is used by people in Thailand and Burma to nourish their skin and promote blood flow. It is also known as White Kwao Krua. It contains miroestrol and deoxymirostrol which could possibly mimic the work of estrogen to enlarge your breast’s size.

Blessed thistle

Naturalist physicians prescribe this herb to treat appetite and indigestion, and it has also been used for nursing women to increase the flow of milk (aka bigger boobs).

Final Verdict

The truth is: NOBODY REALLY KNOWS IF HERBS CAN MAKE YOUR BOOBS BIGGER! There has to be more data collected and experiments done–but if you were a plastic surgeon, would you really pay for these studies to be done and possibly cut your paycheck? So prepare to wait a long time for the answers…

What are the Highest Paying Summer Jobs a Teen Can Get?

If you’re looking for a summer job, the chances are you want to make as much money as possible before the calendar switches over to the fall. The question is, which positions can help you attain that goal? Here’s a list of three possibilities that will earn you plenty of cash to stash away while still allowing for a decent amount of pocket money to liven up your days off.

Tutoring

What’s your favorite subject in school? Would you be interested in sharing some of your knowledge with a younger student who might be struggling with the basics? If so, you might want to look into tutoring. Depending on your age, level of expertise and the subject you choose, you could earn $25 to $30 per hour. Math and science tutors can expect to earn more than English tutors, so if those subjects are your forte, start putting out the word with friends and neighbors that you’re available to lend a helping hand to their kids during the summer. You’ll be doing them a valuable service while lining your pockets at the same time.

Construction

Are you looking for something that requires a little more brawn? You might be surprised to learn that jobs in construction are a viable option for older teen workers. While construction is considered very dangerous, the pay is generally higher because of that. As long as basic safety practices are learned early on and carefully observed, you can hone valuable skills that are sure to serve you well later in life with a job in construction. Note that if you’re under the age of 16, federal law prohibits you from doing any physical construction work, but you can still apply to work in the office or for sales-related tasks.

Caddying

Golf caddies get to enjoy the outdoors and socializing all at the same time, making this gig a perfect fit for energetic, outgoing teens. While the baseline pay isn’t all that impressive, hovering around $10-$15 per hour, you can earn a lot more than that in tips if you are professional and efficient. This may not be the best fit if you’re not a golfer yourself, but if you enjoy the sport, give caddying a try.

The prospect of spending your summer at work can be a bummer at first. Still, when you’re counting your money at the end of August, you’ll be glad you took this first small step into adulthood.
Check out our other money-related resources here!

6 Tips on How to Find Out that Your Relationship is Really Serious

Nobody wants to spend time on relationships that will end in a month. How do you know when things are getting real? Check out these 6 signs that your romantic relationship is really serious.

Its okay to have different likes and interests

The same hobbies and interests are often considered a sign of genuine intimacy between people in love, but this is not always the case. Your understanding that your values and perspectives may not match is much more important. If a loved one is busy with something without you, and you are OK with it, this is a sign of mutual trust. If you tried to introduce your partner to your hobby, and this idea did not work out, but you still respect each other – this is a sign of a mature relationship.

You don’t try to change each other

We all think, react to events, solve problems, and behave in everyday life differently. Another person will inevitably do something in a way different from you, your parents, or a former partner. And it does not mean that you need to change him or her.

Sometimes it is worthwhile to put yourself in the place of your BF or GF in order to understand how important things that seem insignificant to you are to them. The more eccentric interests a partner has, the challenging it will be to date him or her. If you are old enough to use dating apps, you can see these the online dating profile pictures of a person and tell what they are into.

In the so-called Gestalt prayer, written by Fritz Perls, there are the following lines: “I’m not in the world to live up to your expectations, and you aren’t in the world to live up to mine. You are you, and I am I, and if we find each other by chance, it’s beautiful.”

You have the same basic values

Personal characteristics and different interests are not a problem, but there are some global issues that can become a stumbling block in a romantic relationship. They can refer to where to live (for example, one loves cities, and the other dreams of a farm life), whether to have children and pets, or how to build relationships in general (perhaps you want a traditional family, and your partner – an open relationship).

For some people, religious, political, or other ideological issues are fundamental. Relations with a person who shares a different ideology can be quite passionate but full of conflicts, and so they are unlikely to last long.

Your conversations aren’t all about you

Stories like “how I spent the day” are rarely fascinating. However, sincere sympathy and interest can transform even the most ordinary things into something amazing. If you can actually listen patiently without getting aggravated and wanting t talk only about YOU this is one of the sure signs that your relationship is serious.

What was it like for your BF or GF growing up? How did she get that littel scar on her eyebrow? What does he think about this or that news? If you are not interested in such things, this is a warning sign. If a partner does not listen to your stories and never asks for your opinion, then you are unlikely to be an important part of his or her life.

You are ready to accept help and afford assistance

Self-sufficient people have the most successful and happy relationships. But sometimes we all need the support of loved ones. For some people, especially those who were brought up on the belief that complaining and crying are shameful, it is difficult to open up and ask for help. However, if you really trust someone, you can do it.

The same goes for helping the other person. If you love them and your relationship is serious, you are ready to go above and beyond for them.

You know their family

If you are familiar with each other’s mother and dad, this is quite a serious sign of a long and serious relationship. Now, there are some people who acquaint parents with ALL their dates. But as a rule, this is a gesture of trust. Also, it’s important not only that you are acquainted with the family of your loved one but also how it was done. The accidental meeting does not count — it should be something more formal, like a dinner, when its serious.

How To Surprise Your Crush For Sweet 16

Choosing a birthday gift for a friend can be a daunting task, and just imagine how nerve-racking it can be to choose the ideal gift for a girl or boy that you have a crush on–especially when it’s an important one like Sweet 16!

This is the time when teens start to transition into adulthood, and it is vital to commemorate that special moment with something unique that celebrates this moment. To narrow down your quest, here are some ideas for a perfect gift which would certainly surprise your crush for Sweet 16 while giving them a few hints as to how you feel.

Give a musical gift

Text your crush early in the morning on the day of her birthday to come to a place with significance, like the place you two first hung out. Then play or sing his or her favorite song, or one which you guys heard the first time here. End off by gifting a pair of tickets for a live show of the band or singer of the song next time they are in town. The condition: he or she must take you with them!

A sweet delight for a sweet someone

Everyone adores chocolate. And you can get a box of chocolate with special carvings. Many producers can carve anything you desire on the chocolate, or print on the paper wrap. A box of chocolates with personalized wrappers with nice wishes for Sweet 16 is a really original and surprising idea. Basically, you can have her/his name or lyrics to a favorite song written. For an even greater wow effect, you can get a bouquet of donuts. This gift might not last for eternity, but it will surely be a unique present.

A symbol of eternity

Many girls eagerly await their sweet 16 to be cherished and pampered all day. If you want to give a girl a present she would absolutely love and hold on to forever, then you had better go with jewelry. Jewelry will last for a lifetime and is a great way to symbolize your affection for that special someone. You can go for a cute bracelet, nice pearl earrings, or find beautiful silver infinity necklace which symbolizes love, empowerment and eternity. Since this costs $$$, make sure this person is worth it and has hinted at maybe having the same feelings.

A gift that enlivens his or her dreams

Once you turn sixteen, there will be numerous things that you start dreaming of. Every teen has a passion, so if your crush wants to be an artist, get him or her a white canvas and paint. If she wants to explore the world, get her a journal to plan her travel destinations. Encourage him/her to follow her dreams rather than make this all about YOU and your feelings.

An enticing book

Not many teens like to read physical books compared with a phone these days, but giving the right book to someone special shows you know their interests and is very flattering. If you want to honestly surprise your crush, knowing what they like to read and finding the book they want can definitely make them feel goosebumps. Getting an enticing and riveting book instead of a mug or clothes takes courage, but it can undoubtedly pay off.

If you put an effort into choosing the gift and truly do your best to find the most memorable present, your crush will know how to appreciate it. Keep his or her personality in mind and you will be on the right track and avoid cringey moments.