Oh to be a teen in love --- there is something so amazing about Teen Love.  It is deep, at least to those involved; it is real; especially to those involved; it can be ridiculous; to those not involved.  Often I hear parents dismiss a relationship, or say, 'Oh it's always about a girl'.  Ok well if that is what you think, and that is what he thinks, then you have to acknowledge it.  It is easy to dismiss a relationship that is only a few weeks old, but in teen years that is like a year!  (Think dog years to people years in age --- it's like teen days to adult years in relationships.)

If your teen is suddenly moody, skipping classes, difficult to wake up, or just plain different.  Check into the 'relationship' aspect of your child.  You may think he, or she, doesn't have a significant other but you may be wrong.  Texting is talking to a teenager, so it doesn't take 'dating' to consider a person important.

A sudden change in behavior is often linked to someone other than the members of your family.  And for your teen, it is very real.  It may be the most important thing to him, or her, which explains poor grades --- spending time thinking about the other person; difficulty waking up --- because they were texting all night; or skipping friend activities with the hopes of making plans with their newest boyfriend/girlfriend.

Today's teen's aren't big on titles, so there is more 'friends with benefits' then there is 'meet my new relationship.'  And... if you don't know what friends with benefits are... email me and let's talk!