Tweens and Teens

We just got the dreaded lice email from school. Freaking out. What do I need to know/do?? Helppppppp

Hi! So my 4th grader asks for play dates every single day, I’ve explained we don’t do same day play dates due to homework, dinner, bedtime, etc. and since it puts so much pressure on the moms and last minute figuring out of all the things. Am I being a jerk? Do your kids have multiple play dates throughout the week? Should I be scheduling more and trying to make it happen? With my work schedule, homework, and managing multiple kids it seems overwhelming but my oldest thinks I’m ruining her life… would love to know if everyone else is easy going and maybe I am just overwhelmed by figuring it all out?

Hi mamas! I have a middle school boy who runs around with the neighborhood boy gang having fun, which sometimes includes ding dong ditching houses (all at a reasonable hour- like 7 or 8 pm). We have a neighbor that has lost his mind and is a total jerk about it. Growing up I considered this good clean fun. I have told my son to leave this house alone but it begs the question- is this an acceptable pastime or does it need to be left in the 80s and 90s? Thanks!!

This is SUCH a struggle because I was never taught about my hormones! And now at 34 I am learning about my own body! I wanted to share with the Mombrain community an upcoming event in Austin on Friday, May 17th at Vintage Book Store about this topic! There's a woman named Bailey who wrote a book and is on a mission to give girls a better foundation by providing hormone education early! She'll be selling copies of her books + hosting a discussion about this topic but she also does 1:1 coaching! Register for the event here: https://lu.ma/8j1t8ssn?tk=bsiriF

College is far off for my kids but I know we need to save up some serious money for it one day. What is the best method for saving for college??

Hi! All of my kids friends have electric scooters and some have the bikes too. I have been scared to purchase anything electric with all the horror stories out there. Is there a way to make these safe somehow?? Send all the tips and advice please!

Help! I know this behavior is “normal and curious” but would love help on how to navigate and talk sternly about the subject and actions. My 7 year old son and his girl cousin were touching each others privates. We have had this talk about privates are for no one else but himself, mom/dad and doctors. We also talked to him about how it is NEVER okay to do that. I’m torn between punishing him, because I’m freaked out / having a conversation and navigating it in a productive way. Would love advice!

Last Saturday I was woken up by my teenage daughter (15) sneaking back into the house at 4:00 AM smelling like alcohol and then discovered she had taken a bottle of vodka from our liquor cabinet. I am going through a lot of emotions about it—scared, angry, sad, disappointed are a few—but not sure exactly how to approach the situation. My main concern is her safety and just want her to ask me and communicate with me about risky behavior. Does anyone have any advice on what I should do or where this is headed!?! Please help!

How do you keep track of all of your kids jerseys /equipment? We are always looking for everything last minute!

Any advice on making homework less miserable? One of us always ends in tears. I hated homework when I was in school and I double hate it as a parent. Helppppppp waving my white flag before the semester has even started. My later elementary kid has mild adhd.

My son who is 15 (freshman in high school) is starting to prioritize friends over family, and spending all his free time with friends. I am mourning the relationship and strong bond that we’ve had forever! He’s even not wanting to give hugs anymore ! What can I do to maintain our bond, and also is this normal?!

What are the best ways to motivate a teenager to care about their academics? He cares very much about sports, but could care less about academics. He’s very smart and if he just cared he would get the grades!! Is there any tips and tricks here?!

Hi Mamas- I need some advice. I have a five year old who has become extremely emotional. Not in the outburst tantrum kind of way, but when her feelings are hurt, if she gets hurt, if something is not perfect, she cries and cries. And it’s not the trying to get attention type of crying, I’m a mom of three girls and this is a first. She seems to feel ALL things to her core. Like..if she makes a mistake, she cries. If she has a fight with her sisters she cries, if she is worried about something she cries. Sometimes she just hides and cries. Has anyone experienced a highly emotional child like this? And any advice? My heart is breaking for her and I try to tell her that we can solve all problems but her emotional state is alarming. How do I help her through this?

Any tips on constant infected ears? Thinking it’s from cheap earrings, but hoping for tips on cleaning and healing. Thanks y’all

My son loves video games, we don’t have them but he goes to friends houses and plays them. I loved video games growing up, but I know they’ve changed. Would love any research, experience and all the things to help navigate when or never to introduce them, are their healthy good ones out there still?!

Our 7 year old boys anger and tone has gotten so awful and disrespectful. HELP!! What has worked or is working for everyone?! He will just yell NO! NO! , or YOU STOP!! Makes me want to smack him, it’s so rude!!

Moms— My son has started waking up at least once a night and coming to wake my husband and I up. Does anyone have suggestions on things that have worked to help keep your kiddo asleep all night?

My 10 year old has been questioning if God is real and heaven. We have been having some great, open convos but would love any suggestions or resources so I can be better prepared to help him navigate this.