Drive Through Parenting Wisdom

Willie Sends A Happy New Year To Parents of Teens Everywhere!

  Some of you may wonder if my dog Willie is a figment of my newton or if he really exists! Well, here he is in the flesh and fur!  My friend, Pat, knit that fabulous sweater for my dog.  Willie does not normally look that dapper.  That sweater happens to be the only item of clothing in his wardrobe. {Except for the coat he wears in the winter...  He is only 5 1/2 pounds!} And he is really a lot of fun.  I use the essence of Willie in my cartoons as a metaphor for parenting teens...  the similarities are striking!  It feels like Puppy School 101 quite frequently around this house.

From our home to yours...Willie and I are sending you the warmest wishes for a wonderful 2008!  I am going to continue sharing "Drive Through Parenting Wisdom"  with you in 2008.  My wish is for you to be the best parents that you can be!  Remember, we teach what we need to learn.  I am right here trying everything that I share with all of you parents!  We need all the encouragement, support, tips, strategies that we can get our hands on.  Take what you want and leave the rest.

Parenting teens and young adults is the biggest and toughest and hopefully most rewarding job you will ever have!  Consider this website to be like a master mind group for parents of teens and young adults.  Most of the time we do not need advice.  And I do not give advice.  Parents need lots of fresh perspectives and some good old fashion wisdom to take into our homes.  My goal is for you to become the expert as you grow and learn new tools and techniques of parenting...

As a Special Gift to Parents of Teens, I am offering an end of the year exercise that I have been sharing with my life coaching and parent coaching clients for 7 years.  The feedback is fabulous from those who have taken the time to complete it.  Here is your opportunity to think about what you want to create, invite and attract in the next year.  Email me {abjcoach@comcast.net} and put 2008 in the subject.  I will send you a powerful packet that can change your life!  Just take the time to do this!  You are worth it!

Sending my best and warmest wishes to all of you parents!

Anne and Willie

Peace of Mind For Parents of Teens Who Are Driving...

Peace of Mind or Piece of Mind? 

When you have a teen or young adult driving, does it sometimes feel like your mind is in pieces with worry?! So many cars, impatient drivers and now the snow and ice!  Terrible driving conditions even for experienced good drivers!

I have two resources for parents whose teens are now driving. 

Did you know that 93% of accidents involving teens are actually driver error and not drugs and alcohol?  I discovered an advanced driver training course, In Control Advanced Driver Training, and I have heard from teens that it is helpful and they actually enjoyed taking it!  Check it out...  My insurance company subsidizes the cost and then will give me a discount on my insurance.  It is a good deal.

As a gift to me and my husband, I am going to be encouraging both of our children to take this course this holiday season. 

And as far as the other 7% of the accidents, there is an easy, inexpensive home alcohol test, "Guardian Angel- Personal Alcohol Test- Decide Before You Drive!".  You can find this on-line.  Buy it and just keep it on your kitchen counter or somewhere in sight.  Many kids feel that this is a lack of faith and trust in them.  My reaction to this is, "I have faith I will never have to use this test."  Teens have so many hard decisions and pressures.  Do you think it may help your child to not take that drink if they knew you could test them? 

I hope these resources can be a gift to you, the parents of teens and young adults.  Sometimes our job is easy and fun and sometimes it gets really basic... keep them alive!

Sending my best this holiday season,

Anne

Special Offer For Parents of Teens...

Hello Parents of Teens and Young Adults,

On some days, can you see yourself in this image? 

Well, I have a great holiday offer for you for those days that you are having trouble keeping your sanity while loving and letting go of your teen.

My 2 books and CD:

• Book:  "Keeping Your Sanity While Loving and Letting Go of Your Teen" and
• CD of the same name which contains original writings and music.  Great to pop in while car pooling and it is something the teens enjoy also!
• Book:  "G.R.A.C.E. for parents of teens"- This is a simple and unique process that I created to help you navigate some of those parental rough spots with a new attitude!

All of the above products can be reviewed at:  Anne Jolles web site

All these separately are regularly priced at $47.00! This holiday season I am offering them to my clients and YOU at a great price of $24.99 plus shipping for all 3!

Email me now at abjcoach@comcast.net and put HOLIDAY GIFT in your email subject and I will get back to you with the details for getting it in the mail!

You can give this to yourself or as a gift to a parent of teen who could use some new perspectives and a good laugh! 

I bring a light touch to some heavy subjects!

Sending my best,

Anne

Teen Self Esteem... The Effects of The Media On Our Children

Wow!  We parents of teens have our hands full being parents and juggling our own lives...  With all that is going on I sometimes forget how much pressure our kids are under to be more beautiful, sexy and smart...  So much of the negative influence effecting our children is subtle and even invisible to the eye.

Watch this POWERFUL video from Dove Teen Self Esteem Project.  It is relevant to both boy and girl teens today!

The Dove Self Esteem Fund

If nothing else, this is just a reminder that empathy is a big part of our parenting job!

Sending my best to you,

Anne