Category: Teenager

Top Fantasy Books That Will Take Teen Readers to Another Universe

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date December 8, 2024

Fantasy books for teens have long been a doorway to boundless worlds where imagination thrives without limitations. For teens craving an escape from the ordinary these stories provide a perfect journey. Whether they seek magical realms or epic battles fantasy books allow readers to explore entire universes beyond our reality. Z-library opens a gateway to the endless world of free books where teens can dive into a rich selection of titles without limits.

Discover the Magic of Fantasy

There is something uniquely captivating about the fantasy genre. It brings forward characters who rise above challenges in extraordinary ways. These tales often mix elements of magic and myth while also giving teens a space to dream of what might be possible. From high-stakes adventures to thoughtful coming-of-age journeys fantasy books are designed to stretch the imagination. For teens this genre offers a way to explore deep themes through entertaining stories.

Adventures that Transcend Worlds

Fantasy books are more than just tales of magic and mystery. They serve as invitations to explore worlds where anything can happen. Whether traveling through hidden kingdoms or embarking on quests with unlikely heroes these books transport readers to places far beyond what we know. In these pages teens find themselves facing complex moral dilemmas while discovering that courage and friendship are often the greatest weapons against darkness.

Heroes Teens Can Relate To

In the heart of many fantasy books lies a relatable hero or heroine. Teen readers often find characters who are not only strong but also flawed making them easy to connect with. Whether it’s an ordinary teen who discovers they have magical powers or a young warrior destined to save their world these characters resonate with readers going through their own personal growth. The struggles of these characters remind teens that even in the most fantastical settings the challenges of growing up are universal.

Books that Inspire Imagination

Few genres inspire creativity as much as fantasy. These stories fuel the imagination encouraging teens to think beyond the ordinary. As they follow the paths of heroes and villains readers are invited to question their own views of the world. Every spell cast or prophecy fulfilled helps shape how teens view their own possibilities in life. Fantasy allows them to imagine new futures and dream big even in the face of challenges.

E-Libraries Make Fantasy More Accessible

One of the great things about reading today is that e-libraries make it easier than ever to access incredible fantasy stories. With platforms like Zlibrary teens can explore thousands of fantasy books without leaving their homes. These platforms open up a vast collection of stories that can be enjoyed at any time on any device. This ease of access is invaluable for young readers who are constantly searching for the next great adventure to dive into.

Life Lessons Hidden in Fantasy

Fantasy books are not just about grand adventures or magical spells. They are often filled with important life lessons subtly woven into the narrative. As teens follow their favorite characters they learn about bravery sacrifice and the power of hope. These books provide much more than entertainment; they offer insight into human nature through imaginative stories. The characters may live in worlds filled with dragons and sorcery but their lessons are grounded in universal truths.

A Gateway to a World of Possibilities

For teen readers, fantasy books represent more than just a temporary escape. They offer a doorway to endless possibilities allowing young minds to explore new ways of thinking. In these pages they find inspiration hope and a vision of what could be. By immersing themselves in these imaginative worlds created by the authors of fantasy books for teens, they discover not only new stories but also new ways to view their own lives.

Tags gifts, Parenting, Teenager

Mental Health Parenting Teenager

5 Ways to Identify if Your Teenage Child is Struggling

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date January 4, 2023

Raising a teenager can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. It’s normal for teens to experience a wide range of emotions and changes as they enter the adult world, but it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs that could indicate they are struggling. This blog post will provide ways to identify if your teenage child is struggling.

How to Identify if Your Teenage Child is Struggling

Changes in Mood or Attitude

One of the most obvious signs that your teen could be struggling is a change in mood or attitude. If you notice your usually cheerful teen has become irritable, withdrawn, or angry, it could indicate that something more serious may be going on. Pay attention to any major emotional swings and talk to them about what might be causing them distress.

A Decline in School Performance

If you have noticed a decline in your teen’s school performance, such as failing grades, increased absences, or difficulty completing assignments, this could be another sign that something deeper is going on. Discussing their academics with them openly and honestly is essential so you can understand what’s happening with their studies. Then, be sure to show support and encouragement while providing the necessary help they may need academically.

Increased Drug or Alcohol Use

It’s common for teens to experiment with drugs or alcohol as they figure out who they are and where their place is in society. However, increased drug or alcohol use can be an indication that there is an underlying issue, such as depression or anxiety. Talk openly with your teen about why they need to turn to these substances and offer help should they need it. If you need to find a treatment program, you can start by identifying what help your teen needs and then looking for places in your area that specialize in those services.

Avoidance or Isolation as Ways to Identify if Your Teenage Child is Struggling

It is not uncommon for teenagers to want some alone time. However, if your teenager begins to avoid social settings or distance themselves from family and friends, there might be a larger issue. It could be that they are feeling overwhelmed by the expectations of others around them or that they feel embarrassed about their current situation. Bouts of depression can lead to avoidance of contact with other people. If your teen has been distant lately, it’s essential to reach out in a non-threatening way so as not to isolate them further.

Sleep Disorders

Sleep deprivation can affect overall well-being and mental health. If your teen appears tired all the time, unable to concentrate in school, or seems restless throughout the night, it could indicate an underlying sleep disorder such as insomnia. Teens need more sleep than adults, so it’s vital to ensure they get the recommended amount for their age group.

Recap: Identify if Your Teenage Child is Struggling

Recognizing the warning signs that your teen may be struggling is integral to parenting. It’s important to stay engaged with them and listen without judgment. If you find that your teenager is having a difficult time, you need to provide support and connect them to necessary resources so they can get the help they need

Tags How to, mental health, Parenting, Teenager

Parenting Teenager

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Your Teenager’s First Car

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date December 14, 2022
1 Comment on 4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Your Teenager’s First Car

For most parents, it can be a nerve-wracking time when looking at buying a car for their child. You want to ensure they will be as safe as possible and enjoy the vehicle. This post discusses things to consider when buying your teenager’s first car.

Buying Your Teenager’s First Car

Use It As A Lesson

One way to approach this is to think of their first car as an opportunity for a lesson. Specifically, you can encourage them to consider the importance and maybe even help pay for it. If you do that, it can be a great way to keep them in line. It can also help if you think they need a lesson right now, which is often true when they are in their teens.

Go To A Trusted Dealer

Go to a trusted car dealer to ensure that your kid gets a good car for a good deal. There is something about getting it from a trusted source that makes it easier to know what you’re getting. If you visit the likes of Edmunds, it means that you are pretty much always going to come away with a car you can trust.

New Or Used?

Buying new or used is one of the main questions you will have to ask, and your teen will also have to ask because you want to ensure you get what they need. You don’t always need to choose a used car, but at the same time, it’s sometimes the best approach. Make sure you consider both possibilities and ensure they get a vehicle they love.

Teenager's First Car, first car, teenager, teens first car — Source

Safety Above All

Of course, throughout all of this, the main concern is safety. Getting a safe car is essential, as is teaching them about the value of safety. The last thing you want is for them to have an accident on the roads. You’ll feel better knowing you did your part in keeping them safe as they venture into the world.

Recap: Teenager’s First Car

Buying your teenager’s first car is a big deal. Your child gains independence, and you both enter a new chapter of your life. These tips can help ease the situation and make it exciting.

Tags family, How to, Parenting, Teenager

Big Kid Parenting Teenager

4 Inspiring Hacks To Prep Your Kids For Exam Season

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date September 22, 2022
1 Comment on 4 Inspiring Hacks To Prep Your Kids For Exam Season

The exam season is as challenging for moms as it is for the kids. You tend to feel the pressure and pass it on to your child, and the circles move to create a vicious cycle. But you should do your bit to motivate them to give their best without worrying about the outcomes. Remember that expectations can cause anxiety, so you should be subtle and kind. You should focus on inspiring the child to create a positive environment for them. Here are some inspiring hacks to prep your kid for exam season.

How to Prep Your Kids For Exam Season

Be there during academic prep

Even the brightest kids face roadblocks during academic preparation for the examination. Last-minute prep is often the most daunting as the child cannot seek a teacher’s guidance or discuss problems with peers. Being there for your kid is the best way to help. You can brush up your knowledge on the academic topics beforehand so that you have solutions just in time. Thankfully, you can access online resources to stay on top of the curriculum.

Help with schedules during exam season

Besides providing support with academic topics, you can help the child to create study schedules. You must create realistic study schedules that include rest breaks and physical activity. A lack of sleep can affect academic performance, so ensure that the schedule provides for the essential eight hours. Create revision timelines in advance and write them down to keep the child on pace.

Create a positive environment

Nothing is more inspiring than a positive environment. Start by creating a clean and clutter-free study space with ample light and fresh air. You may not be comfortable discussing topics like how to get high school diploma because such conversations can cause stress. But you can inspire them subtly by hanging a novelty diploma on their study room wall. Display motivational quotes to add an aura of positivity. Also, place ergonomic furniture that ensures comfort despite long hours of study.

Find solutions to anxiety

Your child will feel anxious in the exam season, no matter how much you try to keep them inspired. Look for solutions to anxiety instead of finding ways to suppress it. You can take them for a short drive during the break. Playing a game in the backyard is a good option if your kid is an outdoor person. You can give the child a back rub and focus on good nutrition to keep anxiety at bay.

Invest in self-care during exam season

Surprisingly, investing in self-care is a crucial part of the inspiration strategy for your child during exam season. Most kids experience a motivation dip because their parents panic under pressure. You can try meditation and deep breathing to stay relaxed. Also, tone down your expectations to avoid anxiety. Spend quality time with the child when possible, and offer help only if they need it.

Recap: Prep Your Kids For Exam Season

Supporting your child during the exam season is tricky, but you can inspire them by embracing the right mindset. Start by ditching stress yourself and try these steps to keep the motivation going.

Tags big kids, How to, Parenting, school, Teenager

Big Kid Learning Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Learning

8 of the Best Back to School Finds for 2021-22 School Year

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date July 24, 2021
2 Comments on 8 of the Best Back to School Finds for 2021-22 School Year

As crazy as it seems, back to school is upon us already. With four kids to school shop for this year, I’ve already been buying things and making plans. Amazon is one of my go-to’s for the best back to school finds. I can find deals that aren’t in stores, and they have a wide variety of products to choose from. Plus, I don’t have to leave the house which is super helpful.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Best Back to School Finds

1. Crayola Washable Project Paint, 6 Count

We always need project paint, so I stocked up on these. I try to avoid rushing out the night before a project is due when I realize we are missing key components.

2. Academic Planner

Preteens and teenagers can get organized with a planner, helping them keep track of events and assignments. If they can get organized right from the start of the school year, they’ll have a greater chance of success.

3. Backpack

A backpack is a back-to-school essential, and Amazon has them with built-in USB chargers. What could be better for a middle schooler or high schooler? Plus, this backpack is designed to safely hold a laptop, allowing for easier back-and-forth between home and school.

4. Kindle Kid’s Edition

The kindle has a black and white glare-free screen, intended for reading and not playing games. The Kid’s Edition comes with one year of Amazon Kids+, allowing them to choose books from a wide variety of books. It even includes the complete Harry Potter series! Your child can bring their reading material with them anywhere, and the battery life can last for weeks.

We love this kindle because it allows us to save time on busy weeknights. The kids can get their reading time in while we drive to and from sports practices and other events.

5. Ear Buds

We always need earbuds at home, and they’re on all of the kids’ back to school lists from school, too. These ones work well for the price and you won’t feel bad replacing them (which will happen).

6. Pens and Pencils

Pens and pencils are a back to school must-have. Our middle schooler loves the G2 pens, and the elementary school is requesting Ticonderoga pencils for the littles.

7. Elmer’s All Purpose School Glue Sticks, 60 Count

This mega pack of Elmer’s glue sticks will last the entire school year. You will have plenty to send to school with your child and still keep enough at home. We use glue sticks all the time, so I love when I find a good deal.

8. Involve & Evolve Insulated Water Bottle With Three Lids

Keeping your child hydrated during the school day is easy when you know they have a water bottle. These ones are cute, and each water bottle comes with three lids. You can choose from a stainless steel cap, a push-pull sports cap, or a straw lid. It also comes with two straws.

Back to School Finds

Don’t wait until the last minute and then scramble to find everything at your local stores. Get started now with these back to school finds from Amazon. Have you started school shopping yet? Leave a comment and let me know!

I created a few back to school printables to help you get everything you need. There are different ones for each age range, so check out my post: 8 Ways to Get Ready For Back to School (Free Printables)

Tags learning, Parenting, Preschool

How To Learning Life Parenting Teenager

How to Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date April 17, 2021

Seeing your child grow up is a beautiful thing, and watching them succeed in their endeavors is the cherry on top. Sometimes things get a bit bumpy down the road, though, especially when your child enters into their teen years. It can be hard, but there are ways to help your child through their teenage years.

The teenage years come with many new experiences for your child, and it may start to feel as if you hardly even know them. You know all too well that the teenage years are rough, so try being understanding along the way. There are things you can do as their parent to ensure they always feel supported and loved.

High school, popularity, peer pressure, first relationship, first heartbreak – these are all things that happen within the span of only a few years. Those things are also the reason teenagers have such a tough time coping with everything. You can help your teenager throughout these times so you can both get through it sane and happy.

Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

Focus on Communication

Many teenagers feel like they can’t talk to their parents because they wouldn’t understand. This situation occurs because the communication between the parent and the child is lacking.

Being in constant contact with your child doesn’t mean texting them every 10 minutes. Instead, always ask them how their day was when they get home.

Reassure them that you’re always there if they need to talk to someone about things they may be struggling with. The key is to make them feel like they can talk to you about anything without judgment, which is what most teens are scared of when talking to their parents.

The right kind of help

Whenever things get a bit rough, parents tend to resort to drastic measures to deflate the situation. This is normal because you want your child to be okay and will do whatever it takes, even if it means not necessarily winning a popularity contest. But, there are ways to help your teenager in a way that will be beneficial for you both.

For example, finding illegal substances in your child’s bedroom may come as a massive shock initially. Still, instead of cutting them off, taking away all forms of technology, grounding them for life, and sending them far away to some boarding school, a drug intervention may be a more realistic way to go.

The goal is to find out more about why they were doing it, how often they did it and how they would like to approach the situation. Handling it this way doesn’t necessarily mean no consequences. However, at the end of the day, they need to make the big decisions themselves and accept that they need help.

Help Your Child Through Their Teenage Years

As a parent, it can sometimes be hard to loosen the reigns and know to what extent you should let go. There will be times that you should hold on a bit tighter, too. Recognizing which reaction you should have is hard, but follow your gut, and you will figure it out.

Only you can know, though, because no one in this world knows your child better than you do. The best thing you can do is trust your instincts and trust that your child will do the same.

Tags How to, Parenting, Teenager

Big Kid Big kid fun Gifts How To Infant/Toddler Learning Kindergarten Age Parenting Teenager Toddler and Preschool Age Fun Toddler and Preschool Age Learning Toys Toys and Games

4 Tips For Choosing The Best Gift For Your Child

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date March 16, 2021

In many ways, children bring joy and happiness into your life as a parent. When your child has been well-behaved and respectful, or when they are celebrating a significant milestone, you want to reward them. The idea of buying your child a gift sounds easy enough, but when the time comes, you might struggle to come up with the perfect gift. I’ve been there plenty of times, and along the way I have made note of some my favorite tips for choosing the best gift for your child. Perhaps for the last couple of months, your child has been attentive and obedient, or they attain a significant milestone in life.

How to Choose the Best Gift For Your Child

1. Prioritize Interest

While you always have a thousand responsibilities to attend to as a parent, making time for your child is essential to their overall development. Apart from bonding, you learn about your kid’s interests, allowing you to have better insight when choosing the best gifts.

Perhaps your child shows interest in dancing and is often making moves in front of the TV. When the time is right, schedule dance classes that will help your child approach dancing professionally. Likewise, if they are into art, sign them up for art classes. Some of the best gifts are experiences rather than toys and other items.

Ignoring your child’s interests will only deteriorate your relationship, and buying the wrong apology gift makes things worse. Your child wants you to have an interest in their life, and that means paying attention to what they truly love and find happiness in.

2. Ensure it is Age-Appropriate

Although to your eyes, your child will forever remain your baby, this should not mislead you into buying age-inappropriate gifts. Purchasing gifts that resonate with your child’s age increases the interest level and allows for better enjoyment.

For example, if your child is a toddler who can barely put two and two together, you should consider buying kids’ clothes instead of complex gifts intended for older kids.

Similarly, if your child is elementary age, you need to buy them something that will hold their interest. Buying them toys and activities intended for a preschooler will not be exciting for them.

3. Choose Educational Gifts

Educational gifts are always the best as they play a critical part in your child’s mental development process. With education being a never-ending process, there is no shortage of gifts to choose from in this category.

Think of rewards such as puzzles or other problem-solving material that helps sharpen your kid’s mind and taps into their problem-solving skills.

If you run out of creative ideas to educate your child with toys, opt for books instead. Buying reading material for your child ingrains a reading culture in their life that may stick even at an older age. Books are fun because you can buy books you loved as a kid and re-read them with your child.

4. Go For Durability

The best gifts last a lifetime and evoke positive emotions every time the receiver reflects on them. Your child deserves at least one gift that they will remember you by for years to come. Whether the memorable gift is a family heirloom that you pass down as a gift or something simple like a bicycle doesn’t matter, the essential thing is that it lasts.

5. Consider Sharing

If you have a small child who loves to play outside with other children, you should think about shareable gifts. Shareable gifts may include things like board games or multiplayer video games that they can play against friends. These types of gifts will help your child with socializing, too, which is a definite bonus.

Choosing The Best Gift For Your Child

It is always hard to choose the best gift for your child. With so many options out there, it can become overwhelming. Use these tips for choosing the best gift for your child and you will have an easier time choosing something your child will love. Do you have any tips to add? Let me know in the comments!

Tags gifts, Parenting

Big Kid Home How To Life Our Family Parenting Teenager

How to Handle Family Issues Positively in 2020

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date December 13, 2020

It’s no secret that 2020 has been a real struggle for most of us. With so many unknown situations occurring and life constantly changing, it’s been hard. Unfortunately, this causes many issues for families. Luckily, however, there are ways to handle family issues positively.

handle family issues, handle family problems positively, family conflict, family problems, positive family, positive parenting — Pexels-CC0 Licence

Challenging situations will affect everybody, be that in our jobs, or physical and mental health, and in our relationships with our friends and families.

While it is natural in all relationships to experience rough patches, placing a global pandemic that leaves us all trapped inside all the time into the mix makes it worse. The feeling of wanting to escape or take it out on others around you increases dramatically.

In challenging times you will need the support of your family to get you through. However, family relationships can be complicated at times, and conflict within the home is hard to escape from.

Here are some of the things you can do to help to restore your family (dis)agreements during one of the most challenging global crises in the 21st Century.

How to Handle Family Issues Positively

1. Stop playing the blame game

Relationships, particularly within a family unit, are about more than just one person. Attempting to, or even suggesting changing any family member can invite defensiveness. Nobody likes to be told that they are doing things wrong or need to change.

When dealing with issues, it is vital to come at them from a place of wanting to fix them, not of wanting to come out on top. This may mean coming to tackle an issue by starting with your role in the disagreements or tensions within family relationships. By admitting your fault in it, the other person will be more likely to accept your suggestions.

If all of you seek to facilitate your own changes individually, the family unit will flourish as you all try your best to be a good mom, dad, husband, wife, son, daughter etc. Each person in the family unit has a responsibility to uphold, so it is important for everyone to work together.

Quite often, problems in relationships are just that: problems that need addressing. Stop blaming yourself or others and think about what the issues are that cause tensions.

2. List all of the things that spark disagreements

From not completing chores, to harsh tones in communication, small things can build up to a pretty big deal when managing family relationships. If you’re constantly asking your kids to clean their rooms, or your partner to give you some space in the mornings and these requests are ignored, you can feel disrespected and lacking in value.

That said, it may not just be you that ends up feeling that way and tensions may be high from a number of reasons.

Have everyone in the family write out what they feel causes tensions within the household. Create a safe space in order to allow them to do so. The key is to not get offended by some of the responses you get.

The lists should include all of the things that each family member fears talking about due to not wanting to run into any disagreements. Doing so will help to identify any potential issues within the family unit.

You may notice several family members will identify similar areas of concern which will make it easier to deal with the issues – especially if you can come to an agreement as to how they can be dealt with. Do this collectively and each of you will feel responsible for the rest of the family unit.

However, if it seems impossible to write just a few things on the list because you argue about everything, then this determines that the issues run deeper than simple misunderstandings.

3. Express concerns constructively

It’s easy to come into addressing concerns with accusation, but as previously mentioned, issues are rarely to do with an individual and precisely to do with a root cause.

Take the pandemic, for example. The outbreak wasn’t anybody’s fault. How it was dealt with and the things that have happened as a result have sparked a whole load of discontent and disappointment that certain things haven’t gone according to plan.

Having each of you expressing your concerns constructively will open the doors to honest and open discussions. Ensure that any comments are not accusatory comments, but comments that demonstrate how you feel. Here are some examples of ways to open up a dialogue which limit the potential for conflict.:

My concern is….
I feel/felt (one word eg- sad, anxious, scared) …when/ that (what it’s about?)
What are your thoughts about….?
I would like to (and never use I would like YOU to…)
How would you….?
I love it when…

Attempt to move away from unhealthy, accusatory comments which go nowhere and more often than not end up causing further fights.

4. Seek outside help

Sometimes it feels impossible to deal with things on our own. This means we need a neutral, outside perspective to give us the clarity that we need to get through. Going through some family counseling together will help you all to work through any issues that you’re facing as a family unit.

Family issues can occur as a result of traumatic experiences, so having a professional is necessary to help you to navigate them as a collective and deal with them head on.

Their job is to help you all identify which behaviors are a direct response to the trauma and to give you the tools to work through them.

5. Prioritize family time

Pre COVID-19, many families would struggle to find evenings to do things together. Now, forced time together isn’t always the blissful time together you had hoped for. Especially if you haven’t quite been as informed about the goings on in your family’s lives as you would have hoped.

There may be tensions due to people feeling ‘misunderstood’ and ‘unheard’ which can cause friction. Even while at home, your teens may wish to spend more time in their rooms speaking with friends. However, it is important to try and figure out the things that most of you enjoy doing together and make those things a priority.

Find the joy in getting to know your family again. While going out at the moment comes with additional risks, there are plenty of things you can do at home. Small things done together can make the world of difference to everybody’s emotions during this incredibly challenging time.

6. Recognize The Right Decision For Everyone Involved

When you become emotional due to a domestic issue, it’s easy to do what you think is right without focusing on anyone else’s point of view. Once you calm down, you must swallow your pride and lose your ego. When you work together properly, solutions become so much more apparent.

Whether it’s something that leads to the contact of custody attorneys or something much less significant, be sure to talk it out and understand all angles. You’ll be a lot more content and issues will be handled so much more positively.

Family conflict is impossible to avoid. Luckily, there are ways to handle family issues positively. The key is to work together as a family unit and figure out what the issues are.

Once you have determined the issues, figure out how to solve them. Involving everyone in the solution will make it easier, and it’ll make everyone want to do their part.

Do you have any other tips for handling family issues positively? Leave a comment and let me know!

Tags big kid, family, How to, little kid, Parenting, Teenager

Parenting Teenager

World Emoji Day – Do You Know What These Popular Emojis Really Mean?

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date July 16, 2020
15 Comments on World Emoji Day – Do You Know What These Popular Emojis Really Mean?

World Emoji Day, What emojis really mean, what emojis mean to teenagers, online safety

July 17th is World Emoji Day, so what better way to celebrate than learning all about what these popular emojis mean when teenagers use them! As a mom (step-mom, whatevs) to a 16 and 12-year-old, I’m always trying to keep up with what they are talking about.

Emojis made this especially hard because what they meant to my teen and pre-teen was completely different than what they meant to me. This made for some awkward text conversations when I sent something innocent and they got offended. Oops.

Anyway, our teenager was kind enough to fill us in on some of these. Other ones I had to learn on Google. I put together this useful guide to help you understand what your teenager is saying when they use emojis.

What These Popular Emojis Mean

🐍 The snake emoji can indicate a real snake, or it can be an insult. Used as an insult, this character means that someone is being a backstabber, deceitful, or duplicitous.

🍆 An eggplant emoji is sometimes used to reference male genitalia. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it used to represent an actual eggplant, honestly.

🍑 The peach represents a butt. To be honest, I don’t think it’s even shaped like a peach, so I’m sure the butt representation was intended all along.

❄️ When a snowflake is used when it’s not winter, it’s likely an insult. This insult means that someone believes they are more unique than they are, feels entitled, or is overly-emotional. It also indicates that someone is easily offended and unable to accept opinions that are different from their own.

💨 I always thought this emoji was smoke, but I found it in the ‘nature’ section so maybe it’s supposed to be wind. Either way, teenagers use this emoji to represent vaping.

🐸 A frog means something or someone is ugly. This emoji is never a good sign unless you’re talking about a real frog.

🎥🍿❄️ If you see these three emojis together, it means Netflix and chill….. and we all know what that means.

It can be hard to keep up with our teenagers in a world that offers them so many communication methods. One of the best ways to get around that struggle is to understand their forms of communication. Then, you’ll be able to watch for red flags and keep your child safe on the internet.

Check Out This Emoji Book to Learn More

This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.

What Emoji Did I Miss?

I didn’t cover even close to enough emojis in this blog post! Do you know any hidden meanings of your teen’s favorite emojis? Tell me about it in the comments!

Before I go, I want to share my favorite emoji (no hidden meaning here!). I love this 🤣 laughing emoji because I’m always laughing and telling jokes. It also reminds of me Cartman from South Park, but I think that’s just me.

What’s your favorite emoji? Tell me about that in the comments, too!

World Emoji Day, What emojis really mean, what emojis mean to teenagers

P.S. Check Out This Blog Post to Help Keep Your Teen Safe Online

Teenager Cell Phone Contract

Tags big kids, online safety, Parenting, Teenager, tween

Big Kid How To Kindergarten Age Parenting Teenager

Too Much Screen Time? Try This!

Post author By Sarah Barkley
Post date April 17, 2020
12 Comments on Too Much Screen Time? Try This!

Too much screen time, screen time, screen-free activities, screen free, no screens, parenting, covid19, coronavirus, stay safe, stay healthy

So, life has changed drastically for most of us in the last month. At our house, this means we have five kids at home while I’m also trying to work from home. I hate to admit it, but that leads to way too much screen time for the kids.

My mom guilt has been eating at me every time I see the kids with a tablet or a video game controller in their hand. Even worse, when I’ve witnessed them sitting on the couch for 2 hours straight staring at the TV.

I know that their life could definitely be worse. I just can’t help thinking of all the memories they are missing out on when they’re constantly getting screen time.

The Struggle

When you’re working from home, there is no super simple solution for keeping your kids occupied. They constantly interrupt, need something, or just begin fighting in the other room. I ignore it as much as I can, but it’s not always possible.

This is when I find myself saying, “do you want to watch YouTube?” or “here, play Talking Tom”. Otherwise, I just simply pass the tablet over without a second thought.

While this struggle is hard to overcome, it’s isn’t impossible. Plus, once you get it figured out, it’s even easier than passing the tablet over.

Pros and Cons of Screen Time For Kids

Don’t get me wrong, there are MANY good things about electronics for children. There are even more bad things, however, if we don’t play our cards right.

Benefits of Screen Time For Kids

Encourages engaging writing (it’s easier for them to get the words out when typing)
Can be used as a tool for communication or school work
It can be educational
Children can learn responsibility if they have set tasks they have to do BEFORE getting their screen time
They can play with friends

Cons

Can lead to obesity
Causes a lack of sleep
It leads to lower grades in school
Increases the chance of behavior issues
Connected to mental health issues in children
Causes eye strain and headaches
It makes children irritable
Prevents the development of proper social skills

What We Can Do When Our Kids Have Too Much Screen Time

1. Set an example.

Kids aren’t the only ones who spend so much time staring at screens. As parents, we do it, too. Of course, if you’re working from home it may be unavoidable at times.

If you’re not working, though, try to be more aware of your screen usage. Children learn from example, and they watch us way more than we think.

2. Give them a screen time limit.

Make sure your kids know they’ll still get to watch their favorite videos and play their favorite games. The only change is that they have a time limit. This will help with the transition.

Give them a 10 and 5-minute warning. This helps them prepare for the end of their screen time. They can finish up what they’re doing or watching.

Plus, it reduces the chances of a melt-down. These melt-downs can be pretty tragic. Especially if the child feels they had no warning before having the device ripped from their hands.

3. Be upfront about the dangers of too much screen time.

Kids do hear what we tell them. Depending on their age, they may be able to understand why screen time rules have to change.

4. Don’t allow screens at certain times or in certain areas.

At our house, there is no screen time at dinnertime. The littles aren’t allowed to have screen in their bedrooms, either.

I’d have that same bedroom rule for the big kids, but they already had TV’s in their rooms when I moved in. My husband knew from the beginning that I wasn’t at a fan of that, but I wasn’t moving in to change their life-long rules so the TV’s stayed.

The big kids aren’t allowed to have their phones at bedtime on school nights, either. We actually have a cell phone contract that they have to follow.

You can make whatever rules are appropriate for your home. Everyone’s rules will be different.

5. Let your children know about the change ahead of time.

You shouldn’t just wake up one day and enforce new rules that yours kids have never heard of. They need time to get used to this idea. So, maybe tell them that after the weekend, the rules for screen-time will be changing.

6. Put it away where they can’t see it.

We’ve all heard the saying “out of sight, out of mind”, right? Well, think of that when screen time isn’t allowed. If your kids can see their device, they’re going to ask for it.

Asking for it and being told ‘no’ will cause a melt down. I promise it’ll be better to hide it until it’s time.

7. Play with them.

Ok, so I know you’re busy. But, when your kids will not stop interrupting you, something has to be done.

Don’t cave on the tablet unless it’s 100% necessary. Instead, take a 10-minute break to do a quick activity with your kiddo. Get them started on something fun, then get back to your work.

That little bit of time will make both of you happier. You can play Barbie’s, Lego’s, or anything else that you know your child will continue doing after you stop.