Every parent wants their daughter to feel good about herself. We live in a society that places increasing focus on women's bodies. It is important to be mindful about social pressures in your interactions with your daughter. Use positive language and help her feel confident! See below for 10 specific ways to help your daughter love her body!

This post originally appeared on the Wasatch Family Therapy Blog.

Welcome to the latest follow up article to my Important New Year's Resolutions for Parents of Teens blog! Here you will find information on the benefits of getting teens involved in their community and ideas about how to get your family started!

Teens who are involved in community activities experience many benefits! Here are just a few:

Investment in their community. Teens are able to use their time and talents to engage with others. They may also gain a better understanding of people who are different from them. 

Role models. Coaches, volunteer supervisors and mentors can provide a safe, positive example to teens. 

Self confidence. Teens' confidence in themselves will soar as they learn new skills, improve their ability to solve problems and develop leadership skills. Additionally, seeing that they make a difference can be deeply gratifying.

Good work ethic. The University of Nevada Extension Office states, "young people involved in community service are more likely to have a strong work ethic as an adult." They learn how to be accountable, make and keep commitments and work well with others. 

Some pointers as you begin this journey:

Find out what activities interest your child. Talk to them and allow them to drive the decision-making process. The more empowered your teen feels from the beginning, the more invested they will be in the -chosen activity later! For indecisive teens, parents may need to be more involved in the decision-making and planning process.

Consider your teen. Take their personality into consideration. Not every child will be comfortable playing sports or stepping right into a leadership role. Help them find something that will build upon their strengths. 

Help them get started. Some teens may be more comfortable starting an activity with the presence of their family. Allowing them to invite a friend along may also boost their confidence heading into a new experience!

Consider and manage the risks. Do your research on the organization and meet the adults who will be supervising, leading or coaching your child. Also, talk with your child about their experience on a regular basis to ensure they are safe and comfortable in their chosen activity.

Finally, here are a few options to consider with your teen: 
Sports teams and lessons. Check out your teen's school, the YMCA or local recreation centers.
Academic clubs.
Mentoring programs.
Hobby-based groups. Think chess club, music and theater.
Community organizations like 4-H, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts.              
Church youth groups.
Volunteer opportunities. Hospitals, food banks and animal shelters are often looking for volunteer help.

Picture from Flickr. Some rights reserved by Rob Gallop.

Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.

If, as you read, you begin to think that your family might benefit from making changes in one or more of these areas, do not worry! It is never too late to take action. See each step below for specific examples on how to bully-proof your child!

• Provide a good example. Kids (even teens) model their behavior after that of their family. As a result, it is important to be conscious of what you say and how you treat people. This being said, no parent is perfect! If you slip up, use it as a teaching moment to explain your mistake and help your child learn something from your experience.
  

• Know your child’s friends. As children enter their teen years, friends begin to play an increasingly significant role in their opinions and behavior. Encourage your child to spend time with peers who have similar interests and ideals. Insist on getting to know the other children’s parents. It is alright (and advisable) to limit time spent with others who exhibit troublesome behavior. It is also important to monitor your child’s social media interactions with peers.
  

• Teach your children boundaries. According to Parent Further, “Parents need to set clear boundaries for behavior and should have high expectations in terms of respect for self, others, and property.” By setting and enforcing a clear set of expectations for your child, you are teaching him or her to live and act within appropriate parameters. Not only does this help foster a sense of self-worth in young people, it also helps them develop respect for others and for the norms and laws of society. Creating and adhering to a set of household rules for chores and behavior is a good place to start.
  

• Talk to your child. Consistent, safe communication between parents and children is crucial to preventing bullying. Set aside time every day to talk to each of your children. Ask questions and really listen. This builds a sense of trust between parent and child and will allow children to more openly talk about what is going on in their world. Eating dinner together is a great way to open up the lines of communication. Can’t do dinner? Try setting a routine at breakfast or bedtime depending on the needs of your family.
  

Finally, check out my 2012 blog article on helping kids know what to do if they are bullied or witness someone else being bullied. Click here to read more.

Image from Flickr. Some rights reserved by Eddie~S.

Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.

1) Go ice skating.

2) Write a letter to a friend or family member who lives far away.

3) Make a Christmas Carol music video.

4) Create place cards or other decorations for your family’s holiday celebration.

5) Bake cookies with friends.

6) Help a younger sibling write a letter to Santa.

7) Go sledding (or snowboarding or skiing!)

8) Have a holiday movie marathon.

9) Learn how to make a traditional family dish.

10) Wrap your bedroom door in paper or foil so it looks like a present.

11) Drink hot chocolate while reading a good book.

12) Turn off all lights except the Christmas tree lights. Relax in the quiet room or listen to music.

13) Volunteer time at a local charity.

14) Learn how other cultures and religions celebrate important holidays.

15) Bundle up and go for a walk to admire holiday lights in your neighborhood.

 
Here are some links to websites that inspired this list and for more ideas!

Parenting Teens: 50 Fun Holiday Activities Your Teen Will Love

Parenting Teens: 101 Fun Things for Teens to Do This Winter

Parent Map: 15 Meaningful Holiday Traditions and Fun Family Activities


Here are some fun ideas for parents, too!

Real Simple: 50 Fun Winter Activities

Image from Flickr. Some rights reserved by katushya

Bethany Raab is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Denver, Colorado.

I am officially up and running as a provider for the Children's Health Plan Plus (CHP+)! I am accepting new clients at this time. Please spread the word!

Please note: I am only able to accept CHP+ plans that are managed by Colorado Access.

As promised, here are some resources for low-cost, family friendly movies throughout the summer! Once again, thanks to Deahna Visscher who graciously created this list and shared it for the benefit of the community! Please email me if you are interested in receiving a full copy of the list!

Denver- Northfield- Harkins Kid Summer Movie Program Mon-Fri at 9:45 am
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/summerMovieFun.aspx
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/artifacts/SMF%202012/SMF2013-Calendars_5-27_$5.png
Northfield 18 at I-70, Exit Quebec
MOVIES: 10 movies for $5
Tickets on sale at participating theaters.
Week 1 May 27-31                 Mirror Mirror
Week 2 June 3-7                     Hotel Transylvania
Week 3 June 10-14                 Madagascar 3
Week 4 June 17-21                 The Lorax
Week 5 June 23-28                 Ice Age 4
Week 6 July 1-5                       Rise of the Guardians
Week 7 July 8-12                     Charlotte’s Web
Week 8 July 15-19                   Megamind
Week 9 July 22-26                   March of the Penguins         
Week 10 July 29-Aug 2           The Pirates     

Denver- Movies at Skyline Park
http://downtowndenver.com/Life/WhattoDo/SkylinePark/MileHighMoviesinSkylinePark/tabid/266/Default.aspx
Check out the Southwest Movies at Skyline Park!  All movies begin at dusk in Skyline Park at 16th and Arapahoe. Come early to snag the best seats. Pets (on leash) welcome. This series is in cooperation with Denver Parks and Recreation and the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District.
July 6  Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (G)
July 13 A League of Their Own (PG)
July 20 Lion King (G)
July 27  Finding Nemo (G)
August 3  Father of the Bride (PG)
August 10 The Amazing Spider-Man (PG13)
August 17  ED (PG)
August 24  Hotel Transylvania (PG)

Denver- Stapleton- Movies at Founders Green Fridays June 14 to August 23 (bonus Dec 6)- starts at dark
http://community.stapletondenver.com/community
http://community.stapletondenver.com/community/whats-happening/movies-markets-more
June 14 Fri                  Moonrise Kingdom
June 28 Fri                  To Kill a Mockingbird
July 12 Fri                    Sandlot
August 9 Fri                    Brave
August 23 Fri                 Oz, the Great & Powerful
December 6 Fri           Elf starts at 6:30pm

Regal Family Film Festival – every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:00am (various locations)
http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx
Welcome to the 2013 Regal Summer Movie Express! Below is a list of participating locations and start dates. Each location will host the Summer Movie Express on Tuesdays & Wednesdays at 10am for nine weeks. Admission is $1 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Will Rogers Institute.
Week     Title                                                                Rating                Start Time
1            The Three Stooges                                       PG                      10am
1            Ice Age: Continental Drift                            PG                      10am
2            Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days                  PG                      10am
2            Parental Guidance                                        PG                      10am
3            Mr. Poppers' Penguins                                 PG                      10am
3            Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked    G                        10am
4            Monte Carlo                                                  PG                      10am
4            Rio                                                                  G                        10am
5            Coraline                                                         PG                      10am
5            ParaNorman                                                  PG                      10am
6            Dr. Seuss' The Lorax                                    PG                       10am
6            Big Miracle                                                    PG                       10am
7            Yogi Bear                                                      PG                        10am
7            Journey 2: The Mysterious Island               PG                        10am
8            Racing Stripes                                              PG                        10am
8            Happy Feet Too                                            PG                       10am
9            African Cats                                                  G                         10am
9            Chimpanzee                                                 G                          10am

Regal SouthGlenn Stadium 14
6901 S. Vine St. The Streets At Southglenn Centennial, CO 80122

UA Greenwood Plaza Stadium 12
8141 E Arapahoe Rd Englewood CO   303-741-2130

UA Denver West Village Stadium 12
14225 West Colfax AvenueLakewood CO 303-278-1943

UA Meadows Stadium 12
9355 Park Meadows Drive Littleton CO 303-706-9934

UA Twin Peaks 10
1250 South Hover St Bldg. 1, Suite D, Longmont CO 303-651-2434

Regal Colony Square Stadium 12
1164 W. Dilllon Road Louisville CO 303-926-0662

Regal River Point Stadium 14
3565 South Platte River Drive Sheridan CO 303-761-6653

Now that January is almost halfway over, how many of you are still on track with your New Years resolutions? It is common for the excitement of the new year to wear off as your family returns to the routine of work and school. It is just as common for the motivation to meet resolutions to diminish.

Now is a good time to re-evaluate your resolutions. Why have you abandoned your well-meaning resolutions? As discussed in the last blog entry, maybe your goals were not realistic or perhaps you did not have a good plan and support system in place. Take some time to read through my resolutions blog and get a more realistic plan set.

You can do this! If you need a little extra support, Bethany is here to help. Give her a call at 720-722-0527, email her or fill out the contact form to get started today!

Happy New Year! 'Tis the season to examine our progress over the last year and make resolutions for the new year. Many people make resolutions with good intentions but fail to follow through in the long run. Why is this? Perhaps it is because the resolutions are not realistic. Maybe some people do not have a way to hold themselves accountable to their resolutions. Here are a few simple ways to make those resolutions reality!

Write it down. The first step in making a resolution is to ensure you remember your goal! Post your resolution on the fridge, the bathroom mirror, in the car, even as a reminder in your phone! This will ensure you have not forgotten about your goals by the end of January!

Be realistic. One of the biggest barriers to accomplishing our New Years' resolutions is not having a realistic goal. Losing 50lbs by your spring vacation may not be realistic. Choosing to exercise regularly and eat better will help you lose weight and feel better by the time you leave for your trip. Quitting smoking cold turkey may not be realistic for everyone. Choosing to use a cessation aid (i.e. nicotine gum or prescription medication from your doctor) may help get you started on a realistic plan to quit. If you aren't sure how to make your specific goal realistic, you might want to do some research. Read about the topic and talk to your friends, family, doctor or therapist for help!

Baby steps. Keeping resolutions and meeting goals is all about action steps and meeting smaller daily, weekly and monthly goals. What specific steps do you need to take to achieve weight loss, improved health, better relationships, debt reduction or any other resolution you have chosen? Break it down, write it out and get started!

Accountability. You don't have to do this alone! Talk with your loved ones about your resolution. Is there some way they can aid in the process? Don't be shy, ask them to help! Some resolutions may require professional help from a financial planner, personal trainer, doctor or therapist. The sooner you get your team of helpers into place, the sooner you will be on your way to meeting your goals.

Do you, your child, teenager or family have resolutions but need help putting them into action? Bethany can help! Give her a call at 720-722-0527, email her or fill out the contact form to get started today!

The holidays represent a time to celebrate family, friends and, for many, faith. However, for some teens and families, the holidays are stressful due to busy schedules, strained relationships and difficult behaviors. Here are some tips to help manage this busy, often stressful time of year!

1) Take a break. You are not required to attend every holiday party or community activity to which you receive an invitation. Rest and quiet time at home will help you be more flexible in stressful situations.

2) Have an ally. Talk with your partner, a close friend or trusted family member about how you are doing and any concerns you may have regarding schedules, difficult relationships or troubling behaviors by your children. Using your support network will help you manage difficult situations more easily than trying to do it on your own. Provide support to your children and teens during this busy time of year. Be sure to carve out quiet time with them during the holiday season.

3) Stick with the household rules. Children and teens should continue to complete their responsibilities and get to bed at a decent time, even if they are out of school. Keeping a schedule will help keep order during a traditionally busy time of year. This will also help decrease difficulties in returning to a normal routine after the holidays. And, yes, it is alright to give consequences to children and teens for not meeting their expectations during the holidays!

4) Be generous and express gratitude. The old stat4ement "it's the thought that counts" is really true! It is not necessary to go into debt to satisfy your child or teen's holiday wish list. Teach your children about generosity by volunteer or buying gifts for underprivileged children. This will help them be more appreciative of the gifts they do receive. Writing thank you notes with your children and teens will help foster feelings of gratitude.

5) Create or continue meaningful traditions. Bake cookies, go ice skating, decorate the family tree and watch holiday movies. These traditions are what children and teenagers will remember and treasure as they grow older.

It is hard to believe that it is the end of September and most Denver-area schools have been in session for over a month. How is your child doing in school? What problems, if any, have you and your children come across? Has your child revealed they are being bullied at school? Or have you learned that your child is bullying his or her classmates? This entry is the first in a 2 part series about bullying.

18.8% of Colorado kids have been bullied at school according to the Colorado Healthy Kids Survey and the Colorado Legacy Foundation (CLF). CLF research shows that kids who are bullied experience a variety of symptoms including poor school attendance, low grades and low motivation to pursue higher education. More serious consequences can include drug use, depression, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts.

Parents and their kids both play an important role in standing up to bullying. Experts at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHC) suggest that parents offer support if their child discloses they are being bullied. This is important as many children are hesitant to reveal they are being bullied for fear of being blamed for the bullying. Stopbullying.gov recommends that parents avoid placing blame on their child and provide a safe environment for the child to discuss what has been happening. Parents asking their children what they believe may be helpful to alleviate the bullying can also be beneficial. Parents may ask that school officials intervene. School counselors and staff can help children create plans to deal with bullying. Schools can also help mediate between the child and the bully. Parents should also be aware that the Colorado State Legislature passed a Bullying Prevention Law in 2011. This allows legal action to be taken in cases of bullying.

Stopbullying.gov also recommends some specific actions for a child who is being bullied:

• “Look at the kid bullying you and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice.”
• “If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and stay away. Don’t fight back. Find an adult to stop the bullying on the spot.”
• “Talk to an adult you trust. Don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone. They can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.”
• “Stay away from places where bullying happens.”
• “Stay near adults and other kids. Most bullying happens when adults aren’t around.” 
  

Finally, a child that has been a victim of bullying may benefit from speaking to a mental health professional about their experience.

Bethany is available to work with children and families dealing with bullying. Whether your child has been bullied, or is the bully, Bethany can help. You can contact Bethany by phone at 720-722-0527 or send her an email to get started.