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Thirteen Things to Talk to Your Teen About 13 Reasons Why A Parent’s Guide Episode 10: Side 5B Taking Responsibility & Comforting a Grieving Friend

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

[Note: It has recently come to light that the author of the book this video series was based on has been expelled from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for violation of their harassment policy as reported by Deadline.] Thirteen Reasons Why, a video series based on a best-selling teen novel, is the story of a 17 year old …

Sexual Assault & Teenagers: An Exercise for Parents and Teens

In The Blog by Dr James Wellborn

This document contains a series of questions and answers parents can use to review important aspects of sexual harassment, sexual assault and rape.  It is intended to be a catalyst for parents to introduce this important topic to their teens and to start a discussion that hopefully will continue past the end of the exercise.  The information in this exercise …

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Family Time Movie Theater: Communication, Creativity and Work Ethic

In The Blog by Dr James Wellborn

Here are some movies that address communication, creativity and work ethic.  And one even includes kites! Mary Poppins (G)  You already know about this Queen of kid movies.  But you may not have paid attention to the lessons that are integrated throughout the movie. There is fun, frolicking, discipline, empathic parenting (or nannying as it were), dancing penguins, carousel horse …

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Countdown to College Part 1-Practicing Independence

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

“I’m going to hang out this weekend.  I’ll see you on Monday.” “Wait.  What?  What do you mean you’ll see me on Monday?  You are NOT staying gone all weekend!” “When I’m at college in a couple of weeks, you won’t even know if I ever come back in!” “The ink isn’t dry on your diploma, you aren’t leaving for …

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Preparing Teens for the 21st Century Work Place: Saving Grace

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Timeless universal values represented by an employee’s integrity will serve to distinguish them in an increasingly personal work environment. Curiously (and, maybe tellingly) discussions of important 21st Century work skills do not reference employees integrity (or the morals, ethics, values and character that compose it) as one of those important skills. And yet, without integrity (and a culture of integrity), …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 6: Code of Conduct

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

Cyber Citizens should abide by a strict code of conduct based on the rights, privileges and responsibilities of being a member of the cyber world. Obey the law.  □   Copyright Infringement:  using, selling or distributing products or creations without permission of the copyright owner □   Plagiarism:  presenting the words, music, thoughts or ideas of others without giving them credit □   …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 4: Respect

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

As citizens of the cyber community, teenagers have a responsibility to be aware of the different aspects of the cyber world (see previous column).  It is also important for them to know about how to keep themselves safe and secure online (see other previous column).  Finally, teenagers have a responsibility as cyber citizens to respect the laws of the online …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 3: Cyber Safety

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

The cyber world has risks and dangers just like the real world.  It would not be safe for your kid to walk alone late at night to a high crime neighborhood asking strangers where to pay cash for an expensive video game system.  What if your kid then gave your house key to a stranger who offered to help and …

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Cyber Citizenship Part 2: Increasing Teens Cyber Awareness

In There's a Stranger in My House by Dr James Wellborn

If your kids are going to be good cyber citizens, they should be informed about the different areas that make up their cyber world.  This includes their personal information (i.e., identity), traces of their online presence (i.e., footprint), the various kinds of creative products that belongs to them and to other people (i.e., property) and the various ways to relate …