310.951.5678

Is Your Teen Labeled A Bully?

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A Note From The Santa Monica Family Therapist

If there are 13 million kids who are hurt by bullying every year… who’s doing it? – Sandra

What happened to make kids who purposely hurt others so cruel? How do we address the root causes? Did you know that kids with a diagnosis of depression were three times more likely to bully?

In our society, shame – making someone feel bad about themselves – is also a very acceptable parenting tool to control kids. Comparisons with siblings or other kids, mocking age and ability, making kids feel stupid or inferior… many children hear shaming and humiliating messages all day long. Doesn’t that sound similar to what some students endure at the hands of bullies?

Facial expressions, body language, tone and volume of voice, threatening violence, withholding affection, rejecting behavior, demeaning words, and physical punishment can impact a child’s self-esteem and teach them how to behave in an aggressive manner.

To really address bullying, we need to fundamentally change the way we see children, and begin to truly treat them with the respect that all people deserve. Good character traits, like empathy and respect, are skills that need to be learned at home. We have to teach our kids how we expect them to treat others – as well as show them how we expect them to treat others.

Bullying others is a choice. Compassion, kindness, respect, and any other moral characteristic are learned behaviors. There are many people who have chosen to practice nonviolent behavior. Help your teen learn to make kinder choices.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

How To Look Cool In Middle School

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

Middle School is a time when the opinions of friends become very important, and pre-teens often wonder about how to fit in. – Sandra

Adolescence is a time when young people are discovering who they are and how they want to be perceived in the world. One of the challenges that pre-teens face during this time is that each family has their own set of rules.

The key is to respond to your pre-teen’s requests with respect and creativity. The privilege of staying up later is something that can be earned. One option is talk about how they might earn the privilege of staying up a little later.

Some shows that are on at night have adult language and behavior that some parents would prefer that their children not watch. It could be helpful to learn more about the shows they are referring to. If you are open to their watching these shows, but are just concerned about them getting enough sleep on a school night, then perhaps you would consider taping them for your child and allowing them to watch the show at an earlier time the following day, or on the weekend.

The bottom line is that there is a good chance that your child will find themselves in situations where they are not allowed to do everything that all of their friends are doing. As long as they live in your house, you will be setting some rules.

The better your relationship with your child, the better chance you have of calmly negotiating with them for what they want. And in those times when they don’t get their way, it’s important for them to know that they are not the only one who struggles with parents who set limits.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Does My Teen Need Therapy?

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

I offer one FREE 50-minute session—a $175 value—for parents with children between the ages of 11 and 19. – Sandra

  • Are You A Parent Worried About Your Teenager?
  • Do You Struggle To Communicate With Your Adolescent?
  • Is Your Teen Stressed Out/Anxious About School Or Friends?

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I can help you:

  • Build better communication within your family
  • Create a more peaceful home environment
  • Cope with the problems adolescents face today

I create a safe, non-judgmental space for teens and their parents to explore their obstacles, ask their questions and express their feelings. Bring your problems and leave with solutions. As difficult as things may seem, you are not alone. Better times are ahead!

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Discipline vs. Punishment for Teens

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

Punishment is designed to control a person’s behavior and is not effective for teaching teens to become responsible and independent young adults. Read on to learn why discipline is a better option. – Sandra

Punishment includes threats, yelling, and verbal insults. If you are frequently yelling at your child, chances are that they may start to pay attention to you only when you raise your voice. Insults are not healthy for anyone, and when teens hear you yelling and using verbal insults, they learn to do that behavior too.

Often parents punish teenagers by grounding them. Many times grounding is not related to what the teen did, therefore they have difficulty learning the lesson you are trying to teach them.

Some parents hit their teen out of anger. Hitting hurts both the teen and the parent, because the teen feels unloved and the parent feels guilty. The teen also learns that hitting is a way to get power or solve their problem.

Discipline is a respectful way of relating to your teen. Discipline teaches your teen to become more responsible and cooperative. Discipline allows your teen to learn from their behavior and the natural consequences of their choices.

Teens need limits, but those limits need to be adjusted as your teen becomes more mature. Many parents are often afraid to let their teen make their own decisions. However, it is very important to allow teens a chance to make and learn from their choices–within certain limits.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Teen Girl’s Survival Guide

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.FREE Downloadable E-book

“There isn’t a teenaged girl in America who couldn’t benefit from a visit to a therapist’s office to help negotiate the trauma and drama of the teen years. Opening my Teen Girl Survival Guide is akin to stepping into my office and settling in for an open, frank discussion about topics that trouble today’s teen girls. At the end of the book, I offer questions for self-reflection and self-exploration.

For those who are ready to take the next step toward becoming independent, respectful, self-aware adults, the information presented will help ease the transition from childhood to adolescence and put them well on their way to becoming self-aware young women.  

Click here to download your FREE copy.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Volunteer Opportunities for Santa Monica Teens

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

There is great value in encouraging teenagers to help other people through volunteering. – Sandra

Here are some local Santa Monica opportunities for teens to be of service:

Access Center (Ocean Park Community Center)
1616 7th Street
www.OPCC.net
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 450-4050
Drop-in center providing emergency services (sack lunches, showers, clothing, groceries) long term case management, and outreach services to homeless and low income people, needs:
Food and grocery preparation, lunch servers, clean-up crew, clothing room monitors. Youth volunteers are welcome, with parental consent.

Amazing Kids!
1158 26th Street
www.amazing-kids.org
(310) 514-9203
Program which seeks to improve the lives of children through uncovering the potential within each child, providing them with the tools to nurture their unique talents — including access to a mentor — and inspiring them to pursue excellence in their endeavors and to become lifelong achievers needs:
Volunteer mentors to use their time and expertise to help guide a child’s learning; website and clerical help.

American Red Cross
Santa Monica Chapter
1450 11th Street
http://redcrossla.org/santamonica
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 394-3773
Santa Monica chapter of international relief organization needs:
First Aid and CPR instructors, public speakers, disaster team-members, first aid station team members, fundraising, and community information booths. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Binky Patrol of Santa Monica
1786 Sunset Avenue
(310) 396-2296
Organization that makes and gives handmade blankets to babies born HIV positive or drug-addicted, children who are abused, in shelters, or foster care needs:
Volunteers to knit or sew blankets (no sewing experience necessary) and to deliver them. Youth volunteers welcome.

Boys & Girls Club of Santa Monica
1238 Lincoln Boulevard
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 393-9629
Educational and Recreational Youth Center needs:
Tutors, mentors and coaches to work with young people ages 7-18. Youth volunteers are welcome.

California Heritage Museum
2612 Main Street
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 392-8537
Museum with rotating exhibits on decorative arts and the history of Santa Monica and California needs:
Docents/tour guides, museum shop volunteers, data entry for photo archive. Youth volunteers 16-and-over are welcome.

Center For Healthy Aging
Ken Edwards Center
1527 4th Street
Director of Volunteer Services:
(310) 576-2499
Organization providing health and other services for older adults needs:
Assistance with health screenings, primary medical care, health education, peer counseling, mental health services, friendly visiting, money management; fundraising and clerical support.

Child Development Services
2802 4th Street
www.smmusd.com
Volunteer Coordinator:
(310) 399-5865, ext. 539
Preschools for children three months to five years, after school care for school aged children needs:
Volunteers to work in the classrooms. Youth volunteers are welcome.

The Children’s Nature Institute
1440 Harvard Avenue
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 998-1151
Organization that provides field trips, workshops, and events for children to teach respect for wildlife, parklands and each other through fun educational activities, needs:
Nature walk and field trip assistance, clerical assistance, project organizing.

City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street
Volunteer Program: (310) 458-8300
Municipality needs:
Volunteers in a variety of areas, including: animal shelter, police department, Farmers’ Markets, special events, Westside Special Olympics, youth and senior activities. Youth volunteers are welcome.

CLAIRE
1871 9th Street
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 314-6220
Alcohol and drug addiction recovery program needs:
Twelve-step program meeting leaders, Bargain Center retail supervisors, clerical assistance, gardening and building project assistance.

Common Ground
The Westside HIV Community Center
2012 Lincoln Boulevard
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 314-5480
Organization providing services to westside residents living with HIV/AIDS, and community education and outreach needs:
Administrative support, HIV testing services, receptionists, community booth and special event volunteers. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Daybreak Day Center and Shelter (Ocean Park Community Center)
1610 7th Street
www.opcc.net
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 450-0650
Day Center providing food, showers, clothing, advocacy, and shelter providing transitional housing, case management, and independent living skills for homeless mentally ill women needs:
Volunteers to prepare meals, socialize with women, provide clerical assistance, teach classes (such as yoga, art, resume writing).

18th Street Arts Complex
1639 18th Street
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 453-3711
Non-profit arts center supporting artists and art organizations dedicated to issues of community and diversity and contemporary society needs:
Clerical assistance, database work, publicity.

The Elizabeth Glazer
Pediatric AIDS Foundation
2950 31st Street #125
www.pedaids.org
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 314-1459
Organization that identifies, funds, and conducts critical pediatric AIDS research needs:
Clerical and administrative assistance, fundraising. Youth volunteers are welcome.

The Foundation for Consumer
& Taxpayer Rights
2701 Ocean Park Boulevard, #150
www.consumerwatchdog.org
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 392-0522
Consumer protection organization that promotes the Oaks project, challenges unfair insurance and educates the community on healthcare issues needs:
Grassroots activists with the Oaks program (a program which devotes itself to public participation and democracy), clerical assistance. Youth Volunteers are welcome.

Heal the Bay
3220 Nebraska Avenue
www.healthebay.org
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 453-0395
Organization promoting the health and safety of Los Angeles County coastal waters through education, community action, policy programs and research needs:
Beach cleaners, beach captains for “coastal cleanup day” in September, Malibu Creek stream monitors, fundraising, speakers bureau representatives, clerical help. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Helping Other People Eat (HOPE)
P.O. Box 3622
Santa Monica, CA 90408
Program Director: (310) 399-7020
Co-Directors: Paul Grymkowski, Moira LaMountain
Community-based nonprofit striving by means of direct action to eradicate hunger on the Westside needs:
Volunteers to collect and/or serve food, people with vehicles are especially needed.

International Wildlife Education
& Conservation (IWEC)
237 Hill Street
Volunteer and Intern Coordinator:
(310) 392-6257
Grassroots wildlife conservation organization promoting the healing benefits of the human-animal bond and animal well-being in captivity and in the wild
Needs:
Animal handlers, computer and newsletter help, and those with animal behavior or biology background. Also needs volunteers for Create-a-Smile Animal Assisted Therapy Team and Ride 2 Heal Therapeutic Riding Center.

Jewish Family Service
of Santa Monica
1424 4th Street, 3rd Floor
Volunteer Coordinator:
(310) 393-0732
Non-profit, non-sectarian family service agency providing counseling for all ages, including an in-home senior program, needs:
Administrative assistance, friendly visitors and case aides for seniors, volunteers for holiday events. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Meals on Wheels
Santa Monica-Malibu-Pacific Palisades
P.O. Box 7001
Volunteer Coordinator:
(310) 394-5133,
or (310) 394-7558
Group committed to enhancing wellness by providing quality nutritious meals, nutrition education, coordinating community resources and referrals for homebound people, enabling them to maintain their independence and quality of life, needs:
Drivers, assistants to the drivers, clerical help, grant writing. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Retired Senior and Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.)
A Program of WISE Senior Services
1328 22nd Street
Director of Volunteer Services:
(310) 315-6151
Program which assists individuals 55 and over to put their skills and life experiences to work for their communities by guiding them in finding volunteer placements in non-profit agencies in Santa Monica and environs needs: people over 55 who are interested in volunteering. R.S.V.P. places volunteers in a wide variety of agencies, from hospitals to museums.

St. John’s Health Center
1328 22nd Street
Director of Volunteer Services:
(310) 829-8438
Hospital and health center needs: clerical assistance, patient escorts, aides for Heart Institute and John Wayne Cancer Institute, gift shop volunteers. Youth volunteers 16-and-over are welcome.

Salvation Army
1533 4th Street
Coordinator of Volunteer Services: (310) 451-1358
Agency providing social services to low income and homeless people, including case management, emergency food, referrals for shelters and other services, ESL classes, bible studies and educational and activity programs for youth needs:
Receptionists to meet and greet clients, clerical help, grocery bagging for food pantry. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Santa Monica College
1900 Pico Boulevard
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 434-4419
Community college needs:
Assistance in various departments, including admissions, records, and the library.

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
1638 17th Street
www.smmusd.org
Coordinator of School and Community Partnerships: (310) 450-8338
School District serving elementary – high school-aged children in Santa Monica and Malibu needs:
Tutors in kindergarten – 12 grades, mentors for secondary school students, career mentors.

Santa Monica Museum of Art
Bergamot Station
2525 Michigan Avenue, Bldg. G-1
www.bergamotstation.com
Museum Administrator: (310) 586-6488
Museum that exhibits work of art by local artists needs:
Assistance with special events, gallery sitting, clerical help. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center
1250 16th Street
Manager of Volunteer Services:
(310) 319-4614
Hospital and Medical Center needs:
Volunteers to interact with patients and their families, clerical help.

Santa Monica YMCA
1332 6th Street
www.ymcasm.org 
Volunteer Director: (310) 393-2721
Physical fitness and family activity center needs:
Babysitters, assistance in the fitness center, aquatics, weight room and at the front desk. Youth Volunteers are welcome.

Sojourn Services for Battered Women and Their Children (Ocean Park Community Center)
P.O. Box 7081
www.opcc.net
Hotline Coordinator: (310) 264-6646
Comprehensive domestic violence service agency that offers services including a 24-hour hotline, shelter, support groups, emergency response, children’s program and legal advocacy needs:
Hotline volunteers, support group facilitators, peer counselors, children’s program volunteers, emergency response team members, legal accompaniment. Attendance at a forty-hour training is required (Next training begins in Spring 2003). Youth volunteers 16-and-over are welcome.

Step-up on Second
1328 2nd Street
Job Coach: (310) 394-6889
Organization providing day services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness needs:
Facilitators for educational and support groups, assistance with outings and holiday events.

Turning Point Transitional Housing (Ocean Park Community Center)
1447 16th Street
www.opcc.net
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 828-6717
Transitional housing program for homeless men and women that provides services including job counseling, life skills classes, money management, with the goal of transitioning residents into permanent independent housing and into the workforce needs:
Volunteers to prepare and serve breakfast and dinner meals, phone monitors, clerical help, special instructors (art, yoga, resume writing, etc.) Youth volunteers 15-and-over are welcome.

UCLA Ocean Discovery Center
1600 Ocean Front Walk
www.healthebay.org/santa-monica-pier-aquarium
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 393-6149
Educational aquarium with programs for school children and the general public needs:
Educational and wet lab docents, microscope docents, activity box monitors, admissions and information assistance, bookstore and gift shop volunteers. Training is provided. Youth volunteers 16-and-over are welcome.

Upward Bound House
1104 Washington Ave.
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 458-7779
Housing with supportive services for senior citizens and homeless families needs:
Childcare, clerical assistance, computer class teachers and senior citizen companionship. Youth volunteers are welcome.

The Wellness Community -WLA
2716 Ocean Park Boulevard
Volunteer Coordinator: (310) 314-2555
Program providing psychological, social and emotional support to cancer patients and their families needs:
Receptionists, clerical help, outreach, fundraising, volunteers for special events. Youth volunteers are welcome.

Westside Food Bank
P.O. Box 1565
Program Director: (310) 828-6016
Food distribution service to 30-40 local social service agencies needs:
Office work, primarily computer-based, and delivery assistance for “second helpings” program. Volunteers are used on an as-needed, will-call basis. Youth volunteers are welcome.

WISE Senior Services
1527 4th Street
Director, R.S.V.P. Program: (310) 394-9871
Organization providing adult day care, elder abuse prevention, long-term care ombudsman, paratransit transportation needs:
Assistance in adult day care program, friendly visitors, long-term care, ombudsman, transportation. Youth volunteers are welcome.

YWCA of Santa Monica
2019 14th Street
Office Manager: (310) 452-3881
Organization providing women’s and children’s fitness, self-defense workshops, after school child care, crafts, sports, GED diploma program, career counseling, transitional housing program for young women emancipated from foster care, teen media literacy projects, girls’ basketball, breast cancer support and education, career mentoring, workshops on financial planning, speech writing, CPR, parenting and outreach programs needs:
Volunteers to participate in and assist with all of the above services listed. Also, assistance with special events, computer needs, Board of Directors’ activities. Youth volunteers are welcome.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Meet Santa Monica Teen Family Therapist

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

I’ve seen a wide variety of families–dealing with issues of anxiety, depression, learning disorders, and even substance abuse. – Sandra

As an experienced Teen Therapist, I can help heal your child’s pain and create a better future for your family.

Learn More About My Work:
1. Free E-book: “WHAT WOULD YOUR TEEN LIFE COACH SAY?”
2. Free Parenting Support Manual
3. YouTube Video Channel
4. Follow me on Twitter

What Past Clients Have Said:
“The best example of her work is in my teen son’s improved behavior and attitude towards life. My teen son was always happy to go see Sandra, and relieved and stress-free when he came back from a session.” – Parent

“Sandra helped me put a lot of the events in my life into perspective. She listened to me respectfully and never made judgments. I had a great experience with Sandra as my therapist.” – Teen Client

“My teen daughter has calmed down, and no longer carries the same anxiety that she once did. She now likes and accepts herself for who she is.” – Parent

“Sandra provided a safe and supportive environment for me to discuss anything. Her feedback resulted in bettering my self-image, my self-esteem and confidence.” – Teen Client

“Sandra’s work with my teen son has made him a more secure, confident and happy individual. She provided a safe and comfortable place for him to express his feelings and explore his emotions.” – Parent

“After thinking together with Sandra, I discovered solutions to my problems. I always felt comfortable sharing my feelings and thoughts, knowing that she would listen and respond with compassion and support.” – Teen Client

“My teen daughter now sees uncomfortable experiences as an opportunity to grow and learn more about herself. Sandra was a very positive influence in her life.” – Parent.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Private Parent-Coaching Workshop

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

I can help you learn how to strengthen your relationship with you adolescent. – Sandra

When teens observe how we treat them and others, they learn how to behave. A parent’s interaction with their teen literally impacts their child’s brain development, and parenting styles are often passed down through generations.

Unfortunately, in our society, shaming is an accepted parenting tool for controlling teens. Many teens hear shaming and humiliating messages all day long: comparisons with siblings or other kids, the mocking of their age and abilities, or comments that make them feel stupid or inferior.

It is important to remember that respect and civility both start at home. As a parent, you are responsible for modeling both self-respect, and respect for others. When you treat your teen with respect, they will learn to treat themselves and others respectfully.

Your body language, facial expressions, the tone & volume of your voice, threatening violence, withholding affection, rejecting behavior, demeaning words or physical punishment all directly impact your teen’s self-esteem and can even teach them aggressive behavior. The foundation of respectful disagreements involve avoiding raising your voice, swearing, name-calling or pointing your finger in the teen’s face.

In my 6-week Private Parent Coaching Workshop, you will learn how to effectively help your teenager become more responsible, respectful, communicative and independent.

Topics will include:

  • Understanding Yourself and Your Teenager
  • Improving Your Response to Your Teen
  • How to Communicate Respect and Understanding
  • Encouraging Cooperation and Problem‐Solving
  • Using Consequences to Build Responsibility

**Recommended for parents with children between the ages of 11 and 19.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Parenting Teens versus Younger Children

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A Note From The Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

The parenting role must shift during the teen years to supporting their growing independence and preparing them to meet the challenges & frustrations of daily life. – Sandra

Parents need to make the transition from being a parent who provides for all their child’s needs to who coaching their teen to handle their frustrations and needs for themselves. The challenge is how to deal with the stubbornness, clinginess, or demands typical of this phase of life.

Parents need to be able to deal with their teen’s expressed frustration and/or dependence in ways that affirm the dignity and power of both you and your child. If you cannot tolerate your teen choosing to defy you by asserting their independence, they may come to fee feel as though the price of their autonomy will abandonment and the loss of your love.

Successful navigation of the adolescent phase of life involves setting boundaries and enforcing consequences without your becoming punitive, angry, or judgmental. Respectful parenting involves seeing the frustrations your teen is encountering when pushing against your imposed boundaries as opportunities for them to learn self-control, self-respect, and respect for others.

Your responsibility as a parent is to teach your child the skills they will need to succeed in the world prior to leaving your home. Respectful, conscious and positive parenting is at it’s core: fair, flexible, and has learning, rather than submission as its ultimate goal. Every word, facial expression, gesture, or action on your part gives your teen some message about self-worth.

Allowing them choices, while setting fair and clear limits on unacceptable behavior, is a healthy balance to strive for. Some parents use authoritarian strategies that do not allow the child an independent voice or sense of autonomy. Other parents overcompensate with overly permissive parenting that doesn’t teach their kids about limits and self-control. Research shows both extremes can interfere with kids’ ability to regulate their emotions.

If your teen or young adult child is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it.

Menu of Services Offered:

Call Now to Schedule a Free Consultation!

Click to Call:

(310) 951-5678
.

For more information, please visit my website:

SandraDupont.com

verified by Psychology Today

Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.

Parenting Teens in Today’s World

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A Note From the Santa Monica Teen & Family Therapist

Parenting has changed drastically since parents were children, with today’s parents literally having to make up the rules as they go. – Sandra

With rapid advancements in technology speeding up the pace of our lives, parents are being asked to evolve far beyond the parenting skills they saw demonstrated by their own parents. It’s no wonder so many parents are feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

It is important to remember that in each family there are unique circumstances, and you can only do your best with the cards you’ve been dealt. If you teen has learning challenges, or your personalities significantly differ, you may need to adapt your parenting responses. Having more than one child or being a single parent adds even more layers of complexity.

Setting aside the time necessary for you to stay in balance and manage your emotions, as well as model kind and respectful responses in challenging moments, is a gift you give your children. Like on an airplane, you must remember to put on your oxygen mask first.

Ultimately, parenting is about is about preparing your teen to meet the challenges of life, recognize and maintain healthy relationships, and love and accept themselves. Do not allow yourself to get derailed by your teen’s demands for the latest trends. What is essential are the lessons you are teaching them about character, family, contribution to society, and self-love.

If your teen is struggling socially or emotionally, I can help you to discover the cause and remedy it. 

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Adolescent Therapist|Parent Coach|Teen Mentor

Providing service for: Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Beverly Hills, Beverly Glen, Culver City, Brentwood, Westwood, Marina Del Rey, Mar Vista, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Topanga Beach and Topanga Canyon, Ocean Park, Hancock Park, West Hollywood.