Huffing AC Refrigerant Kills! Teens and Inhalant Abuse

Inhalants.  They have been in the news and on the teen scene for years now; as a matter of fact, it was reported that there has been a 158% increase in the use of  huffing refrigerant in teenagers.

Most parents will continue to say, 'not my teen', however how do you really know it isn't your teen?

Just ask Mona Casey in Coral Springs, she lost her son 15 year-old Charles Gray just before his 16th birthday, when he inhaled refrigerant.  Especially in Florida, air conditioning refrigerant is prevalent, it is also deadly.  Watch video to see how dangerous it can be.

Throughout her grief, Mona Casey founded a group, United Parents to Restrict Open Access to Refrigerant, (UPROAR).  Huffing chemicals such as refrigerant can result in death on the first use. This is a risk we cannot afford to take with our children. One of the goals of UPROAR is to propose solutions to lawmakers and governing bodies to address this problem.

What is inhalant use?


Inhalant use refers to the intentional breathing of gas or vapors with the purpose of reaching a high. Inhalants are legal, everyday products which have a useful purpose, but can be misused. You're probably familiar with many of these substances -- paint, glue and others. But you probably don't know that there are more than 1,000 products that are very dangerous when inhaled -- things like typewriter correction fluid, air-conditioning refrigerant, felt tip markers, spray paint, air freshener, butane and even cooking spray. See Products Abused as Inhalants for more details.

It is time parents stop being ignorant to the fact teens and tweens don't understand the dangers of huffing.  Kids as young as 11 years-old are huffing and dying.  Watch video.

Talk to your kids today!  School will be opening, peer pressure will be starting, school hallways are full of kids trying to fit in and be cool.  Will they take it a step further fit in with a sniff?

Sources: Just News, UPROAR, Inhalants.org

Be an educated parent, you can save a life!


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Struggling teens, teen help, tough love and parenting

Parenting adolescents today has become more of a challenge than a joy with many families.  Not all, thankfully, but there are more issues surrounding peer pressure, bullying, social media, music, movies and other influences that can cause a negative environment.

• Drug use: Huffing, inhalants, sniffing, smoking pot
• Alcohol use: Underage drinking, supervised drinking
• Defiance: Blatant disrespect, especially towards parents
• Disengaged: No longer wanting to participate in family activities
• Change of peer group:  Choosing friends that are not a good influence

Obviously this list could go on and on as more and more teenagers are engaging in harmful or dangerous activities.

Is your teen reaching a level that he/she are out-of-control? Going down a negative path with only a few years left of high school? Do you fear for their future if they continue down this road?

Typical teenage behavior, which much of it can be, however what happens when this typical behavior lands them in juvie? Or in the hospital with an overdose?

Most have tried therapists. Most have even tried out-patient programs. Some have tried sending their teen to a relatives to live. What happens when these attempts fail?

For many, it is time for residential therapy. Now you really need to be engaged, do your homework and be extremely cautious. The world of teen-help is a big business and they are waiting for parents that are at their wit's end to call!

There are many good programs in our country. The most important decision you will make is choosing the right one for your child. Don't rely on marketing arms, toll-free numbers, and spams of email promises. Do your due diligence and work through this process in the best interest of your family.

Visit www.helpyourteens.com for helpful hints and tips for finding what is best for your family. Remember, if you are on the East Coast (Florida or other states), just because the Internet seems to continue to point you to the West Coast, there are programs on the East Coast that are extremely high quality - and some of the best. Although you don't want the school/program in your backyard, you also don't want to be so far away that visiting them would be difficult.

For more detailed information pick up Wit's End: Advice and Resources for Saving Your Out-of-Control Teen - it could save your teenager today! By visiting Parents' Universal Resource Experts (PURE) you can receive a free chapter here.
World renown Parenting Expert and TODAY Show Contributor, Dr. Michele Borba, wrote recently about PURE and Wit's End, click here.

Remember, be a parent first - friendship will come in time. This is not about shipping your teen off, it is about giving them a second opportunity at a bright future!

Parents' Universal Resource Experts (PURE) is a Member of the Better Business Bureau.

For over a decade, PURE has helped thousands of families!

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Sue Scheff: Teaching Diversity - Connect Your Family to the World

As a parent, it is important to educate your children about diversity, teaching them to respect and understand other countries and their cultures and customs. Well how would you like to get involved with an organization that builds bonds of friendship and trust with the power to change the world too?

Welcoming a high school foreign exchange student into your home is a great way to increase global awareness for your family, your schools and even across your community.

This month, EF Foundation for Foreign Study is looking for host families for the 2010-2011 school year.  South Florida is a melting pot with many families from all over the world.  It’s wonderful to think that by being a host family, you’d not only be learning about another culture in which you may not be too familiar with, but you’d also be creating a positive view of the United States that crosses oceans and lasts a lifetime.
EF Foundation has:

• Connected over 100,000 talented, enthusiastic students from 30 countries with caring host families across America
• Been facilitating foreign exchange for more than 30 years.
• Connected more students with American host families than any other program of its kind!

Want to hear firsthand how this program has changed lives?

Watch video and read more.

Learn more, contact EF Foundation here.

Sue Scheff: Teen Sleep - How much do they need?

It seems teenagers can function on less sleep than most adults.  Is it really true?

According to KidsHealth.org 9+ hours per night for preteens (10-12 year-old) and teens (13-19 years-old) need 8.5-9.5 hours.  How does your teen measure up?

It is difficult getting your teens to get the right amount of sleep, but it is imperative you do your best to help them understand the importance of a good nights sleep.

Sleep deprivation not only can make your kids grumpier, it also impacts their school performance as it decreases their attentiveness and short-term memory.

Especially for teens, sleepiness can lead to delayed response time and inconsistent performance, making driving and playing high-impact sport potentially dangerous.

As a parent, it is your responsibility to enforce consistent bedtimes and wake-ups, your child's health and success may depend on it.

When your teen says they will catch up on sleep on the weekends, note that all that sleep on the weekend won't add energy to the rest of the week.  Why? Our bodies can't store extra sleep!

Sources: KidsHealth.org, St. John's Public Library

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Sue Scheff: Good Parents with Bad Kids - Who's to Blame?

The recent New York Times article, Accepting That Good Parents May Plant Bad Seeds by Dr. Richard A. Friedman,  has started a lot of great conversations. (Watch video).

Fact is there are many great parents and they are doing a great job at raising their kids, but every so often you will hit that pothole in the road.  Parenting today is extremely challenging.  It is not only discussing the birds and bees that is critical, talking to your kids about the dangers of online scams, predators not to mention the prevalence of stranger danger today.

Yes, this generation is completely different.  We have gone from Mad Men to Middle to Modern Family and somehow all these shows can mirror one time of our life or another.

Good kids do make bad choices.  That is called life experiences, but if these experiences escalate to a point that is endangering the teen or the family, it may be time for outside help.  Many times the parent can be in such denial that they continue to make excuses for the negative behavior.  That can only prolong getting your child the right help.

Bad behavior by your child doesn't necessarily mean you are a bad parent.  Maybe your teen/child has been bullied, maybe they are being pressured by their peers, maybe they have feelings of sadness - there are many emotions, especially in adolescence, they could be going through that is causing the negative behavior.  It isn't always the parents fault.

It is, however, the parents responsibility to get their child help.  Don't sit around in the blame game circle, be proactive!  By trying to determine if it because dad doesn't spend enough time at home, or mom isn't home to cook dinner every night - stop all that thinking and just be concerned about helping your teen - not finding the blame.

If you are struggling with an at-risk teen visit www.helpyourteens.com. 

Make parenting your priority!

Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens.

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Sue Scheff: Teen Maternity Clothes - Does it Send the Wrong Message?

The controversy has started.  Forever 21, a trendy clothing store for teens has just added a new department.  Introducing Love 21 Maternity clothing line.  Is this promoting or influencing teen pregnancy?

There isn't any doubt, when you are pregnant, you do need clothing that are comfortable and there is nothing wrong with wanting to be in style at the same time.  However the debate over a teen maternity clothing line is interesting.

Parenting teens today is challenging.  Not only are parents worried about teens getting pregnant, the fear of STD's is very serious.

With the latest clothing trend keeping up with today's teenagers, and reality shows such as Teen Moms, what is this saying to our teen culture?  Is it a green light and acceptable?

When you speak with many teen moms, such as on 16 and Pregnant, you will find the majority, although they love their child, would not recommend getting pregnant as a teenager.

With this, let's hope the latest new teen trendy maternity line of clothing isn't a big seller.  This is being said as being proactive in using contraceptives.  The clothing line is very nice, but let's be real, babies having babies is not easy and we don't want it to be  a trend.

In Florida, Teen Time can help you and your teen learn more about STD's and contraceptives.

Be an educated parent, you will have safer and healthier teens.

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Sue Scheff: Helping Teens Through Horses - Haven Horse Ranch

During the month of July it is National Make a Difference to Children Month.  A time to recognize those that hare making a difference in the lives of children today.

Haven Horse Ranch is located in beautiful St. Augustine, Florida and offers several programs helping children learn Christian values and basic life skills to enhance their future.

About Haven Horse Ranch:


"Haven Horse Ranch believes that today’s youth lack opportunities to develop character and learn the consequences of responsible behavior. Haven Horse Ranch exists to present and model Christian principles to our youth, teaching the values of relationships, teamwork and individual character by building confidence and leadership."

Haven Horse Ranch is a 20-horse, nonprofit, working horse ranch. They use horses to teach children basic life's principles and Christian values. Haven Horse Ranch believe that better kids make for a better community. They exist to provide a safe, enjoyable environment where kids have fun learning about responsibility while growing in self-confidence.

Since 1990, Haven Horse Ranch have taught these principles to over 3700 youth through horse riding camps and clinics. These kids, ages 6-18, have seen their confidence and self-esteem grow and their character develop as they learned to be in control of and responsible for an 1100-pound horse.
Haven Horse Ranch also offers retreats for families.  Find out more about their parent weekends.  What a fantastic way to bond with your child or help with others.

During the month of July and always, try to find ways you can make a difference in a child's life.  You will be surprised, it is not only beneficial for the child, but you will feel good about it too.  Remember, children are our future.

Learn more by visiting www.havenhorseranch.org.

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Sue Scheff: Loving Your Teens - Hating Their Behavior

When it comes to parenting teens, many parents have said, "I love my teen, however I don't like them or their actions."  Does this make you a bad parent?

New York Magazine writer, Jennifer Senior, wrote a very compelling and thought provoking article.  "I Love My Children - I Hate My Life."

Although the article chronicles from baby age up through toddlers, many can relate to these families when dealing with their teenagers, as the feelings of disdain can become even stronger.  You have nurtured your child, you have given all you believe he/she needed - including the best you could with your time, and your teen is still treating you with disrespect and defiance?  What gives?

With today's fast-paced world, difficult economic times, as well as the society of peer pressure among teens that leads to dangerous behaviors, parenting is more challenging than generations earlier.

How do you find the balance?  The cliché teens will be teens, is common, but how do parents survive these sometimes difficult times?

Knowing that there is light the end of the tunnel can help, talking to friends and family that have gone through it all, can also help you get through these bumpy times.  Remember, the teens years can be tough, but hopefully they do grow out of it and you will see your child leading the prosperous life you had planned for them.

In the meantime - don't forget it is important for parents to have "me-time" and there is nothing wrong with it.  It can help you be a better parent.  In the same respect, remember to be a parent first, then their friend.  Many parents miss this step and it can lead to difficulties in parenting with boundaries.

Be an educated parent, you will be a better one on the way.....


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