UNDERSTANDING YOUR TEEN

*Helpful Facts For Your Teen Girls *Mother-Daughter Relationships

Lifestyle Tips for Parents of Teens

1. Depression and Teenage Girls

Girls are twice as likely as boys to be depressed and nearly twice as likely as boys to consider suicide. But signs of depression in teens are often not obvious. So be on the lookout for: sadness that lasts for longer than two weeks persistent tearfulness, crying hopelessness decreased interest in activities persistent boredom social isolation low self esteem and guilt increased irritability difficulty with relationships frequent complaints headaches and stomachaches thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior If your daughter has one or more of these symptoms and you suspect she might be depressed, talk to a health care professional as soon as possible.

2. Nutrition and Adolescent Girls

Girls grow faster during adolescence than at any other time in their lives save infancy. That requires a mountain of vitamins and minerals best found in food, totaling an average of 2,200 calories a day. But all too often teenage-girls don't eat a balanced diet and don't get the nutrients they need. For instance, they often don't get enough calcium, which can lead to osteoporosis, or iron, which can lead to anemia. Refocus your teen's diet to include at least five servings of fruits and vegetables and three, eight-ounce glasses of milk a day. Keep nutritional snacks like cut up fruit, pretzels, cheese sticks, individual yogurts and butter-free popcorn, on hand. Don't bring soft drinks into the house. Set a good example by eating nutritiously yourself at home or while dining out.

3. Exercise and Adolescent Girls

Life-long exercise habits are formed in adolescence, so it's important that parents encourage their teens to be active. That means some form of activity every day, with more vigorous activity (resulting in a sustained increased heart rate) at least 20 minutes a day three days per week. Whether it's on organized teams or through individual sports or exercise programs, the main message should be to get out and move. For instance, parents should encourage their daughters' interest in challenging activities, such as rock climbing, cycling, skiing or snowboarding. Try and make exercise a family affair. Go for a bike ride or hit the trails together. Give your teenager a pedometer and challenge her to collect at least 11,000 to 12,000 steps a day (the amount recommended for adolescents). Once she hits that figure, challenge her to more.

4. Tattoos and Body Piercings

Some experts suggest that a child planning on getting a tattoo or body piercing is a warning sign of a child on the brink of trouble. If you hear that your daughter is considering body art, make sure she understands the potential risks: infections, scar tissue and draining wounds for piercings; and allergic reactions or diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS from instruments used for tattoos. Even the trendy temporary henna tattoos can result in months of pain and discomfort, and a lifelong allergy to a common chemical found in the dyes. Tongue piercing can cause swelling that closes off the airway; choking risks from loose jewelry; uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage; or chipped or cracked teeth. If you do this, make sure the procedure is performed with sterile equipment by a certified professional whose shop is clean, much like a medical facility.