
Hi! I’m Melanie:
blogger, wife, and mom of three boys
I am here to share my love for teenagers with you.
I am also here to share my hard fought knowledge gained from life with teenagers.
There has been at least one teen in my house since 2010, and we will have one here until 2024!
My husband and I have learned lots of lessons through these years, and there is so much to learn that it can be overwhelming!
Our youngest is in 11th grade and the oldest is 24! The trail from middle school, to getting into college, and onto graduation is a long, but precious journey.
The teenage years have been, and still are, a slippery slope. Parenting seems to never end. I’ve witnessed some pretty funny moments with my kids and had some downright tough love moments too, that have brought me to tears.
I bring my experience from 10 years in the elementary classroom, 10 years in the preschool classroom, and 2 years in middle school to everything that I do. All of this time with kids has helped me to know how and oftentimes, what teens are thinking. Each age has its own challenges, but the teen years take the cake.
I encourage you to stay in conversation with your teen. They may not want you, but they don’t know that you are exactly what they need. Stay connected with your teen because as you all navigate these years, you will both be glad as you come out on the other side as your teen grows up and matures into their young adult years.
Parenting High Schoolers focuses on parenting through the teen years into adulthood. I share articles that are helpful to you. I also write about taking care of yourself as a mom and ideas to be a better friend, mother, and partner.
Here are my most popular posts:
Mom Self Care: Give Yourself The Gift of 4:15
Advice for Middle School Success
You have an 18 year old -get the facts about what’s legal!
7 Best books for parenting teens
5 tips: how to get ready for college
Best year round posts for parenting teens and tweens: 50+ Titles
I would love for you to follow me on Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram!


Do you feel alone as you try to parent through difficult issues? Are you struggling to figure out all the ins and outs of college prep? Of life prep? Of helping your teen to make big decisions? What about finding scholarships? Or learning how to drive or the ins and outs of dating relationships?

I will give your encouragement to take care of yourself in the midst of this messy place that we call life. I’d like to help you with some strategies to make things a little bit easier. I am not an expert, but I have made it through two teens, and have tried a lot of strategies, and have learned so much as I have researched different blog posts.
you may also like:
Cinco de Mayo With Teens Can Be So Fun! 31 Ways to Celebrate!
Cinco de Mayo means fifth of May. It is important for one area of Mexico, and has become a fun American tradition to...
49 Ideas for Teens at Valentine’s
Ideas for Teens at Valentine's Day Here is the thing about your teens. They might act all cool and aloof. But, here is...
Best Valentine’s Gifts to Give and Get For Teens
Valentine Fun! Valentine's Day can be such a fun time for teens. Even for teens that do not have a special "other...
11 Advent Calendars for Valentines Day -Your Teen Will Love These!
Advent calendars for Valentines Day are just fun! They are a hit at Christmas, so why not continue the fun for this...
25 Movies for Valentine’s Day: Movies About Love
Valentine's season is here, and it's a great time to watch some movies about love. These are not all about romantic...
Mom Self Care: Give Yourself The Gift of 4:15
I want to give you a gift. Actually, I want you to give yourself a gift, the gift of mom self care. Here are the...
Ideas For Parents in January: 10 Timely Tips
Ideas for Parents in January What I'm learning and loving in the month of January! I will talk about a few things that...
Ideas For Parents in December: 10 Timely Tips
Ideas for Parents in December Do you have tweens or teens? Here are some ideas for parents in December! I include...
Best Tools for Wrapping Gifts
Best Tools for Wrapping Gifts All year round, we have reasons to wrap gifts. Birthdays, holidays, babies are born,...
7 Helpful Ways to Help Your Student Prepare for Finals
Right now our students are super stressed with finals. Whether they have high school finals or college finals, doesn't...
Great Gifts For a Teenage Girl – 15 Brilliant Ideas!
Attention parents and grandparents of teenage girls, are you wondering what are good gifts for a teenage girl? Not...
Mom Time Out: 9 Easy Ways to Make This Happen
Taking a mom time out is easier than you may think! Let's get real for a minute... As moms we are the last person in...
Why Should I Shop On Amazon?: 17+ Great Deals!
Why Should I Shop On Amazon? This post answers the question, "Why should I shop on Amazon?" There are so many things...
Smart Parents in November: 10 Timely Wins
Smart Parents in November is a monthly post where I talk about a few things that I'm learning and loving in my life...
15 Best Gifts For Dad That a Teen Can Afford!
Father's Day and Dad's birthday can be tough. Here are the best gifts for Dad that a teen can afford, AND that Dad...
5 Steps to Avoid Losing Your Cool With Your Teen On Break!
My good friend Shannon Hale at www.skiptomylife.com has kindly written this guest post letting us know how to avoid...
25+ Advent Calendars That Teens Will Love!
"Advent calendars that teens will love" has been so much fun to write! I was wanting to write a new holiday post, and...
The Ultimate List of the Best Stocking Stuffers For Teens
Best Stocking Stuffers for Teens Are you looking for the best stocking stuffers for teens? This age can be...
7+ Best Gifts For A New Driver
Two of my boys have been driving for awhile, and our youngest just got his license! Want to talk about worry? I want...
10+ Great Games to Play with Your Teens
The quote below is so true, and I am going to help you out this season to find some really great games to play with...
Prepping Your Teen For Life Is Easier Than You Think
As you navigate the teenage years with your child, you move from the role of a supervisor to more of a mentor parent. You are prepping your child to be a successful adult themselves, so use conversations to ease the way forward.
Do not let your teen disconnect during these years! Use the tools I’ve created below to make your job easier during this time. In addition to these tools, I share information on my blog each month to help you on your journey with your teen. It takes a village, and I am thrilled to be here with you!

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Learn exactly what you need to talk about with your middle and high schoolers who are planning to go to college and why.
