Summarize the following:
Most moody teens are simply struggling with the many changes they are experiencing in their lives.  Occasionally, however, teens experience more serious anger.  If you recognize any of these signs of dangerous anger, immediately contact a mental health professional:  Cries for help -- statements that your child intends to do some sort of harm. Extreme identification with one group or affiliation.  If your teen expresses a desire to “go to war” with other groups, he’s crossed the border into dangerous thinking. Complete lack of communication.  It’s normal to struggle to communicate well with your teenage child, but the situation has become dangerous if your child stops talking to you or her peers altogether.  This is a sign of serious alienation. Violence.  Pay attention to behaviors such as hitting or vandalism, as these behaviors can escalate. Dropping out, not only from school but from activities your child formerly enjoyed.  It’s one thing for your child to reach high school and decide he’s tired of playing soccer, but a teenager who stops identifying with others altogether may become capable of doing them harm. Substance abuse, especially combined with any of the above behaviors.  Remember that substance abuse can include misuse of common household items such as “sniffing” glue or stealing prescription drugs from your medicine cabinet. Watch for the following signs that your child needs treatment for depression:  A depressed mood or feelings of sadness most of the time. Near-total lack of energy. Lack of interest or motivation. An inability to enjoy activities that he used to enjoy. Withdrawal from family or friends. Feelings of anger, irritability, or anxiety. An inability to concentrate. Significant changes in weight (loss or gain). Significant changes in sleep patterns, from insomnia to sleeping all the time. Feelings of guilt or lack of worth. Thoughts of death or suicide. Failing grades at school. The form of action you take will depend upon the gravity of your concerns.  If you’re concerned your child is engaging in destructive behavior short of dangerous anger or depression, approach her with information rather than a challenge.  Provide literature and Web links.  Doing so demonstrates respect and regard for his ability to make better decisions in the future.  If you are concerned your child may be a danger to herself or others, seek help immediately.  Contact your doctor, a mental health professional, or your child’s school counselor.

summary: Learn to differentiate moody behavior from dangerous anger. Recognize when your child is suffering from depression. Take action when you have serious concerns.


Summarize the following:
If your bed is messy and unkept, your room will look dirty. However, if your bed is neatly made, your room will look much tidier. Make this a habit by making your bed every morning when you wake up. Wash your bedding every one or two weeks. If you sweat a lot while you sleep, you may need to wash it more frequently. If your kitchen counters get cluttered and dirty, your whole kitchen will look dirty. First, clear away any ingredients or tools immediately after you use them. Next, wipe the counters down with a damp paper towel to remove any food debris from the surface. Don’t let liquids or wet foods dry onto the counter. They are harder to clean and may damage the counter’s finish. If you have a stack of bills by the door or a pile of books next to the bed, you can arrange them into a neat pile. A neat pile will instantly make the room look much more organized. While you’re tidying the stack of clutter, see if there’s anything you can throw away. The less clutter you have, the easier it is to clean your house.

summary: Make your bed every morning. Keep your kitchen counters clean. Arrange clutter into neat piles.


Summarize the following:
This is especially important if your hair has been under the thread for more than a few weeks. First, comb out your hair thoroughly, as it may have become knotted during the unbraiding process. Then, wash, condition, and dry your hair as normal.
summary: Wash your undone hair.