Talking for a long time can seem like a lecture to your teen, so try not to make lengthy comments or offer extensive advice to your teen. Instead, try to keep your comments short and to the point. For example, if your teen wants to know why they can’t have a later curfew, you might say something like, “I know that you enjoy spending time with your friends, but 10pm is the curfew that we agreed on because you have obligations in the morning, and because I worry about you driving late at night. We can discuss a later curfew in a few months, but right now I think we should stick with the curfew that we agreed on.” Finding ways to help your teen see themselves as part of a team may also help to improve communication. You can create a team narrative by telling stories about an injustice or major obstacle that someone in your family overcame, such as coming back from a job loss or standing up to someone. You can also use projects to get your teen to engage with the family. For example, you can involve your teen in redecorating the family room, putting together a scrapbook, or planning a family vacation. While it is not a good idea to follow your teen’s every move on social media, you may be able to use social media to connect with your teen now and then. For example, you might share a news story that you know would be interesting to your teen on your teen’s Facebook wall, or respond to an Instagram photo that your teen posted. Find out what social media outlets your teen uses most often and look for occasional opportunities to engage with your teen through these outlets.  Don’t involve yourself in online conversations that your teen is having with her friends. Don’t use social media as a way to spy on your teen. Teens are in transition from childhood to adulthood and they require more privacy than they once did. When you talk with your teen, avoid prying into your teen’s personal life, especially if your teen seems reluctant to share something.  For example, if your teen goes on a date, don’t request a play-by-play description of the evening. You might simply say something like, “They seemed like a nice person. I hope you had a fun evening.”
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One-sentence summary -- Keep comments brief. Create a team narrative. Use technology to engage your teen. Respect your teen’s privacy.


Try to remember what happened at the moment that you were injured. This may be difficult, especially if you are in a great deal of pain. However, your experience at the moment of injury may provide clues.  How fast were you moving? If you were moving at a very high speed (e.g., skiing or running at top speed), there is a chance your injury is a bone fracture. This will require professional medical attention. A lower speed injury (e.g., rolling your ankle while jogging or walking) is more likely a sprain that may heal on its own with proper care. Did you feel a tearing sensation? In many cases you will, in the case of a sprain.  Was there a popping or snapping sound? This can occur with a sprain. It is also common with a bone fracture. In the case of a sprain, your ankle will become swollen, usually immediately. Examine your ankles side-by-side to see if the injured one looks larger. Pain and swelling will usually occur in ankle sprain or fracture. Foot or ankle deformity and unbearable pain usually indicate ankle fractures. Make sure to use crutches and go to your doctor immediately. A sprain also often causes bruising. Examine the ankle for signs of discoloration resulting from bruises. A sprained ankle will often feel tender. Gently touch the injured area with your fingers to see if it is painful to the touch. Stand up and gently put some weight on the injured ankle. If it is painful to put weight on the ankle, it could be sprained or fractured. Get medical attention immediately and use crutches.  Feel for a "wobbliness" in the ankle. A sprained ankle often feels loose or unstable.  In the case of a severe sprain, you may not be able to put any weight on the ankle at all, or use that foot to stand. Doing so will cause too much pain. Use crutches and seek medical attention immediately.
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One-sentence summary -- Recall the moment of injury. Look for swelling. Look for bruising. Feel for tenderness. Put weight gently on the ankle.


With a fresh cloth, wipe away the mineral spirits and the shavings created by the steel wool. The stain should be completely gone by now. Proceed with refinishing the piece if needed. If not, protect the finish by waxing or polishing it as soon as possible.
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One-sentence summary --
Clean up the surface.