If you need to communicate with your teenager, look for the right time. Pay attention to when your teen seems relaxed and receptive. Make a habit of talking regularly during those times to keep communication in your home open. It may take some trial and error to figure out when he is most talkative. He may be more quiet when you pick him up from soccer practice, but get chattier after dinner. Whether you're a parent or a teen yourself, remember teenage boys may be private about certain things. They may also be sensitive about some topics. Instead of asking questions directly, learn to ask open-ended questions. This will allow a teenage boy to share information at his own discretion.  Instead of asking, "Are you excited about the school dance?" try "How are you feeling about the dance? Do you think you feel comfortable going?" If he gives short responses, this may not be a subject he wishes to discuss. Try to find what he does enjoy talking about, like his hobbies and interests. yourself when necessary. If you are a teenage girl, it's important you stand up for yourself when necessary. If a teenage boy is frequently teasing you to the point you feel uncomfortable, it is within your right to let him know his behavior is not acceptable.  It is okay to express your emotions to boys. If a boy is making you feel uncomfortable, say so clearly. Say something if a boy is bothering you, such as, "I don't like it when you comment on my body. It makes me feel uncomfortable." If teasing doesn't stop, ask an adult for help. Teenagers may suffer from things like depression, anxiety, and other emotional issues. While a certain amount of mood swings are normal, if a teenager seems very unhappy or angry, you should seek the help of a therapist. Warning signs of a mental health issue include:  Difficulty concentrating A sudden drop in grades Weight loss or gain Lack of motivation Difficulty sleeping Fatigue
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One-sentence summary -- Find the right times to talk. Ask open-ended questions. Assert Seek professional help in some cases.


If you are able to see the object blocking the airway and the vet advises you to do so, attempt to remove the obstruction gently.  Only attempt to remove the obstruction if you can clearly see and grasp it and your dog is not frantic. You risk lodging the object in even deeper if you accidentally push it without being able to see it.  If the dog is frantic, you risk being bitten badly. Go immediately to an emergency vet or animal hospital instead. Gravity can help your dog dislodge an obstruction. To help, you will have to hold the dog upside down and try to shake the object loose.  Pick up a small or medium dog by its hind legs. Hold the dog upside down and try to shake the object out of its mouth with the benefit of gravity.  You won't be able to hold a larger dog upside down, so instead keep the front paws on the ground and lift up its hind legs (in the same manner as holding a wheelbarrow) and tilt the dog forward. If you can't help your dog dislodge the object by tilting your dog forward, you can forcefully strike its back to help dislodge the choking hazard.  Using the heel of your hand, deliver 4-5 sharp blows on the dog between the shoulder blades. Take care not to use excessive force with small dogs, as there is a risk of fracturing ribs, which itself can be life-threatening if a broken rib punctures a lung.  If this does not work initially, try once more. Because you can easily injure your dog using this maneuver, use it ONLY when all other options have been exhausted.  Only start the Heimlich maneuver if you can be sure your dog is choking on an object.   Place your arm around the dog's waist. Ensure that your dog's head points down, as gravity will help the object dislodge as you perform the procedure. Make sure your hold on the dog is firm, but not too tight. It is a good idea to have someone help you scruff the dog while you do this. It will help keep the dog steady and can restrain a frantic animal.   Form a fist and bring your other hand around and cover your fist with it. Your two-handed fist should be placed on the soft spot just under the ribcage. The size of the dog will affect the exact positioning of your hands. If you have a small- to medium-sized dog, you will want to use 2 fingers rather than a fist (still using the same amount of force) so you do not damage your dog's ribcage.   Quickly and firmly give 3-5 thrusts inwards and upwards. Repeat in sets of 3-5 thrusts up to 3-4 times. Take care not to use excessive force as you could crack ribs or rupture the spleen.
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One-sentence summary -- Grasp the obstruction with pliers or tweezers. Help your dog to dislodge the obstruction. Use back blows. Consider performing the Heimlich maneuver.


Either use cupcake papers or grease. Whisk lightly. Whisk to blend. Set aside. Mix well to combine. Mix through. Mix thoroughly. If using an electric mixer, use medium-high but no higher, as the green mixture can stain if it lands anywhere.  The cake is ready when a skewer inserted into the cake comes out clean. Use a frosting or icing that is green. Green cream cheese frosting is the best for these cupcakes.
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One-sentence summary --
Preheat the oven to 350ºF/180ºC. Prepare the muffin tin or cupcake pans. Break the eggs into the mixing bowl. Pour the remaining liquid ingredients into the whisked egg mixture. In another mixing bowl, pour the dry ingredients. Add the green food coloring to the wet mixture. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Pour the batter into the cupcake papers or muffin tin holes. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Frost. Decorate with green sugar, green sprinkles or green edible decorations, such as sugar shamrock shapes or little edible pots of gold.