Marisue says:  "Both as a teacher and foster parent, I disovered that clothing 'makes the person' just as my mom and grandmother used to say.  Children are very affected by their clothing  and should be given choices at an early age.  Think of your own comfortable robe, baggy t-shirt or favorite house shoes.  We all know how teens [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook 
Teens Smoking 
Is your teen smoking? Are you wondering how can you stop or prevent your teen from smoking? There’s no sure way, but help can be found in many places. Be sure to expose your child to anti-smoking advertising campaigns. If you find a magazine ad that makes smoking look disgusting, cut it out and [...]

Manage Your Time 
by Sharon, A foster child facing a new school year in a new place
“I know, you would rather try to hang on to the summer life – lie in bed all day, eat cereal in front of the TV or computer, live at the mall. I get it. But, you know it’s going [...]

 by Marisue Alsobrook
Communicating with Teens
“Communicating with teens is the most important part of staying close to them during their critical years.  However, talking to teens can, at times, seem impossible on a good day.  If teens are troubled, conversation becomes practically non-existent, yet that’s when they need it the most.  But, how do we [...]

by Marisue Alsobrook
Troubled Teens are one of the biggest challenges in families today and even more so in foster families.  When I look back at our hardest and even worst days as a foster parent, I’m looking right into the eyes of troubled teens.  Not only are they hard to deal with, they can have a [...]

Teens and Drugs 
“Sneaky behavior is nothing to laugh about.  I’m not trying to make light of a serious situation, but take a deep breath, relax your shoulders, muster a small smile, and say to yourself “I can do something that will make this better” 10 times.” 
Police Action 
Being a police officer and foster parent at the [...]