Teens want freedom - being dynamic parents who know that freedom can lead to independent thinking and responsible doing, we want our teens to have freedom. The big 'but' is that we need to keep our teens safe at the same time. Not an easy task when your teen has access to the entire world from the family room. But it is doable. Read this article to learn how.

Related Resources

• 3 Things Parents Need to Tell Their Blogging Teens
• What Parents Need To Know About Teens and Internet Usage
• Parenting Poll: How often do you check your teen's email?
• Social Networking Safety Guidelines - Yea or Nay?

These winter activities for teens can be done individually, with friends or with the whole family. Each week has four different types of teen winter activities: Make This (Recipe), Craft This, Learn How and Get Out and Go! Each activity idea is fun for your teen.

A study published online in the journal Psychological Services states 'Blogging may have psychological benefits for teens suffering from social anxiety, improving their self-esteem and helping them relate better to their friends'. The study was conducted on a total of 161 students -124 girls and 37 boys, with an average age of 15. They were selected because their scores on the survey showed they all had some level of social anxiety or distress. All the teens reported difficulty making friends or relating to the friends they had. After blogging at least twice a week for 10 weeks, self-esteem, social anxiety, emotional distress and the number of positive social behaviors improved significantly for the bloggers when compared to the teens who did nothing and those who wrote private diaries.

I can see this as it is easier to connect to people online and if you are able to avoid the negative - like cyberbullies. There is a lot to be gained in confidence levels by the positives of social networking. I'm glad the study was done and I'm hoping to see more like them.

Asking our parenting teens community: What did you think of the study? Does your teen blog? Do you feel they are happier and more connected to their peers because of it? Please share in the comments area.

More: Social and Emotional Development Teens Ages 13 - 18 | How To Oversee Your Teen's Blog or Social Networking Page

Your Defiant Teen: 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Rebuild Your Relationship by Russell A. Barkley PhD ABPP ABCN and Arthur L. Robin PhD is a practical book with common sense ideas that are easy to read and understand how to use with your struggling teen. If you feel like you're at your wits' end and don't know where to turn, try this book. Read more: Book Review Your Defiant Teen 10 Steps to Resolve Conflict and Rebuild Your Relationship.