The first time I lay my eyes on  Paris Goes To Los Angeles, I was already attracted to the colourful and cute illustrations. I cannot emphasize enough the importance  of attractive illustrations when it comes to children’s books as it helps increase their attention span. 15 year old author, Jenna Conwisar writes about Paris and her sisters who went exploring in Southern California while attending Uncle Phil’s birthday with her cousins.

The story is pretty short and simple to understand. Paris and the twins’ journey include visiting Hearst Castle, Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, San Diego Zoo and many more interesting places. For those who have never been to LA, this book could even be used as a travel guide! You will surely not run out of ideas on where to bring the kids exploring the next time you visit LA.

Paris Goes To Los Angeles is the 6th book in the My Friend Paris series. You can check out the other titles here.

Disclosure :  The above ebook is courtesy of New Year Publishing. However, I was not compensated for this book review and all opinions expressed are solely my own.

The list is virtually endless when it comes to adolescent or the ‘tween years’ behavior problems. If a parent thought the ‘terrible twos’ were difficult, stand by, you ‘aint’ seen nothing yet! The difference is that the two year old is trying to exert individuality and self awareness, but where adolescent behavior problems may indicate a much deeper problem.

These teens are experiencing a huge amount of growth in every way. This includes physical changes, emotional changes and changes in moral attitudes and beliefs. The confusion can be very disturbing for this age child and it will manifest itself in true behavioral problems. As the teen begins to develop their own ideals and beliefs, it will often bring rise to periods of huge conflict between them and their parents. The teen is trying to break out and begin to determine exactly who he is and how he is different or what makes him a distinct individual.

Try to keep the line of communication open. Remember when it happened to you and what you would have liked from your parents. Help them to understand that what is going on with their bodies and their minds is normal. Help them to understand that they are starting to feel different mood changes such as sadness and that you will always be there to listen to them no matter what they are feeling inside.

This age group will constantly be pushing their parent’s buttons so to choose your battles with care. The tests will come fast and furiously from your teen and if you battle them at every crossroads, for instance you don’t like their clothes choices but you can live with it. However, you will have to set expectations, rules and guidelines when it comes to sex, drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Look at what truly matters and determine what thing deserves upheaval.

One thing that will embarrass us most as parents is to be out in public and hear our little angel cursing. The first thought that comes to mind is ‘where on earth did he/she learn that’? Parents often let a curse word slip when angry, the television offers a plethora of curse words and people outside the home often use foul language in public because they simple do not care about who hears them or what impact it has on ‘little ears’.

If a child uses a curse word, the parent has to remain calm and not allow the child to know they can elicit a response from people, mostly their parents, if they blurt one out. Remaining calm and exhibiting no response will show the child it really is not a big deal so why bother with it. The biggest reward a child can get when they curse is to have someone laugh at them or give them the attention they are seeking.

Do not expect any behavior from your child that you are not willing to enforce on yourself. Do not use the words in your home and your child will most likely follow your behavior. Children do not make these words up on their own accord. Someone somewhere had to model the words for them.

Some parents will use a positive reinforcement plan which will result in a positive consequence when cursing is not used. Perhaps there is something the child would like to do and if no cursing has been used, they will be rewarded with this activity. Some parents will use negative consequences only and let the child know under no circumstances will this behavior be allowed at anytime and if they do it there will be immediate punishment.