Teens Talk About Rihanna and Chris Brown

Teens share dating advice and reflect upon the about Rihanna and Chris Brown. Recently Chris Brown was asked about hitting Rihanna when they dated and he reacted violently at the TV station.

Watch our advisors react when the story first broke.

Advantages vs. Responsibilities: Technology

One of the beauties of the modern world might just be the technological advantages. I don’t believe that’s the only beauty, but just think of the things it’s allowed people to do.  These advantages come in handy especially for those with a recent change.

For example, one of my best friends is moving eleven hours away next Saturday. What would I do to keep in touch with her other than “snail mail” (or writing letters) at a constant rate? One of the first things we promised each other is to text, call, Skype, Facebook chat, and message one another every day so the transition for both of us will go more smoothly.

What would I do to keep this pledge without technology?  Without the “gift of technology” there would be no way my friend and I would stay in touch. Luckily, these inventions will allow us to stay close, even while remaining across America.
But is it true that these advancements come with great responsibility? Of course, of course, of course. You’ve heard of all the disasters involved with these things. Texting has taken a nasty picture messaging turn. Facebook has leaked pictures, information, and rumors that have caused depression and suicide. Now I’m not trying to scare anyone out there- it’s the reality that everyone has to face in order to be prepared to deal with what happens.
What’s the best way to get rid of these hazards that deal with technology? The answer is pretty different for everyone if you’d go into detail, but I like to follow these three points:
1. Wait- there’s no rush to create a Facebook account, get a cellphone, or that new web-cam. These things should be treated as privileges, not rights, and the time you and your parents decide is the right time… well that’s the right time for you!
2. Be careful- sounds pretty open, right? Being careful means many things. I think the most important thing to be careful of, is watch what you put out there, it remains out there forever. Before doing something online or on your phone that you’d have any doubts about, carefully analyze what you’ll think about it next week, next year. Will it be the kind of thing that could possibly come back to haunt you?
3. Stick with your friends- you don’t have to be the 100% social butterfly technologically. Send messages and associate with the people you know in real life, which means you’ve met them in person.
Sounds like a lot? These are just some of the responsibilities that come with technology. With increasing free time over the summer, more girls will turn to these outlets. But to avoid all in general, make yourself busy! Reserve the minutes for your out of town friends- write a letter!  Just always keep the advantages and responsibilities that come with your devices.  PS…a new movie on Cyberbullying just came out.  Find out more here.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Do you ever feel that you’re just growing up too fast? Many girls feel this way, due to lots of outside elements, such as the media, pressure, and expectations. Teen girls just want the chance to kick back and be a kid again! And with all this free time during the summer, why not?

Friends, and the “outside world” could have an impact on why girls don’t just have more fun. We’re practically programmed to fear what everyone else thinks of us, and going to the zoo doesn’t always bode well for image.

That is, unless you don’t care about constantly meeting expectations- this should happen a lot more often. Think of all the missed opportunities, or things you’ve dreamed of doing again, but held yourself back due to the fact that you’re afraid of what people would think of you.

If your friends are the ones holding you back, find someone else to go to the park, or the zoo with. This doesn’t mean drop your old friends, just find some people that allow you to be yourself. Go to these places with younger siblings or relatives! They’re like built in best buds, always there for you no matter what, especially to do the things you both love!

So don’t be afraid to act like a kid again, it’s the best way to have the best time!

Secrets Girls Keep is now on Kindle!

Secrets Girls Keep is the ‘must read’ self help book for every teen girl! It is filled with stories and tips from other teen girls on every topic girls deal with from boys to friends to self image and even internet safety!

Secrets Girls Keep, written by the founder of Girls With Dreams, and a licensed clinical social work, Carrie Silver-Stock, is now available as an ebook and on Kindle, or wherever books are sold.

Here’s what others are saying!

When you buy Secrets Girls Keep for Kindle, make sure you visit our Special Giveaway page for more freebies from Carrie!!

Make New Friends

Studies have shown that girls throughout the world rely heavily on relationships. This makes sense, right? You call your friends when you need a laugh or a cry, you obsess over your crush, your family always comes in as a top priority. People are important to all of us.

So it makes sense that as we reach new places in our lives, we need to keep expanding our circles. What am I trying to say? Make new friends, but keep the old.

Camp is the perfect place to do just that. Grab an old pal and sign up for a day or sleepaway camp. Camp is a great chance to meet new people who share your interests. Last year, a group of friends and I went to a month-long sleepaway camp together. We knew a bunch of girls that had already gone, and we figured “Why not give them a chance, they could introduce us to friends from all over the country!” We walked out of that camp with friends from Washington D.C., Texas, Illinois, all over America, and even some from Israel! It was such a great experience — so great that we’re all going back this summer.

That is why girls rely so heavily on their friends. In a place where you’ve never been, such as a new sleepaway camp, it can be scary to think that you’re all alone. But the reality is, you’re surrounded by a bunch of potential friends.

Home is Where the Heart Is

I didn’t realize how much I missed my hometown until I got back here.

I didn’t realize that I missed the comfort of hitting that stoplight right before my house. I didn’t realize that I missed walking into the basement that was loaded up with my brother’s favorite cologne. I missed the local Fritz Frozen Custard stand and donut shop. Most of all, I sure missed my mom’s cooking.

Being home is incredible. My mom spoils me with home cooked meals every night. I just got my wisdom teeth removed and she’s babying me. I forgot how much I missed my mom and my family.

I forgot how good it felt to sleep in my own bed.

Being down in Busch Stadium today made me remember how lucky I am to live in STL and truly be HOME.

Teens and Sports? How Much Are You Willing to Risk?

I don’t really keep up with sports too much, but today I heard something about Albert Pujlos coming back after he broke his wrist. He recovered in two weeks. I started thinking about all the teens involved in sports that don’t give thier bodies’ enough time to recover. Some will even hide thier injuries. I understand that teenagers are pushed by coaches and parents to do thier best. However, playing with an injury jeopardizes your capability of being your best.
My bestfriend is a varsity cheerleader. She was really excited to be put on varsity when she was a sophomore last year. During a practice she fractured her ankle. She dealt with the pain untill the end of the season and ended up having to get surgery to fix the injury. Now, she is missing out on cheer camps and practices. This is one of many examples of what teens are doing in every highschool sport.
It’s one thing to be dedicated to your sport, but when you are risking your future health for your highschool cheerleading squad you’ve taken it a little too far. To be your best you have to keep your body in good shape. Playing with an injury or not allowing yourself time to heal could be detrimental to your physical capabilities for the rest of your life.  Do what’s best for your body and it will pay off in the end!

Have You Found Girls With Dreams on Facebook?

We want to hear from you! What is going on in your life? At school? With your friends? Family? Tell us your dreams…or your biggest worries…we’re here for you!

New Cyberbully Movie Airs Tonight

ABC premieres “Cyberbully” the movie tonight on it’s ABC Family Channel.  A real look at what teens face online, the movie follows Taylor, a young girl who has fallen victim to online bullying.

ABC has also teamed up with Seventeen magazine and put together many resources on the Cyberbully movie sight about digital drama and online bullying.  You can even take a poll and see the results about mean things happening online.

Let us know what you think about the new Cyberbully movie and how you’ve dealt with online bullying!