Child Growth

How to help your teen be a good person

by
Teen

You want the best for your teen, right? You want to empower them to become responsible and caring adults. The teen years can be challenging, but also full of opportunity. As parents, our role is to guide them through all the changes and help them learn life skills to prepare for independence.

The truth is, the best way we can help shape our teens into good people is by being good role models ourselves. Our words and actions have a bigger impact than we realize.

When we show them how to treat others with kindness, empathy and respect, they learn from our example. The coming years will fly by, so make the most of this time with your teen.

Get involved in their passions and interests. Keep the lines of communication open. Set clear rules and reasonable consequences. Give them opportunities to make choices and learn from their mistakes. With your support and encouragement, your teen can build a strong foundation for becoming a caring, responsible and good person. The future is bright!

Be a Positive Role Model – Lead by Example to Encourage Good Choices For your Teen

As a parent, you have the biggest influence over the person your teen becomes. Lead by example through your own positive choices and actions.

Teen good behavior.

How you handle teen challenges, treat people, and talk about others says a lot. Make sure your words and actions align with the kind of character you want to see in your teen. Show them how to be kind, courteous and respectful in all situations.

Discuss your values.

Have open conversations about the values and morals that are important to your family. Explain why certain choices are right or wrong. Set clear rules and reasonable consequences when those values are not upheld. Be fair and follow through with discipline when needed.

Praise their efforts.

Provide positive reinforcement like verbal praise, rewards and quality time together when you notice your teen making good decisions or progressing in a positive direction. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and the person they are becoming.

Find shared interests.

Bonding over shared interests, hobbies and passions is a great way to stay connected with your teen. Support them in the activities they care about. Attend their events. Ask them questions and listen when they talk about things that excite them. Strengthening your connection will make them more open to your guidance.

Set a curfew and monitor activity of your teen.

  • Be actively involved in your teen’s life by setting clear rules around curfew, monitoring where they go and who they spend time with. Get to know their friends and the friends’ parents. Make your home a welcoming place for their friends to hang out. Staying on top of their activity and whereabouts will help ensure they avoid negative influences and make good choices.
  • With patience, understanding and the right approach, you can empower your teen to build positive character and make choices that shape them into responsible, caring adults. But it starts with you – be the role model they need.

Maintain Open Communication – Create a Judgment Free Zone for Honest Discussions With Teen

To stay close with your teen, make communication a top priority. Create an open environment where they feel comfortable coming to you about anything, without fear of judgment.

Have daily check-ins

Take time each day to catch up with your teen and see how they’re doing. Ask open-ended questions about their friends, activities, classes, and interests to start meaningful conversations. Show interest in the things they care about. Even quick chats can help build trust and bonding.

Be fully present when talking

When your teen does want to open up, give them your full attention. Make eye contact, listen without distraction, and be genuinely curious. Repeat back what they said to confirm you understand them. Your teen will appreciate your focus and it will encourage them to keep sharing.

Address issues together

If problems arise, tackle them as a team. Have compassion for your teen and try to see the issue from their perspective. Come up with solutions and compromises together, rather than dictating rules. Your teen will learn problem-solving skills and that you support them, even when times get tough.

Share your experiences too

While it’s important to listen to your teen, also open up about your life. Talk about your interests, friends, challenges you face, and the lessons you’ve learned over the years. Sharing your experiences can help build closeness and allow your teen to see you as a real person, not just a parent. Maintaining open communication and creating a judgment-free zone at home will help ensure your teen feels comfortable coming to you for guidance and support. Make the time to strengthen your connection – it will benefit you both for years to come.

Help Them Discover Their Passions – Support Their Interests to Build Confidence and Responsibility

Help Them Discover Their Passions – Support Their Interests to Build Confidence and Responsibility
  • Encouraging your teen to explore and pursue their interests is one of the best ways to help them develop life skills and a sense of responsibility. When teens have passions and hobbies they care about, it gives them motivation and helps build confidence from gaining knowledge and experience.
  • As a parent, help facilitate your teen discovering what sparks their curiosity and excites them. Expose them to a variety of activities, clubs, volunteering opportunities and subjects to help them uncover hidden talents or interests. If they show interest in something, offer to help them get more involved by finding local programs or events related to that interest or hobby. Give them opportunities to gain valuable skills through their interests, whether it’s learning to code by building an app, developing public speaking skills in a debate club or gaining mechanical skills by rebuilding a car engine.
  • Support your teen fully in pursuing their interests and passions. Help them set goals to work towards and praise their efforts and achievements. Attend their events and competitions when you’re able. Encourage them to take on more responsibility in their interest or hobby over time. Help them see how their passion can translate into a career path or college opportunities. Having your guidance and involvement will make the experience even more meaningful and help strengthen your bond.
  • Passions give teens purpose and motivation, as well as a sense of independence and freedom. Helping your teen discover and pursue their interests will empower them with life skills that build confidence from gaining valuable knowledge and experience. With your support and encouragement, their interests can shape them into responsible and well-rounded individuals.

Teach Important Life Skills – Budgeting, Cooking, Laundry, Etc. Set Them Up for Adulthood

Teaching your teen important life skills now will set them up for success as an adult. Focus on budgeting, cooking, doing laundry, and other daily tasks they’ll face on their own.

Budgeting

Have your teen do research to compare phone plans, car insurance, rent costs in your area, and other expenses they’ll soon take over. Show them how to track income, pay bills, and spend within a budget. Give them opportunities to budget for their own expenses to gain real-world experience.

Cooking

Teach your teen some simple, nutritious recipes they can make on their own. Walk them through grocery shopping, meal prep, and cleaning up after cooking. Start with basics like pasta, rice and beans, omelets, and sandwiches. Have them cook 1-2 meals each week to build confidence in the kitchen.

Laundry

Demonstrate how to properly wash and dry clothes, as well as how often different items need cleaning. Have them start doing their own laundry each week, with you available to answer questions as they learn. Show them how to pretreat stains, sort clothes, choose proper settings, and fold or hang clothes after drying.

Other Skills

Additional life skills to focus on include

  • -Time management: Help them create schedules and to-do lists. Have them estimate how long tasks will take.
  • -Problem-solving: Discuss possible solutions to common issues they may face like disputes with roommates, job or relationship problems. Help them think through pros and cons.
  • -Communication: Practice active listening, sharing feelings in a constructive way, and resolving conflicts respectfully. Set a good example with your own communication.
  • Giving your teen opportunities to learn and practice these life skills with your guidance will build their confidence and independence, setting them up for success on their own. Make yourself available to answer their questions without judgment as they stumble or struggle. Your support and patience through the learning process will empower them to become responsible adults.

Involve Them in the Community – Volunteerism Teaches Empathy and Builds Character

  • Volunteering in your local community is one of the best ways for teens to develop empathy, build character, and become responsible citizens. As a teen, volunteering opens you up to new experiences and exposes you to people from all walks of life. It helps build compassion and understanding for others.
  • Look for volunteer opportunities that match your teen’s interests and passions. If they love animals, suggest volunteering at an animal shelter. If they enjoy working with kids, volunteering at a children’s hospital or tutoring program is a great option. There are many places that would appreciate teen volunteers like food banks, homeless shelters, parks and recreation centers, places of worship, museums, and more.
  • As a parent, encourage your teen to make a regular commitment to a volunteer role. Having a set schedule helps them develop discipline and accountability. Praise their efforts and the positive impact they are making. Share stories of people who have been helped or lives that have been changed. This reinforcement will motivate them to continue and inspire them to take on more responsibility.
  • Volunteering also provides valuable work experience that will benefit them for college applications and future jobs. They can discover hidden talents and interests, all while strengthening their time management, communication, and problem-solving skills in a real-world setting. Guide your teen to reflect on their experiences through discussions or journaling. Help them articulate the skills and lessons they are gaining from their volunteer work.
  • When teens give back to the community, it cultivates a sense of purpose and helps shape them into caring, empathetic, and principled young adults. Make volunteering a family affair and set an example through your own participation in local causes you care about. Raising children who contribute value to society in a positive way is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Get started today!

Conclusion

So there you have it, parents. Some tips to help your teen become a good person with a strong moral compass. It may seem like a challenging road ahead, but with your guidance, support, and by leading by example, you’ve totally got this. Stay involved in their lives, have real conversations, give them opportunities to make choices and learn from their mistakes. Help them pursue their passions and support their interests. Most of all, express your belief in them and your confidence that they can become caring, principled, responsible adults. With your help, the future is theirs to shape. You’ve raised them well so far, now empower them to use that foundation to go out and make a positive difference in the world.

So you want to be a sound designer or voice over artist

by
voice

Hey there, sounds like you’ve got your sights set on a career as a sound designer or voice actor. That’s awesome! The world of voice-over is an exciting one with so many opportunities these days in film, television, audiobooks, animation, video games, and beyond. Whether you dream of doing character voices for cartoons, recording audiobooks in your home studio, or designing unique sounds for the latest action-packed video game, this could be a rewarding career path for you. The key is getting the right training to hone your craft and make valuable industry connections. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know to get started as a professional voice actor, from finding the best voiceover schools and online courses to acing your first audition and building your demo reel. If you’ve got talent, passion, and persistence, a successful career as a sound design or voice over artist could be within your reach. Let’s dive in!

Becoming a Professional Voice Actor: Essential Skills and Training

To become a professional voice actor, you need to develop certain skills and complete proper training.

Learn Proper Technique

The foundation of voice acting is vocal technique. Study breath support, vocal projection, and mic technique. Take classes on commercial, animation, and audiobook voicing. Work with a voice coach who can give you feedback on your reads and help you improve.

Build Your Demo Reel

A demo reel showcases your abilities to prospective clients. Start with a commercial demo, then add animation, audiobook, and promo demos as your skills improve. Your demos should feature a variety of reads in different styles, tones, and genres. Update your demos every 6-12 months to demonstrate your progress.

Gain Experience

Look for opportunities to gain experience, like interning at a recording studio, volunteering to read for LibriVox, or participating in crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter or Indiegogo. Reach out to independent creators making short films, animations, video games, or podcasts and offer to provide voiceover work for their projects to build up your credits.

Consider Certification

While not always required, certifications from organizations like VASTA (Voice and Speech Trainers Association) or SOVAS (Society of Voice Arts and Sciences) can help establish your credibility. They also provide additional training and networking opportunities.

With hard work and persistence, you can develop a successful career as a professional voice actor. But remember, it takes continuous practice and dedication to your craft to reach the top of this competitive field. Stay passionate, keep learning, and don’t give up. The opportunities are out there if you have the skills and talent to seize them.

How to Prepare for a Voice Acting Audition and Book Gigs

So you want to break into the exciting world of voice acting? There are a few key things you’ll need to prepare for auditions and land those first big gigs.

Research the role

Do your homework and learn as much as you can about the character, project, and company. Understand the tone, traits, and style they’re looking for so you can deliver an authentic performance. Check the audition listing for any scripts or sides to practice ahead of time.

Prepare and practice

Once you have the details of the role down, practice! Run through the copy multiple times while visualizing the scene and character. Record yourself and play it back to identify any areas that could use improvement. Get comfortable with the material so you can focus on your performance during the actual audition.

Choose your equipment

Invest in a high-quality microphone to capture your voice clearly. Condenser mics are popular for voice acting. You’ll also want a digital audio workstation (DAW) to record, edit and mix your audio files. Many voice actors use programs like Audacity, Adobe Audition or Pro Tools.

Promote yourself

Build your online presence to help you find and book more work. Start a website to showcase your demo reels, headshots, and credentials. Be active on networks like Voices.com, Voice123 and Voice Bunny. And don’t forget social media! Engaging with followers on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn can lead to new opportunities.

With the right preparation and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to landing voice acting roles and establishing a successful career. Now get out there and let your voice be heard!

Voice Acting Techniques: Breathing, Enunciation, and Vocal Control

To become a professional voice actor, you’ll need to master some essential techniques. Developing vocal control and learning proper breathing and enunciation are the fundamentals of voice acting.

Breathing

Take deep breaths from your diaphragm to give your voice power and help you speak clearly. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, keeping your chest open. Practice breath control by taking a deep breath and speaking a short phrase like “one, two, three” on a single exhale. Work your way up to full sentences and longer passages.

Enunciation

Pronounce each word carefully by articulating with your lips, teeth and tongue. Pay attention to endings like “-ed” and “-s”. Practice tongue twisters to improve clarity and avoid slurring words together. Record yourself and listen back to identify any lazy speech patterns. Crisp, precise enunciation is key.

Vocal Control

Learn to project confidence and modify your tone, pace, pitch and volume. Speak with energy and enthusiasm. Raise and lower your pitch for emphasis. Speed up or slow down your speaking rate when appropriate. Increase your volume for animated characters or decrease for mysterious ones. With regular practice, you can strengthen and extend your vocal range.

Other useful skills include:

•Accents and Dialects: Study and imitate different accents to expand your repertoire.

•Improvisation: Think on your feet and ad lib lines spontaneously.

•Script Analysis: Interpret the tone, themes, and character motivations to deliver an authentic performance.

•Acting Techniques: Apply skills like emotional recall and sensory memory to connect with your character.

With diligent practice of these techniques, you’ll gain complete control and mastery over your voice. You’ll be able to manipulate tone, pace, pitch, and volume to portray a wide range of characters and bring scripts to life. That’s the mark of a true professional voice actor.

Sound Design for Voiceovers: Editing, Mixing, Effects, and More

As a voice actor, an important skill to develop is sound design. This includes editing and mixing your audio recordings to improve the overall quality and impact. With some training, you can take your work to the next level by adding effects and making your own custom backgrounds and soundscapes.

Editing

After recording your voiceover, listen back to identify any areas that need improvement. You may need to re-record certain lines or even entire sections. Edit out any long pauses, stumbles or background noises. Use fade ins and outs to smoothly transition between edits. Basic editing tools allow you to splice, cut, paste and adjust the timing of audio clips.

Mixing

Mixing is balancing the levels of multiple audio tracks to create a cohesive final product. For voiceovers, you’ll normally just be working with a single voice track, but you can also add background music or ambient noise. Use volume sliders to set relative levels for each component. Add EQ, compression or reverb effects to polish the overall sound.

Effects

Voice effects can dramatically transform your recordings. Pitch shifting alters the tone of your voice. Flanging creates a metallic, swirling effect. Echo adds dimension by replicating your voice. Distortion roughs up the sound for a grittier tone. These effects are great for creature voices, futuristic bots and more.

Soundscapes

If your voiceover calls for it, you can design a full soundscape. Add atmospheric tones like wind, engines or crowds. Spot effects like door slams, button pushes or footsteps help bring a scene to life. Ambient loops create ongoing background textures. Layer multiple tracks for environments that feel open and expansive.

With practice, you’ll get comfortable recording, editing and mixing your own professional-quality voiceovers. Developing skills in sound design allows you to not just read copy, but actually help craft the mood and tone of what you’re voicing. You’ll open up more opportunities and increase your value as a voice actor.

Launching Your Voiceover Career: Agents, Demos, Marketing, and Going Pro

Once you’ve honed your craft and built up your experience, it’s time to take the next step and launch your professional voiceover career. This means finding representation, creating a demo reel, and marketing your services.

Agents and Managers

To gain access to higher-paying jobs, consider signing with a voiceover agent or manager. They will help you find auditions and negotiate contracts while taking a percentage of your earnings. Do research to find reputable agencies that represent voice actors. You’ll need to submit an audition to be considered for their roster.

Demo Reels

A demo reel showcases your abilities to potential clients. Work with a professional to record short samples of your voice in different styles. Include spots for commercials, audiobooks, documentaries, and more. Your reel should be high-quality and 60 to 90 seconds in length. Update it every few years to reflect your ongoing experience.

Marketing

Don’t rely solely on your agent to find work. Promote yourself by building a professional website to highlight your credits and share your demo. Start a mailing list and social media profiles dedicated to your voiceover business. Network at industry events and reach out to contacts at recording studios, production companies, and advertising agencies. Consider joining relevant professional organizations.

Going Pro

Once you start booking regular, paid work through your agent or self-marketing efforts, you can consider yourself a professional voice actor. Continue gaining experience, improve your skills, keep your demos up to date, and maintain your marketing. Over time, you can increase your rates and land bigger, higher-paying jobs. With dedication, you’ll establish a successful career as a voiceover artist.

The key is persistence and continuous effort. Launching a freelance career takes time and there will be ups and downs. But with passion for your craft, the right skills, and smart business practices, you can achieve your goal of becoming a professional, working voice actor. Stay determined and don’t give up!

Conclusion

So now you’ve got the tools, the talent, and the training. It’s time to get out there and start auditioning. Remember, rejection is part of the game, so develop a thick skin and don’t get discouraged. With hard work and persistence, you’ll book your first job. Then another, and another. Before you know it, you’ll be living the dream as a professional voice actor. Who knows, you may even end up with your own sound studio and a roster of clients. The possibilities are endless if you have the passion and dedication. Now go make some noise! The world of voice acting is yours for the taking. Break a mic!

When Life Sucks: A Conversation with Psychiatrist and Comedian Dr. Jo Prendergast

by
Dr. Jo Prendergast

Hello there! Life can be tricky, especially when you’re a teenager facing common mental health challenges. That’s why it’s essential to have someone like Dr. Jo Prendergast by your side. She’s not your usual doctor or comedian – she’s both! Let’s dive into her world, learn how she helps teens, and get a sneak peek at her upcoming comedy show. So, grab a seat and let’s explore the ups and downs of life together!

Meet Dr. Jo Prendergast: The Funny Doctor

Before we go any further, let’s get to know Dr. Jo Prendergast a little better. She’s a special person who does two very different jobs – she’s a doctor who helps people with their feelings and a comedian who makes people laugh.

“Life Sucks” – Why It’s a Must-Read

Dr. Jo wrote a book called “Life Sucks: A First-Aid Manual for Supporting Your Teen.” In this book, she talks about the problems that lots of teenagers have and how parents can help. It’s like having a guidebook for when life gets tough!

Why “Life Sucks” Is Important

Being a teenager can be confusing and hard. You have school, friends, and other stuff to deal with. “Life Sucks” helps parents understand what’s going on with their teens and gives them useful tips to make things better.

A Chat with Dr. Jo Prendergast, the Author

Let’s have a chat with Dr. Jo herself to find out more about her book and what it’s all about.

Q: Dr. Jo, why did you decide to write “Life Sucks”?

A: Well, I saw lots of parents who were struggling to help their teenagers. They didn’t know what to do, and I wanted to help them. So, I wrote “Life Sucks” to give parents some good advice and make them smile a bit too.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about what’s inside your book?

A: Sure thing! “Life Sucks” covers lots of things like feeling worried or sad, dealing with the challenges of being a teenager, and more. I added real stories, practical tips, and even some jokes to make it easier to read. It’s like a guidebook for parents to help their teens through tough times.

Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health

One of the most important parts of “Life Sucks” is how to help your teenager with their feelings. Let’s take a closer look at what Dr. Jo suggests.

Practical Tips for Parents

Dr. Jo will share some useful ideas to help you understand if your teen is feeling down and how you can support them. Think of it like a first-aid kit for parents!

An Expert’s Take on Tough Times

As a doctor and comedian, Dr. Jo has a special way of explaining things. She’ll help you understand what’s happening in your teen’s life and how you can be a cool and supportive parent.

Dr. Jo’s Comedy Side: Meet Jo Ghastly

Apart from being a doctor and author, Dr. Jo is also known as Jo Ghastly when she’s doing comedy. She’ll perform her award-winning one-woman show about parenting teenagers.

Comedy Show Info

  • Date: [Insert Date]
  • Time: 7-8 PM
  • Place: [Insert Venue]
  • Tickets: You can buy tickets for the comedy show. It’s going to be a funny and smart show – don’t miss it!

If You Like Maggie Dent…

If you’re a fan of Maggie Dent, another parenting expert, you’ll love Dr. Jo’s show. It’s a mix of humor and good advice, perfect for parents and anyone dealing with teenagers.

Get Your Free Ticket for an Awesome Night

Here’s something exciting: Dr. Jo is giving away free tickets for her comedy show as part of the evening. So, grab your ticket and join us for a night of laughter and learning!

How to Get Your Free Ticket

  1. Visit [Insert Ticketing Website] to get your free ticket.
  2. Use the code “JOLOVESCOMEDY” when you check out to get your ticket for free.

Don’t miss this chance to have fun and discover new ways to be a great parent!

FAQs

We want to make sure you have all the answers you need. Here are some questions people often ask about Dr. Jo Prendergast, “Life Sucks,” and the comedy show.

Q: Is the comedy show suitable for teenagers?

A: Yes, it is! Dr. Jo’s comedy show is not just fun; it’s also a great way for teenagers to learn about mental health and parenting while having a good time.

Q: Can I buy a copy of “Life Sucks” at the comedy show?

A: Yes, you can! Dr. Jo will have her books at the event, and you can even get one with her signature. It’s a cool way to start using the advice in the book right away.

Q: Is there an age limit for the comedy show?

A: The comedy show is for adults and teenagers. However, some parts might be more suitable for grown-ups.

Join the Fun and Learn

Don’t miss this fantastic chance to meet Dr. Jo Prendergast and learn from her. Her book “Life Sucks” is like a guide for parents, and her comedy show will make you laugh while you learn. Get your free ticket, grab a copy of the book, and get ready for a night of fun, wisdom, and good vibes.

Life can be tough, but with Dr. Jo’s help and a dose of humor, you’ll be ready to face it with a smile. See you at the comedy show!

Conclusion

In the face of life’s challenges, Dr. Jo Prendergast stands as a beacon of hope and guidance. Her unique approach, blending her roles as a psychiatrist and comedian, offers a refreshing perspective on common mental health challenges in teenagers. “Life Sucks” is more than just a book; it’s a practical manual for parents navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence.

As you gear up for the comedy show, remember that you’re not alone in this journey of parenthood. Dr. Jo and her community are here to support you, providing laughter and insights along the way. So, grab your ticket, embrace the humor, and let’s tackle life’s ups and downs together.

Life may have its moments when it sucks, but with Dr. Jo’s wisdom and a hearty laugh, you’ll find the strength to face it with a smile. See you at the comedy show – it’s going to be a night to remember!