Triple Points is a feature of Your Teen that addresses three perspectives on one topic: the parent, the teen and the professional. In every issue, we choose a topic and ask for a response.

Loss: When a Parent Dies

My father, Larry Carl Burger, died on January 11, 2008. I was 14 and living through something that most teenagers don’t experience. Graduating from the eighth grade had been amazing – the excitement of summer and the anticipation of high school and a family trip to Canada. Our trip started out great, but when we got to Niagara Falls, my dad got sick. I assumed he had the flu, but everything went downhill from there. After we returned home, my parents met with many doctors, including an oncologist. My brother, sister and I weren’t told, so we thought everything was okay. Read more…

Blended Families: Struggles and Successes

We’ve been at this thing called “Blended Family” for over five years, and I can safely say that it’s been both a challenge and surprise for all parties involved. The dynamic really began when my girlfriend (and future wife) asked me to pitch in two nights a week to watch John*, then 9, and Carla*, then 6, while she completed her degree at Ursuline College. “When I’m not here, David is in charge,” she would say, and I took that seriously. I automatically turned on the Dad-as-Protector-and-Rearer mindset, and I dreamed of the day that these great, fun, welcoming children might call me Dad. Read more…

Suicide: The Third Leading Cause of Death Among Teens

Our day began in the usual hectic way: making lunches, organizing backpacks, driving to school, heading off to work.  Then I got a call from the school guidance counselor. “You need to come to school right away. Alex is having a bad day.” Having no idea what she was talking about, I insisted that she explain.  “Alex tried to kill himself this morning,” she said. “He tried to jump out a window, but he was saved by another student and a teacher.” I was in disbelief. I think in my haze, I actually asked her if she was calling the right Alex’s mom! Then I heard my son’s tearful voice on the phone. Read more…