Henning defines “teen takeovers” as a group of teenagers who get together at a designated time and location to do what teenagers do—socialize, hang out with friends and spend time outdoors. These gatherings have been covered by the media in metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and Washington, D.C. Critics complain these gatherings or flashmobs are too large, disruptive and dangerous, as some meetups have turned violent.
As a child and teen therapist, I see families navigating meltdowns, sibling conflict, and unexpected tears, even over the holidays. Parents asking me, "Why does my teen act out all of the time?" or "Why does my 5-year-old have big meltdowns?" has led me to explore more about what is going on in the brain at every age of development.
I am unemployed right now, so I try to be mindful of my expenses and always account for my necessities first. My friend reached out and invited me to a private dinner party at her home and requested $200 for attendance. That would cover the cost of the private chef and some other things. I couldn't spend that kind of money on a party. I explained to her that I could not afford to be there, and since then, she's been cold.
