#resources for teen

[profeminist]

National Organization for Women: "Shoutout to the Brooklyn Public Library who is offering every teen in America access to ebooks +audiobooks from wherever they live to help combat censorship."

Recognizing Two Years of Books Unbanned

In April 2022, Brooklyn Public Library joined those fighting for the rights of teens nationwide to read what they like, discover themselves, and form their own opinions. Inspired by the American Library Association's Freedom to Read Statement, Books Unbanned is a response to an increasingly coordinated and effective effort to remove books from library shelves. 

The following libraries have joined Books Unbanned as crucial partners in defending and expanding the freedom to read.

Boston Public Library

LA County Library

San Diego Public Library

Seattle Public Library

Apply for a Teen eCard

We invite individuals ages 13-21 to apply for a free BPL eCard, providing access to our full eBook/audiobook collection as well as our learning databases. To apply, email booksunbanned@bklynlibrary.org.

BPL’s eCard is always free to teenagers in New York State. Apply here.

PLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT RESOURCE!!!! Thank you!!

[unboundprompts]

Hello! Can you help me and/or give me examples of how to write a pre-teen? Specifically a slightly mature for their age but still socially-awkward, selfless, empathetic, extroverted 10-year-old

How to Write a Pre-Teen

Voice and Language

Simple but specific vocabulary: Pre-teens might not use very complex words, but they often know and throw in some “big words” they’ve recently learned or mimic words they hear adults use. Don’t overdo it, though—they’ll often misapply or half-understand these terms, which can create natural, humorous moments.

“It’s totally, like, a catastrophe that I forgot my project.”

Expressive dialogue: Pre-teens are enthusiastic and often exaggerate. They can also shift quickly between emotions, from excitement to frustration.

“That was the best movie ever!” might turn into “Actually, I mean, it was kinda boring in some parts, but, you know, overall…”

Thoughtful yet blunt: Kids this age often haven’t fully learned the “filters” adults use. They can be direct and say things that are surprisingly insightful or unexpectedly honest.

Thoughts and Perspective

Developing identity and opinions: They’re beginning to form their own beliefs but still echo the views of family, teachers, or friends.

“Mom says people should never lie, but I wonder if little lies are okay if they help people feel better…”

Questioning and introspective moments: Pre-teens are curious about life, relationships, and “big ideas.” They may ask questions, but sometimes keep their deep thoughts to themselves, exploring them internally.

“If friends are supposed to be there for each other, why do I feel alone even when they’re around?”

Struggle with abstract concepts: At this age, they’re just beginning to understand abstract ideas like justice or friendship but often approach them in straightforward, literal ways.

Behavior and Actions

Impulsivity and energy: They might shift quickly between activities and emotions, getting distracted or excited without much control over it. They may also blurt out ideas or act before thinking, especially if they’re extroverted.

For instance, a character might immediately jump up to help someone even if they aren’t sure what to do, or they might “borrow” something without fully considering the consequences.

Physical awkwardness: Pre-teens can be a bit clumsy as they’re still growing into their bodies. This can lead to endearing, awkward moments.

They might knock something over, trip over their own feet, or feel self-conscious in ways that show they’re still figuring themselves out physically as well as socially.

Friendships and Social Dynamics

Navigating social rules: Pre-teens are very aware of social “rules” but may not fully understand them. This is an age when they care a lot about what their friends think, but they’re also just beginning to question these dynamics.

A pre-teen might want to befriend the “cool” kids but feel conflicted when they realize their values don’t align. Or they may try too hard to impress friends and feel self-conscious afterward.

Conflicted loyalties: Friendships are often intense at this age, and they might struggle with conflicting feelings if friends argue or if they feel left out.

“I really like hanging out with Sarah, but I know Emma doesn’t. Maybe if I can make them both laugh, we could all just… get along?”

Small gestures: Pre-teens often show they care in understated ways, like sharing snacks, giving a small gift, or cheering someone up when they’re down. For a socially-awkward pre-teen, these gestures may come out clumsy but sweet.

Insecurity and Self-Awareness

Self-consciousness mixed with bravery: Pre-teens often fluctuate between trying to fit in and wanting to stand out. They might do something brave but then doubt themselves or quickly retreat if things don’t go as planned.

For instance, a character might volunteer to speak in front of the class only to feel panicked once they’re in the spotlight.

Hyper-awareness of themselves and others: They’re beginning to notice how others perceive them and may get flustered easily or worry about little things, like if their clothes look okay or if they sounded silly.

“I shouldn’t have laughed like that… I bet everyone thought I sounded so weird.”

Joking as a defense: Pre-teens often use humor to cope, covering up their awkwardness or discomfort by making jokes.

Reactions to Conflict and Emotion

Quick emotional shifts: They might go from laughing to frustrated to embarrassed in just a few minutes. They feel emotions intensely and may have outbursts or react strongly to things adults might dismiss as minor.

Heroic ideals vs. real-world disappointments: Many pre-teens have an idealized view of right and wrong, fairness, and heroism, and they may be disappointed when things don’t align with these ideals. They’re just starting to understand that people aren’t all good or all bad.

“I don’t get it… why would she lie about something like that? Friends are supposed to be honest!”

[biggest-gaudiest-patronuses]

*tries to organize my thoughts*

*remembers i'm not in school and therefore beholden to neither heaven nor hell nor any man's grading system*

*joyously shredding & tossing all my carefully arranged 3x5 mental notecards into the air like so much beige confetti. raising my arms in victory, cheering raucously until i accidentally inhale bits of homemade confetti*

(*coughing up itty bits of paper like a cat evicting a hairball with a firm understanding of tenants' rights*) wait wat happens next

[beachreg]

⊹₊⟡⋆ beachreg's show recs!!

Here's a list of shows/cartoons I watch while regressed to various ages!! Most of these are from the 90s or so since I'm not a fan of a lot of newer stuff!!

I've included their age ratings, years on air and a quick summary I found for each!! I hope you enjoy and maybe find something new to watch!! :D

⟡ = cartoons & ☆ = other shows!!

☆ Reading Rainbow (1999) — Levar Burton introduces young viewers to illustrated readings of children's literature and explores their related subjects.

⟡ Captain Planet and The Planeteers (TV-Y7, 1990-96) — A quintet of teenagers work together to encourage environmentally responsible behavior and can summon a superhero to deal with ecological disasters.

☆ The Crocodile Hunter (TV-G, 1996-2004) — Steve and wife Terri educate and entertain on the subject of Australia's all too often dangerous wildlife.

⟡ Gargoyles (TV-Y7, 1994-97) — A clan of heroic night creatures pledge to protect modern New York City as they did in Scotland one thousand years earlier.

☆ Between the Lions (TV-Y, 1999-2011) — Live action and animation blend together in this educational fantasy about a family of lions running a library filled with adventurous and musical books.

⟡ Pocoyo (TV-Y, 2005-Present) — Pocoyo, the curious toddler dressed all in blue, joins Pato the yellow duck, Elly the pink elephant, Loula the dog, Sleepy Bird and many others in learning new things and having fun.

⟡ Tiny Toons Adventures (TV-G, 1990-95) — The wacky adventures of the new young hip generation of Warner Brothers Looney Tunes characters, most of them descendants of the original classic toon cast.

☆ Mister Rogers' Neighborhood (TV-Y, 1968-2001) — Fred Rogers explores various topics for young viewers through presentations and music, both in his world and in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

☆ Bill Nye the Science Guy (TV-Y, 1993-98) —Scientist/comedian Bill Nye explores various aspects of science for young viewers.

⟡ Wonder Pets! (TV-Y, 2006-16) — A turtle, a guinea pig and duckling save the day by using teamwork.

⟡ Dinosaur Train (TV-Y, 2009-23) — Friendly dinosaurs climb aboard a train to visit different times throughout the prehistoric age, learning about dinosaurs and having fun adventures.

☆ The Joy of Painting (TV-G, 1983-2024) — In this half-hour program, artist Bob Ross paints a beautiful oil painting on canvas.

⟡ VeggieTales (TV-Y, 1993-2015) — Bob the Tomato, Larry The Cucumber, and their friends teach Christian and Bible-based lessons in a fun way.

⟡ The Magic School Bus (TV-Y, 1994-97) — An eccentric teacher takes her class on wondrous educational field trips with the help of a magic school bus.

⟡ The Berenstain Bears (TV-Y, 1985-2004) — Inspired by the book series written by Stan and Jan Berenstain, join the Berenstain Bears family as they figure out life together. With friendly neighbors and close friends, the journey is never boring.

⟡ Courage the Cowardly Dog (TV-Y7, 1999-2002) — The offbeat adventures of Courage, a cowardly dog who must overcome his own fears to heroically defend his unknowing farmer owners from all kinds of dangers, paranormal events and menaces that appear around their land.

☆ The Wiggles (TV-Y, 1993-2022) — Learn how to sing and dance with Australia's fab four of fun, The Wiggles. Joined by their friends, Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, and Wags the Dog, the group go on all sorts of adventures.

⟡ Little Bear (TV-Y, 1995-2003) — A grizzly cub has many misadventures with his friends.

☆ Are You Afraid of The Dark? (TV-14, 1990-2000) — A group of teenagers meet in the woods and tell scary stories.

divider credits: @/strangergraphics!!

[battampria]

THE MOONINITES STAMPS

oh my god these have gotta be the most dumbest looking, silliest, stupidest creatures I've seen anon thank u

requested by anon! thanks :3

f2u, dont claim as urs

[poorly-drawn-mdzs]

Master manipulator vs Master manipulator

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[physalian]

Character Types: Self-Destructive Paragon

I just came up with that term right now to describe characters whose philosophy is: I will be good and kind even if it kills me.

If you have a more apropos one, I’d love to hear it.

But I think being a “self-destructive paragon” with emphasis on the self-destruction is to be good out of spite, to be cynically optimistic, to do the right thing because fuck, no one else is going to, the world is shit, people can be shit, but I will not be people.

Similar to the Fixer but more self-aware and less of a doormat, the SDP is a character I think the world needs more of to stand against toxic positivity and exhausting silver linings.

Instead of “the world is good and I’m going to prove it :D” in the face of daunting misery and suffering, it’s “the world is messy and complicated and we are all suffering, but I have the means to do good, and nothing will stand in my way”.

Painfully naïve characters are not compelling (to me). They’re preachy, they always need rescuing, they strawman cynics and pessimists, and when they do face a situation they cannot put a positive spin on, they still hold the moral high ground with little room for nuance, and they tend to get into situations that no other character would be stupid and/or gullible enough to fall into.

It would be like if Katara was actually the Ember Island Players’ version of her for the entire show. Or, Aang’s caricature.

But she’s not. She’s suffered and been burned and humbled and isn’t at all afraid to get her hands dirty and risk her life doing what she thinks is right, like in "The Painted Lady". But she’s also messy and complicated, nearly killing a man in her revenge quest in "The Southern Raiders".

Katara will be good and kind and just and fair and noble, putting her life on the line again and again to prove it, but she's not as angsty (and not self-destructive) as the two examples I have in mind.

SDPs also tend to be written in bad faith, or as a bastion of virtue against other characters written in bad faith, depending on where you fall on the “hope is vital/hope is for children” spectrum for the message of your book.

Usually, other characters’ criticisms of the painfully naïve are that they have not suffered and their virtue signaling is tone deaf to their audience of people who cannot afford the luxury of looking on the bright side.

So, enter the self-destructive paragon.

This is a character who probably suffered deeply, for a long time, and who was painfully naïve until they had their wakeup call. But instead of devolving into a selfish cynic, they decided to not only be better, but to put their money where their mouth is and do better.

This is a character who was probably mocked and dragged down again and again by cynics who want to make them as miserable as the rest of the world, and gosh darn it, they just won’t break.

They might risk their lives, their health, their stability, or their reputation trying to save someone who doesn’t want to be saved, determined to help someone they’re convinced just can’t see that they need help yet. Or, they might be a Robin Hood figure, blithely shuffling resources around with some worldly calluses on their soul.

Or, they might have faith in the world, but have zero faith in themselves, making themselves the exception for every grace they extend to other people.

Even if their “self-destruction” is a permanent rage against the system and the cynicism, giving themselves fully to their cause and losing their sense of “self” in the process, this is a character compelled to go beyond their means, no matter the cost. These characters tend to not even think of themselves as "heroes" to be praised, they're just doing what they think is right and might suffer a bit of imposter syndrome when the laurels come their way.

I like these characters because of their fierce honesty, and the knife’s edge upon which they walk. You understand their morality and their integrity explicitly, and the lengths they will go to stand up for what they believe in can have horrible unintended consequences.

And who’s a better self-destructive, angsty do-gooder than the Dark Knight himself? Specifically the iterations where he isn't going around branding and murdering people. BTAS-era. Bats doesn’t give himself a break and he’s my favorite DC hero in large part because he has a villain’s backstory straight-up, and chooses to be good.

Spoiled little rich kid watches his parents get murdered and inherits impossible wealth and could very easily use all that money, power, and influence to become a supervillain in adulthood. He has the costume, the aesthetic, the brutality, the motive, and the means.

But Batman is a hero, and he will do good and be good, even if it kills him. He spits in the face of every real-world billionaire who rests on their winnings, every person in power who so superficially laments the plight of the poor. Is he perfect? Nope, but that’s more of the limitations set by the people who write him and not his character itself. He might not be a complete cynic about the state of the world, but he sure is a cynic about himself or as the Nolan Bats said: “I’m whatever Gotham needs me to be.” Even if that makes him a pariah to preserve the reputation of a better man (in his mind) so that Gotham can have their faith rewarded.

Raven of DC’s Teen Titans is also a self-destructive paragon, another character with the motive and the means to easily become a villain and be the worst thing to happen to the world, but chooses not to. Specifically the 2003 cartoon version. She’s been fated to bring about the end of the world, daughter of a ruthless villain whose sole purpose for existing is to be his portal. Her whole life she’s kept people at a distance, refusing to let people in to get her hopes up and have good things so she doesn’t have to lose and hurt them.

But she is a hero. Per Robin, “the most hopeful person I know”. And she will be good, even if it kills her.

—

I know "hero born from villainy whose personality is Angst" (Gaara fits well) is the bread and butter of shonen edgy bad boys but the difference I'm trying to highlight is how quickly these characters will throw themselves on their own swords, with crippling self-worth issues.

So of course I wrote them. Thrice.

One in Eternal Night of the Northern Sky on Amazon

And two in Little Red Dot up on Ao3

[irldenji]

HAIIIII I loved the 12 oz mouse graphics u made so I'm here again :D !! can I request some graphics (blinkies/stamps/pixels) related 2 the mooninites from aqua teen hunger force if possible ^_^ ??

Haiii ty so much!!!! :3 I hope you like these!!

[simspaghetti]

As I'm doing a rags-to-riches challenge atm for gen 3 of my Random Legacy, I've been looking into mods that make the off-grid experience in TS3 a bit more realistic

I hope this list will be especially useful as a resource for anyone doing rags-to-riches, runaway teen, midnight sun, zombie apocalypse or any other similar challenge which requires your sim to live off the land - I personally love this gameplay style, and I hope this is useful for others too!

As always, if anyone has any suggestions of mods / CC I should add to this list, let me know and I'll update it - it's definitely not exhaustive by any means :)

Mods:

Moar Interactions by Buzzler on MTS

I recommend this mod regardless of if you're playing off-the-grid because it adds a bunch of great stuff, but the interactions particularly useful for this gameplay style are 'work overtime' at the small businesses around town, allowing your sim to earn a bit of extra cash without being officially employed, and also the ability to 'cancel the carpool / schoolbus' (because a carpool wouldn't agree to pick your sim up from their camp in the middle of the woods)

Nraas Careers via Nraas Industries

This mod allows your teen / child sims to be enrolled in home-schooling, which makes much more sense if they're living as a runaway - tutorial for how to assign them to homeschooling is here - I also reccomend using storyprogression to disable curfew for your teen sims if you're playing them as a runaway (tutorial here)

Nraas GoHere via Nraas Industries

This might be a bit random - but this mod is an abseloute lifesaver if your sim doesn't have a car, you can force them to walk long distances without automatically getting in a taxi (best used when combined with the taxi charge mod - linked below)

One with Nature by Spherefish on MTS

This mod is basically the GOAT for off-grid gameplay - it adds the ability to sleep on the floor, pee on the floor, have sponge baths in the ocean / swimming pool and also to relax / daydream on the ground

Pay for the gym by ani on MTS

Some people won't like this one as it definitely makes runaway / rags-to-riches challenges a lot more challenging, but in combination with the other mods I think it makes sense to charge for hot showers when your sim could just go for a wild swim instead!

No Fridge Shopping via Nraas Industries

No more magically buying ingredients from the fridge - your off-grid sim has to grow the produce themselves or go to the supermarket if they want to cook!

Taxi Charge & Subway Charge on MTS

Challenges such as runaway teen require you to buy a flamingo every time your sim takes a taxi - this removes that requirement as your sim gets automatically charged 6-20 simoleons depending on their age - Subway Charge does the same for your Bridgeport sims

No Stretch Children Can Series by Kapaer on MTS

I always recommend this mod for general gameplay anyway, but it's especially useful if you've got kids in your household for offgrid living, they're no longer completely useless!

Attend University online by TwinSimming on Tumblr

Similar to the homeschooling option from nraas careers (linked above), this allows your sim to attend university entirely from the comfort of their computer - they do still have to pay for the degree though!

Off-Grid Inventing Overhaul by SimState on MTS

Allows your inventor sims to create household objects through the inventing table - so you don't have to save up to buy them if your sim is crafty enough!

Ani's Various Mods

I particularly recommend the 'mountain bike' mod which allows your sims to ride a bike around without roads, as well as the 'ration box' mod & 'consignment'

Sleep on Sofa / Bench by Sammonsim on MTS

Scroll down to post #22 in this thread to get the link to this mod - it basically allows your sims to get a full nights sleep on a sofa / bench without having to queue up 50 'nap' interactions

Functional Wells / Off Grid Plumbing & Functional Washboard

This makes your sim have to collect buckets of water from a well if they want to shower / wash the dishes etc. The functional washboard allows them to wash their clothes in a less mechanical way, I reccomend using Danjaley's functional well cc in addition to the plumbing mod as it adds a few more options for your style of lot

Custom Content:

Pallet bed set on tumblr

BionicZombie's Basement Treasures TS4 conversio

Travel Items by Everlasting Garden

Working Futon on MTS

Hollow bee tree on MTS

Camping time set by Toreno

Around The Sims 3:

Camping Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 Eco Living TS4 Conversion Into The Wild Trashes & Bonfires / Part 2 Stray Life City / Stray Life Woods Beer Keg / Wine Barrel Squat Bedroom

Twinsimming:

Into the wild set TS4 Werewolves conversion

Simzoo:

All-In-One Bush / Toilet bush Rock / Bucket sink Log Bench / Bench 2 / Rock Stool / Wood Box Cushioned Seat Tree Dresser Haystack bed / Log bed Single table-style counter Raft pool lounger Firepit set

TheSimsResource:

Disclaimer: I do not endorse or condone using this website, unfortunately a lot of great CC for TS3 is locked behind it due to the age of the game - so I've linked some of it here, but I recommend using a reliable adblocker (personally I use Ublock Origin for firefox) before visiting it / downloading anything

Hayloft bunk-bed More Mailboxes (These are a lot less space-consuming than the default mailbox, and I like to either attach them to trees or just hide them in bushes on my off-grid lots lol) The homeless pet set Trapper Bedroom All of cyclonesue's stuff for urban environments

[writerthreads]

Stuck in the middle of writing a scene, a chapter or your WIP? Read this!

By Writerthreads on Instagram

Stuck in the middle of a scene? Unsure of where the plot is going? Here are some tricks to hopefully get you back on track!

Find ideas from existing world-building

Did you sprinkle in some interesting world-building that you can extend on? You can re-read your previous chapters to find inspiration from side-characters or events that were briefly mentioned.

For example, in my WIP there's a corporation that recently acquired another one. Maybe the CEO is secretly scheming against the MC, or maybe a side character gets laid off as a result of the merger. Plot ensues.

Subvert expectations

Instead of allowing your characters to fall into cliches or common tropes (which is still completely fine and fun to read if done right!), let them do the unexpected. For example, if there's only one bed, what if the MCs magically double the bed? Of if there's a prophecy about the MC going on a quest to save the world, what if they choose to completely ignore it and decide to continue with their lives until they're forced to go on a quest? (This is what happens to my MC lol.) Subverting expectations makes the plot so much more fun and original, but if the trope is done right, it's equally satisfying. I'll always love the one bed trope for obvious reasons :)

Put them in the worst possible situation

This is a popular tip, but it works! Think of what would be worst possible thing that could happen to your characters, and what they will do to get out of that situation. This allows your readers to see how different characters react, grow, and bounce back in their own ways.

Adding gravity to the plot also allows your readers to fear for the characters, especially if you've allowed the readers to develop an attachment to them.

Ask yourself 'what if?'

Ask yourself 'what if', and put your characters in different scenarios. For example, what if a member of the crew gets injured, or they all get lost? What would be an interesting situation that would hook readers and keep them reading?

Find inspiration from external sources

When I'm stuck, I like to put on songs with certain emotions or plots (Taylor Swift is a tried and tested one that works so well for me, but then again I do have a T Swift addiction). Some people keep dream journals for when they wake up with the most unhinged plot lines that they imagined asleep.

Share with friends

Don't suffer from inspiration drought alone! Talk to your friends, writers, readers, or otherwise, and ask them for advice. Explain what's going on in your WIP and where you're stuck on, and ask them for help. Two heads (or multiple heads) really is better than just one.

Hope these tips help, because they certainly work for me. Happy writing!

[yuga2000]

✨ I’m a teen permaregressor ✨

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

I wanted to come on here and talk about my personal experience with being a teen permaregressor. This is just my experience and my not reflect others experiences.

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

. ݁₊ Some positives with being a teen perms regressor:

Makeup

Spray tans

Malls

Lots of new clothes

Shopping

Fancy coffees in coffee shops

Hanging out with close friends

Having music as an escape

Handbags

Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, ect.

Piercings

Joy rides in your car with the music up (If you can drive)

A feeling of youthfulness like no one can stop me

With that being said, not all my teen permaregression symptoms are good.

. ݁₊ As a teen permagreasor, it can also look like:

Being moody a lot

Being emotionally immature

Throwing fits

Sudden outburst

Lots of big, often negative, emotions

Feeling like no one understands you

Having a hard time making friends

Feeling misunderstand

Feeling insecure from comparing yourself to others

Having trouble finding the right words to express yourself

Having a hard time communicating properly

Taking small understandings out of proportion

₊˚ ‿︵‿︵‿︵୨୧ · · ♡ · · ୨୧‿︵‿︵‿︵ ˚₊

Being a teen permaregressor has its fair share of ups and downs, but it’s important to recognize when big feelings happen and the things that trigger them. Be aware of surroundings, take time to breath and ground. The goal is to calm down before something hurtful and permanent is said. Like most teens, it’s important to make sure that there’s time to be alone so that those big feelings don’t bubble up and overflow on those who don’t deserve them. Try doing things that bring joy and don’t dwell on the small things.

[resourcesiero]

album blinkies + stamps

f2u reposts ok with credit

[motherlove]

Trauma Regressor Starfire．

Requested by : Anon．

Like & Reblog if used．

[crazychanuwu77]

I know I don’t post anything on here so here’s an art dump for you so I can ghost y’all again.

2 of these (7&8) are gifts for @bloodiedsickle on Instagram and the human Paper design belongs to @grafvaleria

[kirbyfigure]

can i req some insta users with ‘diane’ ? ❤️

　　- 　 ˚ 　 ❥ 　 💍𖨂 　 ❛ 　 ⿻ 　 ✿

[wavyskies]

Cyborg (Tumblr) graphics

F2u! Credit, likes and reblogs are appreciated though.

day 3 of lavendergalactic's pride week﹕a character you think would use your xeno/neo pronouns! (or just use neos/xenos in general if you don't use neos/xenos) OR ﹕ a character you think would be in the mogai community