Teenage Issues

I am not sure if it is really a' cultural 'occurence or is it simply a belief in - what we give , we sure get back... that I once again broach the subject of Teenage issues.

Under my previous titles I have emphasized the importance of Love, Communication, and establishing an open line of communication between your teenager and yourself. As seen ,today's growing concerns on subjects of Teenage drugs-addiction, alcoholism, pregnacy etc. it is all the more necessary that an open forum for discussion be established and brainstorm sessions between us parents take place before we are once again far behind the Chinese or the Japanese and even other so called third-world nations in such simple accomplishments as 'Child Raising' !!! Yes , it is time we parents all speak out or address this serious threat to our Youth.

The time is here, the time is now. Our teenagers are lost, not for their own waywardness but from lack of having a Torch-bearer who can stand by them and show them the way. Just superficially saying, Oh honey we are always there for you, is not cutting it as we can see. We have to ,literally, be there when they are confronted by issues of drugs, alcohol, premature sex , pregnancy etc. They must have a Solid hand right there for them that they can hold and feel that they are safe, without any prejudices or comments from their peers.... when they chose not to be a victim.

Should we put a little bit of Love in dealing with the Teenage Kids of today ?

I am a parent of a teenager. Typically I could, as most parents would like to believe about their own kids, say that my kid is a straight A student and someone who is an 'Exemplary' kid in social norms , among the kids her age. This is due to the ideal parenting that we, provided her . As such, not only is she a Firm and focused person in adherence to her values thus far, but she is also able to address it with her peers and often guide them away from a path of drugs, Alcohol and some more 'taboos' typical of teenagers today!!! Of course, some of us parents might attribute all of this behavior , of being a Straight A student, not Dating ,doing Drugs, or Drinking to our 'Culture'. Well, maybe it is , who knows.

Yet as a mother, I'd like to believe that I have been quite 'focused about the kind of' social values and norms I want my kid to adhere to, right from the time she was born!
Thus while most parents wake up to the shock of finding their kids suddenly change in behavior and beliefs due to the tremendous 'peer' pressure, or as I like to call it, the "Terrible Twos" of High School Life, I was sure my kid would not succumb to be the Statistic, if I may. That is precisely the point of my thought, just do it with a Little bit of Love, everyday!!!

You will see that it never fails . It has its own rewards . Its a majical charm with kids, specially your teenager!