Information Related to "Just For Youth: What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew"
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What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew
What Teens Wish Their Parents Knew
by Larry Greider
Parents, did you know your teens often want
you to say no?
Teens live in a fascinating world that few adults born before computers, video games
and cable television can understand. Kids are stuck on fast forward. They want everything,
and they understand little of the world around them.
But, even if you don't understand the latest styles or have never heard of the songs
or artists on your teen's latest CDs, you have much to offer. The role of a parent
is that of a coach, mentor and friend. Often, slowing down the pace and halting your
teen's hectic life is the best way to prepare him for the challenges of life.
A recent Newsweek article summarizes the challenge many parents face: ". . .
To parents and teachers, they ('tweens,' or children ages 10-12) can also be a nightmare,
aping the hair, clothes and makeup of celebrities twice their age while still throwing
tantrums worthy of a 2-year-old. Psychologists worry that in their rush to act
like grown-ups, these kids will never really learn to be grown-up, confusing
the appearance of maturity with the real thing" ("The Truth About Tweens,"
Oct. 18, 1999, pp. 64-65).
Help to do what is right
Recently a young teenager feeling pressure from his neighborhood peers pleaded
with his parents to tell him he couldn't go out on school nights. He mentioned to
his mother and father, "You must help me do what is right." Shockingly--for
many parents who feel guilty about spending too much time at work and too little
time supervising their children--kids want guidance.
Mary (not her real name) was often at home alone. Raising her alone, her mother worked
nights as a cocktail waitress. When Mary's mother was home, she was often sleeping.
Mary's friends were experimenting with drugs and sex, and Mary found it difficult
to avoid the pressure of doing what she knew was wrong.
Her excuse to stay away from the pressure was to spend more time in her room watching
TV and E-mailing friends from camp. When asked if she could hang out with her friends,
her answer was that she wasn't allowed out on school nights. Mary told me this was
her own rule, but she wished her mother had established it.
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