tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62251951745629307202024-03-14T00:30:10.341-04:004 Thinking TeensHelpful Information For Teens And ParentsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-36880400356372072192011-11-29T14:16:00.018-05:002012-01-18T17:12:39.352-05:00Should Young People Dress Any Kind Of Way?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRWycYwNbLM/TtU2ZUL7bnI/AAAAAAAAAjI/mFr2kzauMhA/s400/ourdress1.JPG" width="332" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><strong>Should anything go when it comes to the way our youth dress? </strong>Some youths think so. If we as adults try to assist them with their choice of fashion, they tend to call us, "Old fashioned!" They say, "No one wears that!" It's not that we want them to dress frumpy or unattractive. We simply want our preteens and teens to give off the right message. After all, clothes do send out messages about us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Clothing Sends Out Messages</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Some people have said that clothes show who you really are and how you feel about yourself. They can whisper conscientiousness, stability, high morals, or even rebellion and discontent. Some youths like to identify themselves through clothing. We've all seen ripped clothing, punked styles, or the very expensive designer clothes on our youth. Then we have those that try to attract the opposite sex or appear older than what they are.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So we can see that the way young people dress, will have a great impact on the people they meet and how they will be treated. I can say as a parent, "I'm definitely concerned with how my preteen Daughter dresses or wants to dress". She is only 11 years old. I don't want her sending the wrong message to others. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In my next article we will discuss how the friends of our preteens and teens can influence their dress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br />
<strong>Resource</strong><br />
Questions Young People Ask - Answers That Work<br />
Published by: Watch Tower Bible And Tract Society Of Pennsylvania<br />
<a href="http://www.watchtower.org/e/publications/index.htm">For more information on how to receive a copy, please click here.</a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-8932067212402885682011-11-26T21:25:00.002-05:002011-11-27T21:05:26.687-05:00What's Been Happening With You?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Hi everyone! So much has been going on in my little old life. While still raising one teen and a preteen, I've managed to find time to hold down a part time job and start back my sewing. It's been a a bumpy ride I must say. How come it seems that even when both husband and wife work, it's never enough? Do you find that the ends never meet up? Something is always coming up.<br />
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</div><div>Let's see, my husband had a tooth brake off. I need new tires. My kids are growing out of their clothes by the minute it seems. Oh, and my husband just reached his slow period on his job. Need I say more? Thankfully, we can laugh at some of this stuff. It certainly does the soul good!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Anyway, enough of my blabbing. What's been going on with you all? So many people are starting new businesses these days. How many of you are thinking about starting your own business? If so, introduce us to it. I'd love to check it out. Please leave me a link to your website if you have one! We can share ideas and learn from each other. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Let me tell you about my new online store. I'm going to launch my new online store on January 2, 2012. I'm concentrating on selling modest skirts for preteens and teens. I'm excited about it. Even if I don't get my first sale until 6 months later. I've set goals and the key is not to give up. My Brother has been running his own painting business for over 6 years now. He never gave up. He said that is what most people tend to do. They give up too soon. I've been there and done that. This time, I will not give up! I'll keep you posted. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Well, that's my update. Thanks for reading. I look forward to hearing from you all. That is, if you'd like to share. If not that's okay too. Enjoy the rest of your day!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-59194431385132484852011-11-26T20:29:00.000-05:002011-11-26T20:29:07.442-05:004 THINKING TEENS: Better Communication With Your Teen - 4 Strategies...<a href="http://4thinkingteens.blogspot.com/2011/03/top-4-ways-to-have-better-communication.html?spref=bl">4 THINKING TEENS: Better Communication With Your Teen - 4 Strategies...</a>: Show Empathy Just the other day, I made the mistake of saying something to my teen that hurt his feelings very much. The reason I said it...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-59076976308018848372011-11-26T20:28:00.000-05:002011-11-26T20:28:14.473-05:004 THINKING TEENS: Keep Your Morals And Your Respect<a href="http://4thinkingteens.blogspot.com/2011/03/should-i-give-in.html?spref=bl">4 THINKING TEENS: Keep Your Morals And Your Respect</a>: He Broke My Heart In Two Is keeping your morals and your virginity important to you? If so, what can you do to keep your respect when it co...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-26501029335592316512011-11-26T20:27:00.000-05:002011-11-26T20:27:05.048-05:004 THINKING TEENS: Who Is Teaching Your Kids Morals?<a href="http://4thinkingteens.blogspot.com/2011/03/whose-teaching-your-kids-morals.html?spref=bl">4 THINKING TEENS: Who Is Teaching Your Kids Morals?</a>: When children reach the age of two, most parents start potty training them. They also teach them how to work, how to eat with a spoon, how ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-45552408826382910502011-11-26T20:24:00.000-05:002011-11-26T20:24:47.119-05:004 THINKING TEENS: I Can't Stop Thinking About The Opposite Sex<a href="http://4thinkingteens.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-cant-stop-thinking-about-opposite-sex.html?spref=bl">4 THINKING TEENS: I Can't Stop Thinking About The Opposite Sex</a>: Everywhere you look in the entertainment world, it glorifies premarital sex. It makes it seem as though there's nothing wrong with it. ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-82904381026773669492011-07-02T16:43:00.008-04:002011-07-04T19:38:19.996-04:00Are Parents Hindering Their Teen's Progress?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; border-collapse: separate; color: black; font: normal normal normal small/normal 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">When our children were younger, we helped them to learn from their mistakes. Perhaps they spilled milk on the table. We would have them clean it up. If they hit someone, we would make them apologize. Does this guidance stop when they become teenagers? No! We should continue helping them in this way even into young adulthood.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>So many parents try to fix everything for their kids. Instead of helping them, it hinders them.</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>We Don't Have To Bail Our Kids Out</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As hard as it may be, we as parents must allow our teens to work out their own problems. For instance, if your teen gets a ticket for speeding, make him pay for the ticket. If you pay for the ticket, he will not take the consequences of his actions seriously.<strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Therefore, he would only repeat the act.</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>After paying enough money for speeding tickets, he'll slow down! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If your teen is making money, it’s important to allow him to use that money for the things he wants (not needs). If we buy everything for them, they tend to think things should be given to them. They don’t work as hard, or value the money they make (they waste it).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If your teen decides to break his curfew, render some type of appropriate discipline. My Mom wouldn't allow me to go out on my next date if I broke my curfew. Of course some teens never get it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Don’t give up!</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You can also take the extended time from him, which means he’d have to come home earlier.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>If he chooses to keep breaking his curfew, you keep administering the discipline.</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>You may have to get tougher with privileges (take a few away). Eventually, he’ll know that you mean business!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Parents Are Not Best Friends</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The relationship parents have with their teens is not to be mistaken for best friends.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>We’re to guide and assist our children to become mature, responsible, decent, loving, and civil adults in our society.</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They may not appreciate it now, but they will later. We’ve all been through it with our parents. I know I appreciate my parents more so now than I ever did.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Basically, we must allow our teens to learn from their behavior and the decisions they make. It is not necessary to come to their rescue all the time.This prevents parents from hindering their teen's progress. My parents sure didn't come to my rescue all the time (if at all). I'm proud to say, "I'm now a responsible adult."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading! Have a wonderful day!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a data-mce-href="http://www.watchtower.org/e/200612a/article_01.htm" href="http://www.watchtower.org/e/200612a/article_01.htm">For Further Reading</a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-39390185711708010202011-03-29T19:05:00.017-04:002011-07-05T09:52:42.542-04:00Who Is Teaching Your Kids Morals?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKMIAVFqrNQ/TZJlL8byQTI/AAAAAAAAAho/TGXbF9NpwQE/s1600/teaching+kids.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" r6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wKMIAVFqrNQ/TZJlL8byQTI/AAAAAAAAAho/TGXbF9NpwQE/s200/teaching+kids.bmp" width="200px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: left;">When children reach the age of two, most parents start potty training them. They also teach them how to work, how to eat with a spoon, how to ride a bike, how to study, and how to solve problems. When it comes to teaching kids about sex many parents shy away. Whose responsibility is it to teach kids about sex and morals?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Do Not Rely On the Schools and Magazines</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">We all know that there is right conduct and there is wrong conduct (morals).<em> Many people find these morals in the bible. </em>That's the number one place to find them. Teaching kids morals helps them to avoid making lots of mistakes in life. They'll make better choices.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sure the schools try to teach kids about sex. <strong>Yet they do not teach them right from wrong.</strong> They pass out condoms (this encourages safe sex). The media teaches it (anything goes). Many teen magazines and books encourage safe sex as well. Most times when I see a teen magazine, I see some type of sexy picture on the front of the cover, and some of the topics encourage dating and flirting.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Find Reliable Resources</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">Just as parents are responsible for teaching their kids how to walk, use the potty and eat with a spoon, they're also responsible for teaching them about morals (sex). Even if the parents were not raised with morals, they can still try their best to instill morals in their children. <em>The key here is to find reliable resources that you agree with. Not all resources are reliable and agreeable.</em> You can never go wrong with the Bible.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Don't Wait Until They're Teenagers</strong><br />
<em>It's best to instill morals in our children at an early age.</em> It can be hard if we wait until they're teenagers. Another thing we want to keep in mind is, we teach by example. It can be rather hard if we're telling our kids one thing yet we're doing another. They'll look at us as being hypocritical. I always ask my kids, "Do you see me doing that?" My family relies on the Bible. When my kids were younger, I'd purchase<span style="color: blue;"> </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/157392010X?ie=UTF8&tag=noweta-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=157392010X"><span style="color: blue;">fun books</span></a> for them to read. These<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1591020778?ie=UTF8&tag=noweta-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=1591020778"><span style="color: blue;"> books</span></a><span style="color: red;"> </span>also taught them good behavior. We found a lot of the stories to be funny!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So parents start now teaching your kids morals. Those morals will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Even if they don't apply them, they'll remember them. They just may pass them on to their kids. The worst we can do is leave it up to others to teach them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-65892301876989870792011-03-28T14:59:00.018-04:002011-07-05T10:00:34.116-04:00Is Your Daughter Singing I Do?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73l1hTGxGFQ/TZDXlpeS9KI/AAAAAAAAAhk/el--cZ1qSi8/s1600/girl+singing.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200px" r6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73l1hTGxGFQ/TZDXlpeS9KI/AAAAAAAAAhk/el--cZ1qSi8/s200/girl+singing.bmp" width="200px" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
<strong>"I do I do I do do do do do do do dooo!"</strong><br />
</div>Here's a song that my Daughter likes by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DHSGVI?ie=UTF8&tag=noweta-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B002DHSGVI"><span style="color: blue;">Colbie Marie Caillat.</span></a> It's called "I Do." I thought I'd check out the video. I've heard the song over and over. My Daughter walks around singing, "I do, I do, I do, do, do, do, do!" I can't help but hear it. I told her, "If I hear "I do" one more time, I'm going to go crazy." I don't think she heard me.<br />
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We watched the video together. Over all, I was pleased with it. It doesn't have any graphic scenes in it or anything. Of course being old school, I felt Colbie could have been more covered at the beginning. <strong>I would've still liked the video (more so),</strong> if she would have had her bottom covered with her sheets. <br />
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<strong>Showing Lots of Skin Is Not Necessary</strong><br />
Why do women think they have to show lots of skin to make a point? I think if they try to be a bit classier, they may be surprised at the results. Some things should be shown in the privacy of our homes only.<br />
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A lot of people consider this to be a good wedding song. I personally think it's a bit too fast. It didn't grab me that way. I like slower beats for weddings and songs that are a bit more touching and emotional. For example, "Here And Now" by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000034CX9?ie=UTF8&tag=noweta-20&linkCode=xm2&camp=1789&creativeASIN=B000034CX9"><span style="color: blue;">Luther Vandross.</span></a><br />
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<em>The song is still a pretty decent song for teens to listen to.</em> I had no major problems with it. <br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-20294425979143163562011-03-28T12:52:00.006-04:002011-11-26T19:30:12.923-05:00Get Your Teen Thinking You're The Best - 10 Strategies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITWlckh1EwE/TZC2GI8_EDI/AAAAAAAAAhg/O9lblyJ0vCA/s1600/mom+%25231.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ITWlckh1EwE/TZC2GI8_EDI/AAAAAAAAAhg/O9lblyJ0vCA/s200/mom+%25231.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><br />
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Do you want your Son or Daughter to give you a hug next time they come to you with a problem? How about expressing to you that you're the best Mom or Dad? Well, listen up. I had this exact situation happen to me. My Son gave me a big hug (several of them) and told me he didn't know what he'd do without me. <br />
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Now I'm not no super Mom or anything. Sometimes I don't even know how it happens. I come from an average family. We have faith in our God.<em> We also try to live by bible standards each and every day. This helps tremendously. </em>I'm not doing anything particularly special. However, I will tell what I'm doing that's causing such reactions from both my Son and my Daughter.<br />
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<strong>How to Get Your Teen to Think You're the Best - 10 Strategies</strong><br />
<ol><li><strong>I make myself available.</strong> If I'm busy with something, I stop doing it immediately. I don't care what it is. This is very important, because teens/kids will come to you and start talking to you from out of no where. If it's important to them, you don't want to miss it or push them away. Do not tell your teen you're busy. Unless your life is on the line, you're not busy. You can always get back to what you were doing. But you may not be able to get your teen to talk to you again (openly).</li>
<li><strong>Show empathy.</strong> Feel what they're feeling. Agree with them on some points. This shows that you're listening and understand. Act like what they're saying is the most important thing at that time. Even if it's something minor (to you). If they hurt, you hurt too!</li>
<li>Please don't interrupt them. </li>
<li>Do not tell them that they're wrong for having the feelings they have.</li>
<li> Even if some of their views are a little over the top, this is no time to correct them. <strong>Just listen.</strong> You can help them to have the proper views later (after they've poured out their feelings to you).</li>
<li>Ask them questions on how they would like the problem solved. Try to get them to think of the solution. Try hard to let the solution to the problem remain with them. </li>
<li>Offer suggestions. This gives them proper guidance. They may not know the proper way to go about solving the problem.</li>
<li>Your child will be hurting. This is the time to <em>build him/her back up.</em> If they handled the situation in a mature way, commend him/her. Remind them of their good qualities.</li>
<li>Another very important suggestion is to<em> thank them</em> for sharing this with you. After all, they didn't have to. They'll remember how you responded and they'll want to share more with you. </li>
<li><strong>Continually remind them that they can come to you at any time and any day. Again make sure when they do, you make yourself available.</strong></li>
</ol>When all is said and done, your teen may give you a big hug and tell you that you're the best. If doesn't happen the first time, don't give up. <em>Change how you listen and follow these suggestions closely.</em> In time your teen will give you a hug.<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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<noscript></noscript></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-87769947768517294172011-03-27T07:14:00.009-04:002011-11-01T09:12:56.872-04:00Teens Hurt By Friends - Coping Strategies<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoyG7SuDChw/TY8WhPFfOKI/AAAAAAAAAhY/vgFkyi26HVU/s1600/friends+of+different+races.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UoyG7SuDChw/TY8WhPFfOKI/AAAAAAAAAhY/vgFkyi26HVU/s200/friends+of+different+races.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">True Friends Are Color Blind</div><br />
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Why does it hurt so much when my friend makes fun of me? What should I do?<br />
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It's never fun when someone makes fun of you. Especially when that someone is a friend. It can hurt deep down. I can remember some of my friends making fun of me when I was in school. I didn't know why they made fun of me. I didn't care, I just wanted friends. I still wanted to be their friend, even after the mistreatment.<br />
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<strong>Jealousy Stops Friendships from Forming</strong><br />
Now that I'm older, I realize that they were jealous. When they made fun of me, I felt weird, unattractive, and not likable. When in all actuality I was the opposite. I wasn't weird (I was normal), I was somewhat attractive (probably a great deal to those that made fun of me), and I was likable.<br />
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I was the skinny girl with the long pretty hair. I've always had long hair (I got it from my Mom). The boys liked teasing me and being my friends. The girls got in groups and talked about me. I had no problem befriending the guys. I just had problems befriending some of the girls. I really didn't want to be friends with the guys. I wanted to be friends with the girls. Since most girls didn't want my friendship, I had more guy friends than girl friends.<br />
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<strong>Work On the Person Inside</strong><br />
I thought I was an average looking girl. I guess to some I was nice looking. I think they were jealous. Plus, I never wore trendy clothes. My parents couldn't afford them. That may be another reason as to why they made fun of me. I always tell my kids not to worry so much about what they're wearing on the outside, worry about what's on the inside.<br />
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<strong>Seek Friends That Are Going To Help You</strong><br />
If your friend makes fun of you, is he a true friend? Maybe he just likes joking around. Okay, that may be so. But if he continues to hurt you, do you need him as a friend? What can you do to improve the situation? Perhaps you need to talk to him. If he continues to make fun of you, it may be time to find another friend. A friend that is always hurting you is not worth having as a Friend. You deserve a much better friend. <br />
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No doubt it'll be hard to just cut your friend out of your life. That may not be necessary. It can be as simple as cutting back on the time you spend with that person. Seek out true friends that do not make fun of you, accept you for who you are, and want the best for you. Maybe when he sees you limiting your time with him he'll get the point, and change his behavior.<br />
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<strong>Share Your Feelings with Your Parents</strong><br />
When I hear of someone making fun of someone else, it bothers me. Especially if they're talking about the person's clothes; or making jokes in reference to the color of the person's skin. Young and immature kids/teens have a tendency to do this. Most people do not like it when someone makes fun of what they have on or makes jokes about the color of their skin. If you don't like it, you're normal. I always say, "The very person that you're making fun of, could be the very person that saves your life some day."<br />
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It burns me when my Son tells me this has happened to him. I want to step in and talk to the person myself. But I don't. I think it's important for him to work out his own problems. I'll give him my view along with suggestions. I leave it up to him to decide how he wants to handle the situation. If I keep fixing his problems, he will not learn how to fix them on his own?<br />
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I'm just glad that I'm able to be home with my kids. Even If I have to pinch pennies, they're worth each and every penny. If I wasn't home, they wouldn't be able to share their troubles with me (when they really want and need to). Sometimes I (we) have to stop and count the blessings that we do have.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> </div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-71511796147715337222011-03-24T08:19:00.008-04:002011-11-01T09:13:53.664-04:00Should I Kick My Troubled Teen Out?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XidJxs6Lj0Y/TYstrQW8KZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/fYVWV_yb1rg/s1600/flag+give+up.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XidJxs6Lj0Y/TYstrQW8KZI/AAAAAAAAAgU/fYVWV_yb1rg/s200/flag+give+up.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">Sometimes Parents Give Up Too Soon</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div>As a Mom, I don't think it's wise to kick a teen out of the house. I think it's wiser to work through any problems you may have. Kicking a teen out too soon can cause hardship for him. Before you kick your teen out, ask yourself some questions. How will he take care of himself? Where will he live? Does he have any money saved?<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<strong>Prepare Your Teen</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was put out at an early age. I wasn't prepared for taking care of myself financially. Because of this, I had many financial problems. I also found it hard to deal with a lot of problems that came my way. Basically, I was too young. I got put out at around 18 years of age. I was fresh out of school. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I think if I would have stayed home longer, I would not have had too many financial woes. I would have learned how to be more responsible (if given the opportunity). Sometimes parents want to throw in the towel as soon as they have a run in with their teens. They feel like they're not getting anywhere. They may even believe that kicking them out is the best answer. I strongly disagree with this thought. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Being kicked out myself, I can say that kicking a teen out is not the best solution. They're being kicked out at a very vulnerable time. This is when they need their parents the most. Kicking them out will only make them feel abandoned. It will force them to fend for themselves (job or no job). <br />
<br />
When I got kicked out, I had a Part time job, no car, no money saved, and no apartment. This was the wrong way to start on my own. While I do not agree with kicking a teen out, I must say that I played a part in my Mom's decision. Maybe if I would have listened to my Mom, I would not be telling you about this experience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Work through Your Problems</strong><br />
While home, teens learn how to build relationships and get along with others. If they're always running from their problems (running away from home) or we put them out, we're not teaching them how to deal with their problems. It's important to let our teens know come what may, we're going to stick by them. This is what I needed most when I was a teen. So parents stick it out through good and bad. Teens cooperate with your parents and think about the benefits that come from staying home longer. As I always say, "Learn from the mistakes of others."<br />
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<em>This is not to say that if a teen is causing danger to a family, he/she should not be put out (if the behavior continues). Sometimes, parents are left with no choice but to put a teen out.</em><br />
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What are your thoughts?</div><br />
<br />
Kim Harris<br />
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/" target="_new"><br />
</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-37013098591064979872011-03-19T07:49:00.048-04:002011-04-01T06:33:31.447-04:00Does Your Teen Have A Problem Listening To You?<div align="center"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Krblky-p9Eo/TYSXDc7oCdI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Tp_iRfxZyUY/s1600/upset+frog.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Krblky-p9Eo/TYSXDc7oCdI/AAAAAAAAAcY/Tp_iRfxZyUY/s200/upset+frog.bmp" width="200" /></a></div>When Parents Holler Teens Shut Down</div><br />
<div></div>Why do some teens have a problem listening to parents? Why do they shut their parents out?<br />
(For simplicity I'll be referring to young men. This article applies to young ladies just the same).<br />
<br />
<div></div><strong>Let Your Teen Express Himself</strong><br />
If you're always hollering and making demands, he has already closed his ears to anything you have to say. Think about it. What if you're at work and one of your coworkers come up to you and start going off on you. How would you feel? Wouldn't you feel like defending yourself right off? What if you tried to speak, but she kept cutting you off? Would you hear anything she had to say after that?<br />
<br />
<div>You have feelings and views that aren't being heard. You want to understand the problem, but she's not hearing your side. The conversation gets no where. The more she doesn't listen to you, the more you get upset. All you want is to be heard. You want the opportunity to express your feelings and your viewpoints. You want her to understand your side of the story.</div><br />
<div><strong>Try To Understand</strong></div>The conversation ends without ever being resolved. She walks away feeling relieved. You walk away feeling misunderstood. You still have feelings and views pent up inside of you. If only she had taken the time to listen to you, then she would have understood you better. Even if she didn't understand you, just the fact that she listened to you would have showed that she cared enough, to hear what you had to say.<br />
<br />
<div>Now put your teenager in your shoes. Are you like the coworker? Do you let him express his feelings to you freely? Are you so upset at times that you cause him to shut down? You won't get much conversation from him at that level. Sure he'll listen. Maybe you're frightening him into listening. But what part is he really hearing? Probably none of it. </div><br />
<div><strong>Pay Attention To How You Speak</strong></div>When we talk to our teens, we want them to listen. We're defeating the purpose if all we do is holler, demand, and give orders. If your boss was like that, how long would you stick around? Our kids are no different. They have feelings too. We need to acknowledge their feelings and let them speak. When they do, we need to really listen to them. We should try to put ourselves in their shoes. We must try to understand the reasons behind their actions. <br />
<br />
<div>Most times we as parents only see the outcome. When we draw our kids out, we find out they have deeper problems. We can draw them out by asking the right questions and watching their behavior. </div><br />
<strong>7 Remedies</strong><br />
<ol><li>Calm down</li>
<li>Count to 20 </li>
<li>Listen</li>
<li>Let him speak</li>
<li>Be apologetic</li>
<li>Have empathy</li>
<li>Let him know you still love him after wards</li>
</ol><strong>Do Not Interfere</strong><br />
One final thought to teens. You're showing yourselves mature when you listen to your parents, even if they're upset and saying all the wrong things. Try to listen and speak when they're done. Getting upset and interfering will only make the problem worse.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed my article, please say so. If you have a comment you'd like to share, please do so.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://cfa16ijp4imj6w05s9s-nob5u6.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top"><span style="color: blue;">Click Here!</span></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-40806487728794256232011-03-16T08:28:00.021-04:002011-04-01T06:34:04.447-04:00Keeping Kids Safe On Facebook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d8Hlw9icvJM/TYCqEx1eq2I/AAAAAAAAAbo/GU8Mt70CIT4/s1600/untitled+globe.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-d8Hlw9icvJM/TYCqEx1eq2I/AAAAAAAAAbo/GU8Mt70CIT4/s200/untitled+globe.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">Social Networks Cover A Great Distance</div><br />
<br />
Everyone has a different view on this one. Even those that do not have kids, have strong views as to whether or not to allow a kids to have a fb (face book) page. If we do allow it, how do we keep our kids safe on the Internet/Face book?<br />
<br />
I pondered over this one for a very long time. I do not like spreading my business around. Therefore, fb wasn't something I was interested in personally. Sure, I liked getting on fb to check on the status of my friends and to view their pictures! I just love looking at pictures! But I didn't see no real value in having my own fb page. I avoided it for a long time. I was concerned about Internet safety for myself and my kids.<br />
<br />
Finally, I created a page for keeps. Although I love the social aspects of my page, I mainly have it for networking purposes. It allows me to keep my friends up to date with what I'm doing in my business, and I'm able to connect with other entrepreneurs for the much needed support.<br />
<br />
It's fun and interesting to see what everyone is up to! I'm learning so much about friends that I didn't know before. As people, we're always interested in what other people (especially friends) are doing. We all want to feel connected to someone or something (that we have something in common with). Our kids feel the same.<br />
<br />
<strong>When Is It Okay!</strong><br />
Each parent must decide on his or her own whether or not they'll let their kids have a fb page. I never wanted my kids to have one. But they kept seeing me get on it. They thought it was so much fun to see their friends and look at their pictures! I guess it's a way for them to have a small circle of friends, and a little bit of privacy at the same time. Which is all a part of growing up.<br />
<br />
So, after giving it some thought, I decided to allow the two of them to have their very own fb pages. They love it! (My husband didn't object. He's not into computers at all)! We created the pages together. I set their privacy settings. I laid down the rules. I told them just like I allowed the pages, I can also take them away (if they abuse the privilege). Here are some suggestions that I've found to work for us:<br />
<br />
<ol><li>I set the privacy settings. I check them periodically.</li>
<li>They can only friend request people that we know. If another trustworthy friend knows them, that's fine. Just as long as I can verify it. No exceptions in this area! I have it set to friends only. Some settings are not even set to friends.</li>
<li>I'm allowed to <strong>monitor</strong> their pages and delete friends that I find offensive in some way. Of course I give the two of them time to do it themselves. If they don't take care of the matter, I do it.</li>
<li><strong>Personal information is not allowed (addresses, phone numbers).</strong></li>
<li><em>I tell them to be very careful with the chat box.</em> I don't like them using it very much. Unless it's someone that we all know. I limit my use of it too. Because I use my fb page mainly for business purposes, I don't personally know everyone on my friend's list. Therefore, I keep my chat box off most times.</li>
<li>If they put something up on their pages that may be offensive. Perhaps it's a video that they didn't really pay attention to and something in it slipped by them. <strong>I'll tell them to take it down.</strong> Sometimes I even take it down for them. We all make mistakes.</li>
<li><strong>I lead by example.</strong> They see what I do on fb. They tend to copy me. They know that I'm not on there to abuse it. I mainly use it to catch up with friends and keep them posted with what I'm doing. Which as I mentioned before, is mainly network marketing. I know I love seeing what my friends do for a living! If I need something, I know who to ask.</li>
<li>They are not allowed to friend request someone with questionable behaviour or indecent pictures. Yes, I look at their friend's pictures from time to time. <strong>I make allowances for family only</strong>. You got to friend request family. At least I think so.</li>
<li>It also helps to have a good anti-virus program installed on your computer. </li>
</ol><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage"><span style="color: blue;">http://free.avg.com/us-en/homepage</span></a></div><br />
<strong>Know Your Kids</strong><br />
The main idea here is for you to be involved with what your kids are doing. Allow them to develop their own personalities. Some kids don't like fb. Mine just happen to like it! I can't hold them too tight. I have to be reasonable. If I have friends on fb, why can't they?<br />
<br />
I didn't just allow them a page. I did take into account their ages and maturity level. (Face book recommends no child under the age of 13). I wasn't aware of this until after I allowed my 11 year old a page. I assumed it was okay since I saw lots of other kids on fb. Instead of just taking the page away from her, I decided to let her keep it. I monitor her very closely. She's only allowed to friend people I know and trust. I must admit, I have been guilty of signing up for some networks without reading the terms (now I read the terms first).<br />
<br />
Before I allowed my kids a page, I wanted to be sure that they understood the seriousness of privacy (their privacy) and the dangers if not treated properly. I made sure that they understood what it meant not to disclose personal information. It's very important to know your kids. Will he/she be responsible and abide by your fb rules? I didn't allow them a page until I felt they could abide by the rules. <br />
<br />
<strong>Be Involved</strong><br />
I don't act like a Sargent or anything. I just monitor them and their pages closely. I keep my ears and eyes open. That's why it's important to keep the computer in an open area (family room). This way you can monitor them. What works for one family may not work for another. The key here is to do what's best for your family. <strong>You know your family better than anyone else. If you do allow your kids a page, be involved.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading! If you liked my article, please say so. If you'd like to share your 2 cents, please do so!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-56053436227147806532011-03-15T01:31:00.009-04:002011-03-18T09:28:20.954-04:00Keep Your Morals And Your Respect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZVOO9x_7cw/TX7z0xLQiVI/AAAAAAAAAbc/F56rqvWXbsk/s1600/myphoto+broken+heart.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" q6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kZVOO9x_7cw/TX7z0xLQiVI/AAAAAAAAAbc/F56rqvWXbsk/s200/myphoto+broken+heart.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">He Broke My Heart In Two</div><br />
Is keeping your morals and your virginity important to you? If so, what can you do to keep your respect when it comes to premarital sex? <br />
<br />
My first love was with a very handsome young man! I fell head over heels for him! I was attracted to him the moment I laid eyes on him. We'd go to lunch together (he paid). In between classes, he'd come talk to me and he'd let me wear his jacket!<br />
<br />
<strong>I Found Out the Hard Way</strong><br />
I looked forward to seeing him each and every day! I even wrote a letter to him. In the letter I told him that someday we'd get married and have two kids. I don't think we were on the same page. Within a matter of weeks, he started getting out of control with his thoughts. I was thinking friend and companion (someone to talk to). He was thinking more along the lines of getting into my pants. Little did I know. I found that out the hard way. <br />
<br />
<strong>A Broken Heart</strong><br />
He took me over a friend's house (small get together). While in a room alone, he expressed a desire to go all the way, and I kept refusing. Finally he accepted my refusal. Well, guess what ladies. The next day in school, he barely talked to me. From that day forward we were no longer boy friend and girl friend. I was devastated, and my heart was broken in two! I really liked him. I tried as hard as I could to get him back. Nothing worked. Eventually he started hanging around other girls and got another girlfriend.<br />
<br />
<strong>On to the Next Girl</strong><br />
After some time, I got over him. What he did was unloving and very disrespectful. He caused me to have a lot of hurt feelings. I'm glad I didn't give in to his sexual urges. Because it wasn't long before he had another girl friend. When he couldn't get what he wanted from me, he moved on to the next girl. This happened when I was a teenager in love in high school. It still happens to other girls down to this day. <br />
<br />
<strong>Save Your Dignity</strong><br />
My sex advice for teenagers (especially girls) is this, "Listen to your parents." If they disapprove of you having a boyfriend, don't get one. You'll save yourself a lot of head aches. It's true that most guys only want sex. If you don't give it to them, they'll find someone who will. Let them gone about their business. You'll save your dignity. <br />
<br />
<strong>Should I Give In?</strong><br />
No! If you do give in to their urges, they'll lose all respect for you. Once you cross the line of having sex with a guy, he'll start treating you different. He will not view you the same. That's why it's so easy for most young men to make babies and walk away. They have no attachment or commitment to the young ladies. How many teenage Moms do you know? Where are the fathers?<br />
<br />
While you may think that you love the guy and want to give yourself to him (sexually), give it some time. You may find out that sex is the only thing he wants from you. Think things through before you act them out. Think about your future. Keep refusing and see how long he hangs around. Then you'll know what he really wants from you. If he leaves, you're better off without him. Remember, all guys are not like this. Just some. There are some guys that have morals. It's like finding a needle in a haystack, but they do exist.<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-14208049119458121492011-03-09T00:03:00.038-05:002011-04-01T12:11:43.657-04:00Overcome Your Loneliness - 7 Tips<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BHxsAzOty_E/TYC4byrdFUI/AAAAAAAAAbs/olgeDG00x5g/s1600/lonely+flower.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BHxsAzOty_E/TYC4byrdFUI/AAAAAAAAAbs/olgeDG00x5g/s200/lonely+flower.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444;">Teens Need Nurturing Just Like Flowers</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">I think it’s safe to say that most teens have felt lonely at one time or another. I can remember when I started a new job working in a hospital. It seemed that I just didn’t fit in. I tried really hard to make friends. To me, I just was not getting anywhere. I wasn’t looking for personal or very close friendships. I just wanted a couple of good work related friendships. Well, I stayed at this job for close to two years. I’m glad that I didn’t give up. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Over time, people started finding me likable. I think they just needed that time to get to know me. I was able to develop a few good friendships at work. We worked hard together, we laughed together, we complained together, and we walked to our cars together! I really appreciated those few friendships I had while working there. Although I ended up making a few friends, as I mentioned before, I was very lonely at the start of that job.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">There are so many things in life that can cause teens to feel lonely. Here are a few:</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Parents that don't listen</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Moving to a new location</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Going to a new school</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Unstable family</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Lack of friends</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Depression/chronic depression</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">No family</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">The start of a </span><a href="http://69837allxcyk6zc3ohsk75gkaz.hop.clickbank.net/"><span style="color: blue;">new job</span></a></div></li>
</ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">This is a short list. I’m sure there are plenty more reasons that can be added to this list. Loneliness is a worldwide concern. There are even songs written about it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><strong><span style="color: #444444;">How can teens deal with loneliness? </span></strong></div><ol><li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Try to think more positively about loneliness. After all, loneliness can be good at times.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Don’t isolate yourself. Seek the friendship of others. Perhaps you can join someone for a meal.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Be a friend first. Listen to others. Be yourself. People will like you just because you’re, “You”.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Help others. When we help others, we tend to forget about our own problems.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Get out and do something physical (walking, bike riding, skating, or running). Do whatever physical exercise you enjoy doing.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Try not to feel sorry for yourself. It’ll only make you feel worse. Turn your loneliness into something positive. This may be a good time to learn a new skill.</span></div></li>
<li><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-align: left; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #444444;">Connect with your friends on line. If you don’t have any friends on line. Reach out and connect with new on line friends (just be very careful). I keep my on line friends<strong> on line</strong> (I treat my on line friends the same as work associates). That is unless I know them personally. <strong>Not close and not personal.</strong> We support one another on line. <em>I could not do what I do if I didn't have support from many of them.</em></span></div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Sometimes when I’m going through a lonely period in my life, I just need someone to talk to. It’s usually my Mom. She raised five teenagers. When she’s not available, I do something else I like to do. Such as: read, sleep, eat, shop, go skating, ministry work, call someone, play with my kids, get on face book , watch a movie, pray, or even have a good cry. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><strong>The point is not to let loneliness overtake us.</strong> It can cause us to become very depressed; to the point of feeling helpless. So next time you start feeling lonely, remember you’re not alone. </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-57398035192834687452011-03-08T23:36:00.020-05:002011-04-01T12:31:27.764-04:00What Do You Know About Gangs?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ettcHu90qPo/TYC5z6Wv9II/AAAAAAAAAbw/ybjBQZ1bPC0/s1600/gangs.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ettcHu90qPo/TYC5z6Wv9II/AAAAAAAAAbw/ybjBQZ1bPC0/s200/gangs.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444;">Gangs</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Ask any gang member why they joined a gang, and you’ll get various answers. Some of them are: "For love, money, drugs, power, sex, loneliness, out of anger, for recognition, and a glamorous life style." In simple terms, they join gangs because they feel like they’re not getting their needs met at home.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">As we are raising our teenagers, we should keep these things in mind. None of us want to see our teens joining any type of gang. We try to protect them from gangs. Not guide them to the gangs. In order to do this, we must educate our children; and warn them of the dangers involved with gangs. It is very important that we keep talking to our children. Show them that we love them and care for them. This means giving more hugs and kisses. We need to be involved with what our children are involved in. Visit their school regularly, help them with homework, make time for family activities, and be available when they need to talk. We must do this in order to keep them from seeking this love and concern elsewhere.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Gang Initiation </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">I have to admit, I didn’t know very much about gangs before putting this article together. I had to do some research. I was in tears after viewing some of this information. It is a must see for all concerned individuals. When I learned how some gang members initiate a person into the gang, I couldn’t believe it. Some are beaten in (by 4 or more members). Some are sexed in, by 4 or more members (along with violence). Finally, some have to go out and randomly kill someone; that they don’t even know. Now, we can’t go hiding from gangs or anything. However, we can be alert and know how they operate. This will put us in a better position to protect our children.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Did you know that new members and young members are the ones that do most of the crimes? Yes, they have to earn their stay. The older ones have done the work. They’ve proved themselves so to speak. These young ones don’t think about the consequences (going to prison or getting killed). They fail to realize that Mom and Dad are not the only ones with rules. Gangs have rules too (even a chain of command). If these rules aren’t followed, one could be beaten or killed. Prison has rules too. If one doesn’t follow the rules in prison, the same thing can happen. The criminals are the ones that make the rules. A question to ask our kids is, “Whose rules do you want to follow?” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">Getting Out Of A Gang </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">Even if you belong to a gang, you can still get out. You may have to move away and stay with relatives in another area. You can't tell anyone about this move. Perhaps if you fill your time with better activities, you’ll find yourself drifting away from that bad environment. If all else fails, you may have to approach the gang leader and explain to him your views. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Let him know why you want out (to change your life style). Let him know that you’d like to depart on good terms. Let him know that you’ll not be disclosing any information to anyone. Tell him that you don’t want any harm to come to him or you. Let him know that you hope all goes well with him. <em>Hopefully,</em> <em>you’ll be able to walk away and never look back! </em>Don’t give up in seeking a way out. These are just suggestions. Each person will handle his or her situation differently.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<strong><span style="color: #444444;">Thumbs up to all those who leave gangs! </span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">I really enjoyed writing this article! I hope I’ve helped someone in some sort of way. I’d like to hear what you have to say. Please leave a comment. If one of the links below don't work, please let me know.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;">For more information or help, please visit the following:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.history.com/shows/gangland/videos/ganged-up#ganged-up"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.history.com/shows/gangland/videos/ganged-up#ganged-up</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: blue;"><br />
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<a href="http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Former-Gang-Member-Mentors-Teens/kgXeV7ONHkGeL9elq4kQWQ.cspx"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.fox23.com/news/local/story/Former-Gang-Member-Mentors-Teens/kgXeV7ONHkGeL9elq4kQWQ.cspx</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Have you ever been in a gang? Please share your story here.</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-74461570647045947842011-03-08T23:29:00.015-05:002011-04-01T12:32:05.868-04:00A Closer Look At Juvenile Prison<div style="text-align: left;">If parents are going to bring guns into the home, then it should be a requirement to educate any children in that home on guns, crimes committed with guns, and the consequences of those crimes. Many times parents bring guns home to protect the family. Only to have them used on a family member. Many times by a child. Is it worth it? Kids aren't dumb. They know how to get into whatever it is that they want. I can't think of a safe place in a home to keep a gun (especially with kids). If we hid a gun in our home, I guarantee you that my kids would find it......</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><strong>There are much safer ways to protect our families.</strong> Each day I worry about someone breaking into my home while I sleep. But I don't let this worry consume me. I go over what I call an escape plan with my kids. I leave lights on in certain rooms. This way it looks like my home is active; although we're all knocked out. I also do a window, door, and garage check before turning in for the night. Be sure to check yours before you turn in for the night. :)<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anyway, the story of this 10 year old is a sad one. No 10 year old should be put in Juvenile. I personally don't like those facilities. What are they teaching the kids? They lock them up like animals. Why not send them to school all day? Teach them how to control their anger. Help them to understand that violence is not the answer. Teach them a skill. Have communicating sessions with them (along with their parents). Putting them in a cell is not helping them to grow to maturity. <strong>I'd go crazy if I was locked up all day. That's why half of them get out only to return to a life of crime. Go figure.........</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Personally, if my son committed a crime like this, I wouldn't want him locked up 24/7. I'd want to send him to some sort of school (safe) that would help him (away from others he could harm). One that would give him some freedom (monitored) to still enjoy life. <strong>We all make mistakes.</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm fortunate to have my faith and belief in my God helping me with my kids. It makes a difference.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Read the story here:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/03/ohio.boy.shooting/index.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.cnn.com/2011/CRIME/01/03/ohio.boy.shooting/index.html</span></a><br />
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Thanks for reading!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-43880046003968368362011-03-08T23:22:00.014-05:002011-03-18T09:30:00.621-04:00Is Juvenile Prison The Answer?<div style="text-align: left;">A ten year old boy shot and killed his own mother. I'm just now reading about this one. When I read this story, It really touched me. Why would a 10 year old kill his own Mother? Why do some parents keep guns easily accessible to children? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">As some of you may know, I'm totally against guns. I'm so glad that we don't have guns in our home. You just never know. My kids sure aren't perfect. I hope that they would never use a gun on me. <strong>That's why I think it's so important to teach our kids about guns while they're young. </strong>Teach them the danger of guns. Let them know the consequences of harming someone with a gun. Television and XBOX games don't keep it real.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>The Reality Of Guns</strong><br />
I'm always letting my kids know the reality of committing a crime. <strong>I let them know that they can go to Juvenile.</strong> I tell them that it's not a pretty life either. They were a bit surprised when they read this story. Seeing a 10 year old in hand cuffs and all, made my 12 year old son think. I don't think he's ever seen a 10 year old in hand cuffs in real life. When he was younger, he use to like the toy hand cuffs. He and his sister would always run around hand cuffing one another. They would act like little cops!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although this boy committed this horrible crime, he's still a child. I don't think he was educated on guns and the seriousness of committing certain crimes. Nor was he trained on how to cope and deal with his anger. <em>So many parents are leaving this education up to the Internet, television, games, friends, and the streets. When parents don't take the time to teach their kids/teenagers, the results can be deadly. </em>We see it in the news all the time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This article is followed by the article entitled: <strong>A Closer Look At Juvenile Prison</strong></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-64409137875495517712011-03-08T23:13:00.014-05:002011-04-01T12:33:29.661-04:00Four Tips For The Bullied<div style="text-align: left;">Do you pick on those that are weak and vulnerable? Do you do it by being cruel and abusive? Do you threaten, intimidate or control? Do you insult, use sarcasm, ridicule, and call others names? If so, you are a bully.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>What Causes One To Become A <a href="http://e4f05knuvgngcq0lp8n9pll0ce.hop.clickbank.net/"><span style="color: blue;">Bully?</span></a></strong> </div><ul><li><div style="text-align: left;">Jealousy</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Problems at home (aggression, violence)</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">A desire for attention</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Influenced by television (criminals are made to look like the tough guy)</div></li>
</ul><div style="text-align: left;">If you are a bully and you do not stop bullying others, it could cause problems for you later in life. If you decide to marry, you could become aggressive or violent towards your wife (and kids). This makes for a very unhappy home (marriage).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Working at any type of job requires team work and professionalism.</strong> You wouldn't be displaying team work or professionalism if you're always bullying others. Employers need workers that get along with others. They don't want workers that always end up in confrontations with others.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Older Ones Can Be Bullied Too</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bullying doesn't just happen to the young. It also happens to older ones. It's just done in more subtle ways. It has happened to me several times on a job. I had to speak up. I was polite and very firm. Most of the time I had no problems after speaking up. If I did, I thought it would be a waste of my time to make an issue of it. <em>I would just let it roll off my shoulders.</em> I had a job to do. <strong>If it bothered me to the point of interfering with my job, I spoke with my boss (along with the person).</strong> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Four Important Tips For The Bullied </strong></div><ol><li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Do not retaliate.</strong> This could lead to worse problems (you don't deserve).</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Talk to your teacher (counselor) and parents. They may need to meet with the bully's parents.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Do not be a coward.</strong> Stand up for yourself (speak up).</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">You can arrange to speak one on one with your bully. This way he'll see that you're not afraid. Bullies like it when they can pick on someone that doesn't speak up. This will keep making you a target for them. They think they can get away with it, because you're not saying anything.</div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Six Tips For Parents And Teachers</strong></div><ol><li><div style="text-align: left;">Take any and all complaints of<a href="http://e4f05knuvgngcq0lp8n9pll0ce.hop.clickbank.net/"><span style="color: blue;"> bullying</span></a> very serious.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Arrange to meet with all parties involved.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Reassure the student/child that bullying will not be tolerated.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Parents teach your children (early in life) to treat others the way they'd like to be treated.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">If the abuse doesn't stop, sterner measures may have to be taken.</div></li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Do not wait to take action (further harm could be done).</div></li>
</ol><div style="text-align: left;">Due to bullying problems, some parents have decided at some point while raising their teenagers (smaller children), to take them out of a traditional school; in order to homeschool them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Story Of A Teenager That Was Bullied</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/us/02bully.html"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/us/02bully.html</span></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strong>Other Resources:</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.antibullying.net/law.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.antibullying.net/law.htm</span></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-38511344743637686742011-03-06T08:32:00.018-05:002011-03-25T08:41:14.188-04:00Better Communication With Your Teen - 4 Strategies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JjMwA2KVb-s/TYPthTGEnRI/AAAAAAAAAcM/3urat7Vq_0c/s1600/father+son.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JjMwA2KVb-s/TYPthTGEnRI/AAAAAAAAAcM/3urat7Vq_0c/s200/father+son.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">Show Empathy</div><br />
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Just the other day, I made the mistake of saying something to my teen that hurt his feelings very much. The reason I said it, was because he made me upset by his actions. I wanted him to stop. He kept irritating me. I made a statement to him, that hurt him deep down. He went into his room and closed his door. I told him to stay in there and think about what he had done. <br />
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<strong>Could You Be Wrong?</strong><br />
As he was sitting in his room pondering over his actions (I hope), I was sitting at my computer pondering over what I had said to him. After thinking about it, I came to realize that I was in the wrong for saying what I said. I was right about wanting him to stop. I was also right about him not displaying the proper attitude towards me at the time. "I was wrong for saying what I said."<br />
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<strong>Apologize</strong><br />
I got up and went into his room. The first thing I did was apologize. I then explained to him why I said what I said. I also let him know that his attitude was out of line. I invited him to come back and join the family. Afterwards, I left his room. He was behind me! :)<br />
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<strong>Reassure Your Teen Of Your Love</strong><br />
He felt much better after my apology. I think he even realized where he was wrong. The important thing is, I didn't just leave him on his own to deal with his hurt feelings. I remember what I needed most when I upset my Mother. I needed her reassurance. I wanted to know that she still loved me, even though I had made a mistake. I reassured my Son that I still loved him. I'm not the best at parenting or anything. I just try as best I can to apply all the suggestions and advice I receive from my religious publications (which I share with you). Alone with my own common sense, and lots of love! So far it's working!<br />
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<strong>Have Better Communication With Your Teenager - 4 Strategies</strong><br />
<ol><li>Ask questions. Find out what's really bothering him (or her).</li>
<li>Listen to him. He may be pouring his heart out to you. Even if you don't like what he's saying to you, try as best as you can not to interrupt or attack him.</li>
<li>Plan times together that allow for communication. Usually meal times are a good time for families to get together for some fun, talk, and good food! Communication will be stifled if you allow television, computer, or other activities (during the meal).</li>
<li>Apologize if you're in the wrong. Even if you don't think you're in the wrong, it helps to have an apologetic attitude. Find something that you could have done better.</li>
</ol>If you need advice for a specific question, please email me privately. I'll send you information that touches on your specific question. <br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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All comments are welcomed here.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-15056361601007235152011-03-05T02:11:00.021-05:002011-04-01T12:14:24.340-04:00Laws Parents And Teens Should Know<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ua-7fyUYoMI/TYPw0FKPPJI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/aG-R4gKSxTM/s1600/law+book.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ua-7fyUYoMI/TYPw0FKPPJI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/aG-R4gKSxTM/s200/law+book.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">Parents Have Rights</div><br />
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When we have kids, the hospital doesn't give us a law book on kids. We don't even worry about any child laws while they're babies. We know that we're going to give them the best care.<br />
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When they reach the ages of ten to twelve, we wonder about the law on leaving them home alone. I know that this was a major concern for me. I really didn't know what the law said. Is there such a law? I learned that it varies from state to state.<br />
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<strong>Do Parents Have Rights?</strong><br />
Sure. We have rights. As long as the child is under the age of eighteen, we're responsible for him/her. Some laws surprised me. I was not aware of them. I think we as parents need to make ourselves fully aware of the laws regarding children.<br />
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<strong>Rights Terminated</strong><br />
Can parent's rights be terminated? Yes. If we prove to be unfit as parents, the court system can terminate our parental rights.<br />
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<strong>Rights of Children</strong><br />
Did you know that your children can sue you? There are procedures they must follow in order to do so. <br />
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<strong>Tried As an Adult</strong><br />
If a child commits a crime, there's Juvenile Court. It was put in place for young criminals. However, in some states, a child can be tried as an adult at the age of thirteen! Also in some states parents can be held responsible for damages caused by their child/teenagers.<br />
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Many of these laws are new to me. I didn't know them before. I think that all parents need to educate themselves on laws that involve children. Would you like to know the laws on kids? Would your family benefit from learning about these laws? How would you feel if you had these laws available to you in a desperate time of need? <strong>These laws are available to you!</strong> My recommendation for further reading is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0375720774?tag=noweta-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0375720774&adid=0ABHGCVH86T0HQVZ9S6M"><span style="color: blue;">Family Legal Guide</span></a> <span style="color: red;"> </span>it is filled with everything you need to know as a parent.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thanks for reading!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-49216342779654069742011-03-04T10:34:00.024-05:002011-03-23T14:55:55.061-04:00I'm Not A Baby!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X32vr10mH8Q/TYDEn2WEzAI/AAAAAAAAAcE/vLDNewzfajI/s1600/untitled+upset.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-X32vr10mH8Q/TYDEn2WEzAI/AAAAAAAAAcE/vLDNewzfajI/s200/untitled+upset.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center">Mom I'm Not a Baby!</div><br />
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"You treat me like I'm a baby!" "You never let me go anywhere or do anything."<br />
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If you're a parent with preteens or teenagers, you've probably heard these statements before. I fit into this category. Letting go of our kids is very hard. <strong>Being a parent and raising teenagers is a very challenging yet rewarding job.</strong> Probably one of the most challenging and important jobs you've ever had. The difference is, this is a job you can't quit. You may feel like it from time to time.<br />
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<strong>They're Not Babies Anymore</strong><br />
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When kids are small, they accept anything. They don't talk back. They're very cooperative. Not so when they become teens. It's as if they're completely different. You have to get to know them all over. They're not babies anymore. I find this to be tough at times. I want to give my kids more freedom. I just get scared that something is going to happen to them. I won't even let my kids walk over a friend's house alone. Too many predators lurking around these days. <br />
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If they want to go over a friend's house, I'll take them. It's much safer. We all are happy with doing it this way. They understand the danger of walking alone. I always tell them, <strong>"Walking in a group is so much safer."</strong> Since they can't walk with a group, I prefer to take them where they need to go. <strong>Although they have a measure of freedom (they can visit friends), they don't have total freedom. Also, there's always another adult present if I'm not.</strong><br />
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<strong>Plan Activities for Your Teen</strong><br />
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I think it's important to give our teens more freedom. <strong>Especially if we notice that they're responsible in other areas. It's best to start small. </strong>I let my son go play ball with some of his older Friends. They're twice his age. I trust them. They've proven to be very responsible. That's important. Know who your teen is with. Do you trust them? If you don't, explain this to your teen. Be careful with your choice of words. It's okay to deny them from hanging out with a dangerous or bad group of friends. If you do this, have something else planned for them. <br />
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I personally think it's best to <em>have plans ahead of time for teens.</em> What about having some of his/her friends over to the house, with you close by? This way, you'll get to know their friends better. They may even find out some things about their friends they didn't even know (good or bad). It's not going to hurt a group of teens, to have at least one mature and responsible adult present. Maybe two, so they can interact with each other. If you're a teen, try to cooperate with your parents more fully. Realizing they're responsible for your care. It's only natural for them to want to protect you. They love you!<br />
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Thanks for reading!<br />
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If you liked this article, please say so. If you'd like to leave a comment for others to read, please do so.<br />
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</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-64998616901014268752011-03-01T16:21:00.028-05:002011-04-01T12:16:27.307-04:00God Found Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3zGQvO6m7Uk/TYC99jtFHTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/T3CF1V01ZW8/s1600/untitled+hands.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3zGQvO6m7Uk/TYC99jtFHTI/AAAAAAAAAb4/T3CF1V01ZW8/s200/untitled+hands.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: #444444;">God Took Me by the Hand</span></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">I want you to tell me. What do these people have in common? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Norma Jean Baker (aka Marilyn Monroe)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Raymond Neil Combs Jr.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Jean Seberg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Michael Blosil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you said they all committed suicide, you’re right. These people took their own lives. For whatever reason, they found it hard to cope and decided to end it all by killing themselves.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">Suicide takes many lives away from us yearly. It’s been estimated that as many as a million people kill themselves each year. This is definitely something we need to take notice of. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><strong>When I was a teenager, I wanted to kill myself.</strong> I was very disappointed with my life (at that time). I had done some things that I was ashamed of. I had hurt a lot of people (especially my family). <em>I didn’t think I would be forgiven. </em>Nor did I think anyone loved me. I was struggling in school with my grades. I had a few friends. I never had popular friends. I felt like I didn't fit in with that group. I felt alone. My relationship with my mom was a painful one. I felt like she always picked on me. I felt like she didn’t love me. I was not very close to my mom (we’re much closer now). My dad was hardly ever home. Eventually, my parents divorced. I started drinking and taking drugs (downers). By the way, I got real skinny during this time. I was taking drugs more than I was eating.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;">One particular night, I wanted to end it all. I had it all planned. I was going to drink a 2 liter of beer (which I did). Then, I was going to drive my car off a bridge. I didn’t know where or how. I just knew I wanted to do that. However, for some reason, I ended up over my boyfriend’s house. He became aware of my situation. He would not let me be alone. He drove me around on his motorcycle until I was sober. I don’t know whatever became of him. <strong>But, I’m very thankful that he was there during my time of need. Anyway, I ended up sobering up. Needless to say, I didn’t kill myself. </strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">God Found Me</span></strong></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><strong>I learned that God cares for me. He cares for each and every one of us.</strong> He found me. He strengthened me. He’s the reason I’m still here to tell you my story. I learned that he gave me life as a gift. He wants me to take care of the gift of life. He doesn’t want me to harm my body in any way. I appreciate that. I respect his views. <strong>My life doesn’t belong to me. It’s like someone giving you a gift. You wouldn’t throw it away would you? <em>So why should we throw away the gift of life that God has given us?</em></strong></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">So before you even begin to think about taking your own life, <strong>talk to someone. </strong>Try your best to let them know how you're feeling. <strong>Don't isolate yourself.</strong> Seek the company of family and friends. Get on the phone and call someone (you can contact me). You may just need to vent your feelings to a listening ear. I'll help you through this. I've been where you are.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: #444444;">A Reminder for Parents and Friends</span></strong><br />
<span style="color: #444444;">Please listen to any and all talk of suicide. Take it serious. You may have to just be a listening ear. Sometimes that's all that is needed. If you sense something, talk to the individual. Don't just assume it's nothing. Try to get inside the person's head. We want to help others, not judge them.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6225195174562930720.post-58130758208915618702011-03-01T16:19:00.018-05:002011-03-23T14:24:50.286-04:00Be The Best Teen Mom!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9OWZUee5Cj4/TYDjCV_-DuI/AAAAAAAAAcI/5p4VCfed5QQ/s1600/baby.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" r6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9OWZUee5Cj4/TYDjCV_-DuI/AAAAAAAAAcI/5p4VCfed5QQ/s200/baby.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><div align="center"><span style="color: black;">Babies Need Lots Of Love</span></div><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Sometimes no matter how hard we try not to, we make mistakes. Unfortunately, for many teenagers, getting pregnant and having a child out of wedlock is one of them. <strong>But why dwell on that?</strong> When that the little one arrives, he/she is going to need your undivided attention. Once home from the hospital, you'll be lost as to what to do. I sure was. I wasn't even in my teens (with my first child).</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">When you come home from the hospital, you'll be surprised to find out that you don't get an instruction manual; on how to raise a child. It's hands on training....<strong>Don't worry, most of it comes naturally.</strong> Just follow your motherly instincts. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><strong>Give that child lots of love and attention.</strong> <strong>It is not just you anymore.</strong> <em>You are now responsible for another person that depends on you</em>. Any decisions that you make from this point on, will affect your child (make them wisely). If you don't know how to do something, seek the help of other experienced moms (especially your mother). If you don't understand something, research it (reliable resource). <strong>Please make your baby your priority. Be the best teenage Mom you can be!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Thanks for reading!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0