29.12.14

Some straight talk on teen advice

As a group, teens face a most difficult period in their lives. You're going through the transition from adolescence to adulthood. On the... thumbnail 1 summary
As a group, teens face a most difficult period in their lives. You're going through the transition from adolescence to adulthood. On the one hand, you want to spread your wings and become more independent, exercising that good judgment your parents have been trying to nurture these many years. You reach a point where you think you've heard it all and don't really want to hear any more of this sage teen advice. Many teens simply stop listening. Parents become adversaries who are just trying to ruin a perfectly good time.

It's been this way for many generations of teens. It's only when you get older that you realize that maybe they weren't quite so mistaken. The intent of this article is to give you some straight teen advice that, while leaving you at the helm, provides you some useful backup. The best of both worlds.

Here we go then, with our best five teen advice tips. We think you'll agree that you can't go wrong by giving these some thought.

1.Have an adult you trust to confide in. Your Mom or Dad are good candidates, despite how geeky you think they are. However, if circumstances make this impossible, there are other trustworthy adults you can talk to about issues you might not feel comfortable with, talking to Mom or Dad. Perhaps an Aunt or Uncle? A teacher, school counselor or church pastor? Scope out your possibilities and leave the sympathetic person you meet in a chat room off your list.

2.If you have issues that you'd like to discuss with a trusted adult, but aren't ready to, do your own research, at the library or on the net. When you feel you've got a handle on the pros and cons of the issue, present the evidence and then talk! Believe that your trusted adult confidante will treat you with respect. A trustworthy adult will give you the benefit of their experience, not a lecture.

3.You know that this bit of teen advice has been worn out, but is nonetheless legitimate. Understand the dangers of drugs and alcohol. You know that both are readily available, so much so that any mention from parents evokes a rolling of your eyes towards heaven. The street drugs at your disposal today are literally poison. You don't need to make your research public. Just get online and search out the info on what goes into some of these drugs and see what the consequences are, in real life. It's truly scary. After you've done your own research, you may not even need to consult an adult to reach your own conclusions.

4.You've surely heard of peer pressure. This occurs when a teen is lacking in confidence to be an individual, a leader rather than a follower. Your parents, chastising you for some behavior, might have told you, If your friend decides to jump off a bridge, does that mean you should also? It's true. This bit of teen advice warrants your considered opinion. You are an individual and are free to choose your own path. Develop your own self confidence. You don't need to demonstrate courage or daring by giving in to 'group think'. Don't become a victim!

5.Here's the last bit of teen advice I have to offer. Understand the value of education. Without education, you face a life of poverty, moving from one unrewarding job to another. Do whatever you must to further your skills.

Take your own life in your hands. Take this teen advice to heart. Live your life, heartily!