Risky Sex and Drinking

Maybe you find these statistics shocking or maybe you are not surprised.  Either way, they are reality.  

As quoted in another post, from an ABC news broadcast, Dr. Richard Besser stated, "I'm a parent of teenagers and I'm a pediatrician and one thing I know is far more teens are having sex than parents know or believe". 

So many teens are sexually active and many aren't even fully aware of the risks they are taking.  Even teens that would normally make healthy and thoughtful choices, can make risky decisions when their thought process is clouded under the influence of alcohol.  

Although you may not know all the recent statistics about teen sex, STDs, drinking, and teen pregnancies, etc. like our staff does and you may not have the high tech media presentations and powerful speaking abilities like our Health Educators...you are our students' parent(s)!  Unlike our staff, you get to spend more than one hour a day or week with your teens. Our desire at P.A.T.H. is to encourage parents to keep conversations going with your "tweens" and teens about these issues.  

It may feel awkward or you may feel like you are intruding, but it's worth stepping out of your comfort zone.  They need all of the encouragement they can get in making healthy choices for their present and future. Sometimes home may be the only place they will hear "not everyone is doing it."

When was the last time you talked with your teen about his/her choices regarding drinking or sex? 

  

Are you speaking your childs' "language"?!

Have you ever felt like you were spinning your wheels for someone (possibly your children) only to have them question your love and/or commitment to them?! Perhaps you are just speaking a different "language"?! 

There is a popular book called The Five Love Languages that discusses the idea of learning to "speak" the love language of the people in your life.

The basis behind the theory of love languages is to help you discover your own love language and that of the people that you love in order to truly "speak" their language.  When you are able to effectively communicate your love and commitment to them, it can result in developing more fulfilling relationships.  

The author of this book describes the five areas in which most people feel loved:

1. Acts of Service

2. Words of Affirmation

3. Physical Touch

4. Quality Time

5. Gifts

An example may be that you are always expressing your love to your child by showering them with hugs and kisses, but they convey that they don't feel very special or loved because you don't spend much time with them.  It could be possible that your child's love language is not physical touch, but quality time.

This is not to say that you shouldn't express your love through hugs, kisses or snuggles, but that you can truly reach the core of that child's heart by spending uninterrupted time with them.

We hope that you will take time to discover not only your own love language, but also that of your child(ren), spouse and other special people in your life. 

Parenting: Don't try this alone!

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Whether there are two very hands on parents in the home, a single parent, blended family or a grandparent raising grandchildren, raising children was never meant for anyone to do alone.

The quote, it takes a village to raise a child, is definitely true when it comes to parenting.  Along with the many joys and precious memories that come with raising kids, even "healthy" families experience challenges, obstacles and seasons of difficulty.

The struggles in 2013 are very different than they were in 1913, but the positive side of parenting in modern times is that there are SO many resources available to parents and families.  Resources (at our fingertips) that are full of wisdom and advice from professionals, success stories of thriving families and "what not to dos".

In addition to P.A.T.H's interactive website, there are many other resources that are worth looking into:

::Podcasts

::Blogs (by or for parents - like this one : )

::Websites 

::Books, books, books (i.e. topics like: parenting, communication skills, 

    teens and sex, etc.) 

::Your place of faith 

::Family counseling

::Other parents (that have the similar parenting standards as your family)

::Mom groups (i.e. similar to M.O.P.S for mothers of younger children)

At a Positive Approach to Teen Health, we are committed to helping teens and young people to make informed and healthy choices for their futures.  In addition, we want to come along side of parents/guardians and keep them informed about issues, statistics and parenting strategies regarding young people today.  We want to be a voice of encouragement in this part of the journey of life called Parenting.

We hope that whatever your family situation may be, you have a strong support system around you.  If you are feeling alone in parenthood, maybe it's time to get pro-active and seek out your "village".

Parents/guardians, what are some of the ways you feel support in raising children?  We'd love to hear from you.

Unplug and get more Zzzzs

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Technology is everywhere and most of us have access to it around the clock.  In many ways, this is not always beneficial.  According to a new study, cutting out screen time approximately two hours before bedtime can help children fall asleep quicker.  This includes television, cell phones, computers and other forms of visual technology.

In general, young people don't get enough sleep and too much screen time in the presleep period can upset the body's natural wind down process.  There are many benefits to increased amounts of sleep including: increased alertness and physical health benefits.  Consequently, there are negative effects from lack of sleep including: irritability, aggression and decreased alertness.

If you are noticing a link between a lack of sleep and behavioral issues with your children, it may be time to change up the routine.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, teens need approximately 8.5-9.25 hours of sleep daily (and slightly more for elementary aged children).  So, whether it's a video game or homework on the computer, try to implement a "lights out" policy for screens 1-2 hours before bedtime to help your kids catch all of their Zzzzzs.

With a schedule that is packed with homework, extra curricular activities and social functions,  tweaking it may be difficult to do and may even be met with resistance, but it will be well worth it in the long run.

What ideas does your family implement to assure a sufficient amount of sleep?  What guidelines does your family have regarding screen time in general? 

Cinnamon challenge: a game or a risk?

A recent trend, which may at first appear harmless, has recently spread across the country.  It's called the "Cinnamon Challenge".  The idea of the challenge is for someone to attempt to eat an entire spoonful of cinnamon without water, in 60 seconds.  Yes, cinnamon is edible and it is a natural spice, but unfortunately, this is a very risky game.

When cinnamon is inhaled without water, it can cause dangerous side effects like scarring or inflammation of the lungs.  Several cases of hospitalization and other forms of treatment have been reported across the country.  Particularly, a high school freshman in Michigan who spent four days in the hospital with a collapsed right lung and an infection.  (source: ABC news report)

We want to encourage you, as parents, to stay involved in your kids' lives.  Keep conversations going and know what's going on with your children in the big issues and the ones that may seem small. You just never know how keeping those lines of communication open could save their lives and keep them from making harmful choices.

Real Love vs. Infatuation

Many of us have been there. It's 3rd grade...at recess... on the playground and while hiding a giggle, you tell your friends that you love so and so.  That's not the only scenerio.  Moments like these occur daily in middle schools, high schools, college and far into adulthood.  The words "I love you" are used so often.

Many times the word love is used very flippantly in all aspects of life.  "I LOVE tacos."  "I LOVE that movie."  "I love Billy, Bobby, Suzy or Sally".  When do we really mean it?

How is infatuation different from real or true love when it comes to relationships?  How can we help our kids to recognize the differences between the two and save them from potential heartbreak?!

Below are some examples of the differences between the two.

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Guiding our young people to recognize the difference between real love and infatuation can help them to make positive decisions regarding relationships and avoid a lot of future heartache - for themselves and others.