My RIGHT to WRITE

I have been thinking for the past two weeks about what I want to write, and oh do I have ideas! I start a post, and then begin thinking about how others will perceive it and the negative judgments that will pour in if I ever publish it.  I stop writing and put my computer away, and go on with my ever so safe and happy life. Then something will happen either to members of my own family, to friends, or even to strangers on the news and it gets my heart pumping. And again my fingers start typing, and then like clockwork the doubts and fears settle in.  I know that I need to be brave, strong and true; like my Mother always says. I will speak up, because it is my right. I will say what I am thinking because that is my duty, and I believe it needs to be said. It may not always be “politically correct,” but that’s a whole other issue…for another blog post. :)

Today my thoughts are jumping from topic to topic, but I think that I will settle on the issue of the attitude of entitlement. Yesterday I turned on the TV while I was folding laundry. Dr Phil was on and it peaked my interest. The story was about a 15 year old girl that had completely inappropriate behavior. She drank alcohol, did drugs, and was beyond disrespectful to her parents. One of her defenses was that she was just like every other teenager. I’m afraid that her comment is more true than false. What is happening with the youth of our nation?

For three years I worked as a Recreation specialist at a treatment center for “at risk” youth. While working with these kids, I realized some patterns and trends:

1.       A large number of them did not get to spend a lot of time with Mom and Dad. They usually came from very wealthy families, and were raised by a nanny, or went to boarding school.

2.       Most had some sort of addiction; drugs, alcohol, pornography, or video games.

3.       Almost all of them had fallen behind in school.

4.       A significant number of them had little to no social skills. And no respect for authority. 

These things might sound familiar to someone that has worked with teenagers. I don’t know what the solution is to this growing problem, but I have a few ideas of things that might help. Something that my Grandpa Juan used to tell people when they asked how he raised such great kids, he would say, “It’s quantity time, not quality time.” The more time you spend together, the more chances you have for quality time. Instead of going into a situation thinking… we need to make this “quality time.”

 

1.       Limit the technology. Good grief, our parents didn’t have cell phones when they were young, and life was good. In my opinion, teenagers don’t need them! I always hear the argument, well what if they need to get a hold of me? Or when they start driving I want them to have a phone. Well, every other person in this country has a cell phone…they WILL be able to get a hold of you.

Technology can be a HUGE distraction. Even for parents. We are off in our own little world, not caring about those around us. Look around, so many people are on their phones, and not talking to each other. This plays into the lack of social skills of the upcoming generation.

WHAT are they (cell phones) doing at church?! When I look down the row and see people playing games, texting, or “using their scriptures.” Whoa, then I’m distracted.

There is a time and a place for good technology. This lap top that I am using right now allows me to get this post out to you, it allows me to index and do family history. It can be very positive, but used too much can be dangerous.

I won’t even begin on what I think about video games--BLAH!!!

2.       Work hard together and Play hard together. Teach young people the importance of work, by giving them chores and assignments to help with the house hold duties.

“Families that play together stay together, especially when their play is uplifting and wholesome. Family vacations, holidays, birthday celebrations, and other activities build strong bonds and feelings of self-worth. The phrase “Remember when we…” is sure to bring love and laughter in the years to come.” (https://www.lds.org/family/activities?lang=eng)

3.       Eat meals together. Have good conversation, and don’t invite the cell phones. 

I could go on and on with ideas, and I am sure that you have some…please share! But I will stop here, for now.   Lots of thoughts, but I will save some for later.