Back when I first started this blog, "When Mothers Cry," I was a parent of a baby, a toddler, a tween, and a soon-to-be teen. Now that I have moved out of pre-school years into elementary school years with two boys, and am observing a middle school boy and a high school boy, I can't help but wonder sometimes, "Am I doing what is in the best interest of my children?"
There are many dynamics that play a part when it comes to raising teens from what you say and what you do to what others are doing and not doing. Then of course in between we have teachers, peers, and anyone else with a covert or overt agenda. I pray more nowadays and sincerely hope for the best, but my eyes don't deceive me, I see things for what they are and I sigh. It seems at times, as parents, we have little influence as compared to the entertainers, video games, movies, and more that come into the lives of our teens. I encourage myself, "Don't worry, you are doing the best you can...remember you were once their ages, you didn't turn out so bad." True enough.
I think what bothers me the most about teen boys is their immaturity being encouraged by those who say things like, "Boys will be boys...take it easy...check out those girls...don't worry they will find their way." I am personally not impressed with the lives of those who think that all a boy needs is a ball in his hand, a hot girlfriend, and some flattering words said by loved ones to build up his self-esteem and he will be okay.
As parents we have a lot of work to do when it comes to raising children and if we lack in some areas, it is up to us to seek out professional help--without excuse. We must make the most of every moment teaching, sometimes preaching, and at times even crying--showing our children that we love them beyond what we say and do. We must show love, embrace them, and give them guidance that will assist them in every area of their lives from education to spirituality. There is more to life than what appeals to one's senses and we are responsible for those seeds we sow in both the short and long run.
Nicholl McGuire also maintains Parents, Babies and Children blog, click here.
There are many dynamics that play a part when it comes to raising teens from what you say and what you do to what others are doing and not doing. Then of course in between we have teachers, peers, and anyone else with a covert or overt agenda. I pray more nowadays and sincerely hope for the best, but my eyes don't deceive me, I see things for what they are and I sigh. It seems at times, as parents, we have little influence as compared to the entertainers, video games, movies, and more that come into the lives of our teens. I encourage myself, "Don't worry, you are doing the best you can...remember you were once their ages, you didn't turn out so bad." True enough.
I think what bothers me the most about teen boys is their immaturity being encouraged by those who say things like, "Boys will be boys...take it easy...check out those girls...don't worry they will find their way." I am personally not impressed with the lives of those who think that all a boy needs is a ball in his hand, a hot girlfriend, and some flattering words said by loved ones to build up his self-esteem and he will be okay.
As parents we have a lot of work to do when it comes to raising children and if we lack in some areas, it is up to us to seek out professional help--without excuse. We must make the most of every moment teaching, sometimes preaching, and at times even crying--showing our children that we love them beyond what we say and do. We must show love, embrace them, and give them guidance that will assist them in every area of their lives from education to spirituality. There is more to life than what appeals to one's senses and we are responsible for those seeds we sow in both the short and long run.
Nicholl McGuire also maintains Parents, Babies and Children blog, click here.
