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Hannah

Is Scripture Irrelevant to Contemporary Teens?

Last updated on June 15, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

boy holding bibleAccording to Solomon, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). But that was thousands of years ago. What about our own modern world, with its constantly outdated clothing styles and technology?

It’s easy to think that our own struggles and sinful pressures are unique — if not to us personally, at least to our generation. That’s a dangerous trap, especially for teens. The worst possible outcome is that they can see Scripture as irrelevant to their own lives.

Now, I’m not encouraging a dishonest, pop-culture remake of the Bible; instead, I’d like to encourage an honest look at the sugar-coated flannel graph or animated version often portrayed to our kids.

class at churchTMI

Yes, there can be too much information, or too much, too soon. While biblical accounts of sexual sin and morbid violence are inappropriate for small children, it’s probably best to wait to introduce them when kids are older than to retell them beyond recognition.

For instance, the Veggie Tales version of King David’s sin with Bathsheba has him coveting someone else’s rubber ducky — a not-so-subtle but admittedly age-appropriate and entertaining bow to Bathsheba’s public bathing. While the reworked story addresses some of the sin issues involved, I’m afraid it might not give the proper respect to the true story — or the reality of timeless sexual temptation.

In addition to David’s adultery, sensitive issues are addressed in accounts such as Noah’s drunkenness and nudity (Genesis 9), Judah’s incest (Genesis 38), and mass infanticides (Exodus 1, Matthew 2).

FYI

young girl by tree reading bibleFor your information, even a cursory reading of the Scripture passages above makes it clear that the atrocities of infidelity and abortion are not unique to our society. Yet we hear so many complain of today’s rampant immorality — and the related temptations — as being unique.

Clearly, it was far worse in Noah’s society, in which “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). And there was only one exception: Noah (Genesis 6:8, 9).

While those dedicated to God and His Word may not be in the majority today, there’s certainly more than just one family standing against the ungodliness in our culture and for Christian principles.

family in front of churchIMO

In my opinion, we’re better off than those in earlier generations. Sure, we have more access to sinful temptations; but I think that modern mobility and technology allow for many benefits as well, more than balancing out those increased opportunities for sin.

In addition to the benefit of many fellow believers in countless local churches and other Christian organizations that can help us, we have an abundance of resources at our fingertips. From Christian music to Bible study tools, modern technology and communication provide countless possibilities for biblical instruction and edification.

We also have the completed canon of Scripture — something Noah and David and even John and Paul did not have at their disposal.

Instead of letting ignorance of Bible accounts give our young people an excuse to give in to temptation, we need to remind them of their responsibility before God (2 Timothy 2:22, Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Filed Under: Addictions, Behavior & Emotions

Fostering Academic Success at Home: Structuring Study Schedules and Spaces, Part 2

Last updated on June 10, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

utica loft desk twin over twin bed

Parental relationships go a long way toward fostering academic success, but not nearly as much as when parents communicate educational expectations and prioritize academics themselves (see Part 1). Including school work in the schedule and providing study spaces for your kids can go a long way toward communicating your support and the priority you place on hard work and education, in general.

At the same time, though, there is no replacement for the kind of help and support you can offer by your presence and direct involvement in your child’s education.

study ladder loft bed with desk

Daily Support for High Achievers

How much help and support does your child need? How much should you offer? Those are difficult questions and will depend largely on your child’s school, academic aptitudes, and personality. Even the most self-motivated, independent learner can benefit from having someone quiz her before an upcoming test or quiz, and simply asking about what she is learning — even possibly teaching you something you don’t understand or had forgotten — can help your child cement the concepts for herself.

When your child is enthusiastic about something that does not genuinely interest you, it’s still important to listen as an extension of your love and support for your child. Of course, asking about the outcome of a specific project or test communicates support, as well. For high achievers who can become frustrated about a single percentage point, parents can use the opportunity to curb perfectionist tendencies and encourage a productive focus instead of focusing on resentments.

hideaway loft bed with built in desk

Daily Support for Low Achievers

When you look over your child’s homework and see errors, it’s important not to simply tell him the answer or communicate frustration. Instead, you can begin by pointing out correct answers or well-written areas and asking your child how he arrived at them, then try pointing out the mistake and asking if your child realizes what he should have done, instead. Perhaps he is simply rushing in order to have time to call a friend before bedtime or is distracted by events of the day.

If your child is consistently struggling, the material may be above his or her ability, or the classroom communication may be missing the mark. By providing your child with study support, you’ll know when intervention may be needed sooner, rather than later, eliminating the potential for shock over a poor report card.

maxtrix staircase storage low loft bed for girls with desk

Parental Support at School

While daily support cannot be overemphasized, the occasional parental presence in the classroom and involvement in school activities and events goes a long way toward encouraging student success. Or maybe it’s simply the fact that the kinds of parents who tend to get involved are the ones already demonstrating the fact that education is important and doing all they can to encourage academic success at home.

Whatever the relationship, the correlation between parental school involvement and academic success of children is pretty clear, so next time a teacher asks for a parent volunteer, realize that you’re not just helping the teacher, you’re helping your child, too.

maxtrix staircase bunk bed with desk

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Filed Under: Academics, Family

Underage Drinking: More of a Problem Than You May Think

Last updated on June 10, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

teen alcohol problemAs the most used and abused drug among American teens, alcohol routinely puts teens at risk for alcohol addictions as well as related illnesses and injuries, some resulting in deaths. According to the Center for Disease Control, underage drinking is a public health concern that puts many at risk.

Commonness of Underage Drinking

Even though it’s illegal for people under age 21 to drink alcohol, those between the ages of 12 and 20 drink a remarkable 11% of all alcohol consumed in the U.S. And it’s not just a slim minority of teens who are drinking: In a 2009 survey among high school students, the following percentages reflect their admitted behavior over the past month:

  • 10% had driven after drinking alcohol.
  • 19% report binge drinking.
  • 24% admitted to binge drinking.
  • 28% had knowingly ridden with an intoxicated driver.
  • 42% had drunk alcohol in some form.

According to another survey unbound by a time frame, 72% of high school seniors and 37% of 8th students had at least experimented with alcohol.

underage teen boys drinking beerResults of Underage Drinking

When you combine the frequency of underage drinking with the fact that underage drinkers typically drink more on each occasion than legal drinkers, it’s no surprise that over 90% of the alcohol consumed by underage persons is part of binge drinking. The combination of inexperience, adolescent foolishness, and binging is often devastating, and sometimes fatal. According to a 2008 study, nearly 200,000 emergency visits by those under 21 took place due to conditions or injuries related to alcohol consumption.

In addition to direct health risks, underage drinkers are also more likely to experience other consequences as a result of drinking. Such results include these:

  • Abusing other drugs
  • Disrupting of normal physical growth and sexual development
  • Enduring physical or sexual assault
  • Dealing with memory problems and mental development
  • Participating in unprotected, unplanned, and often unwanted sexual activity
  • Having problems at school, such as frequent absences and failing grades
  • Being the victim of suicide or homicide
  • Dealing with social problems
  • Dying from alcohol poisoning

Lifelong Consequences of Underage Drinking

bondage of alcoholMany of the results listed above have lifelong consequences. Of course, topping that list would be those who die from alcohol poisoning, homicide, or suicide. Even those who survive their teenage drinking binges may have far-reaching consequences plaguing them throughout adulthood. Memory problems and issues with physical growth or mental or sexual development can affect young people for years after their youthful drinking phase. For many, though, that phase becomes a lifestyle: Those who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely (than those who wait until they’re legal) to abuse alcohol or become addicted to it as adults.

Many parents fail to realize the many severe problems that stem from underage drinking. Sadly, even those who do realize the problems frequently fail to take steps to protect their teenage children from those consequences.

Photo credits: Top & Middle © Monkey Business / Fotolia. Bottom © dragon_fang / Fotolia.

Filed Under: Addictions

Combating Teen Obesity

Last updated on June 9, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

While eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia get plenty of attention, obesity among teens is a serious problem, as well. In fact, according to a 2009 study, obese teens have the same likelihood of dying by their mid-50s as heavy smokers who smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day. For overweight, but not obese, teens, the risk is the same as light smokers who smoke 1 to 10 cigarettes each day. Even the same parents of teens who would certainly be concerned if their teen were smoking a pack a day often shrug their shoulders at a high BMI.

Underlying Emotional Problems

Just like smoking and eating disorders, teen obesity can often tip parents off to underlying personal issues. Not only does obesity lead to a lower life expectancy, but it can be symptomatic of a lower quality of life that comes from replacing healthy coping mechanisms and relationship skills with emotional eating. In addition, obesity in teens can be a symptom of deeper problems: 75% of overeating is emotional. So-called “comfort foods” are called that for a reason: Many people turn to food when they’re faced with difficult emotions such as anxiety, depression, boredom, loneliness, anger, or poor self-esteem.

Helping Your Obese Teen

In addition to counseling and discussions to help discern whether emotional eating is a culprit in your teen’s obesity problem, you can help your teen overcome obesity by promoting healthy habits such as nutritious eating and regular exercise.

Encouraging Nutritious Meals

If you’ve ever watched Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition, you know that a supportive home atmosphere is key to a successful lifestyle change that promotes a person’s journey to a healthy weight. When your child is the person in question, you can start by increasing the number of meals you eat as a family. While healthier meals utilize whole foods that take more planning and time to prepare, you can use the extra time to bond with your teen by involving him or her in grocery shopping and the meal prep process.

Making Physical Activities Attractive

Of course, healthy eating habits are only part of the equation. Today’s children and teens are similar to today’s adults in that they typically have a sedentary lifestyle. All our gadgets and conveniences seem to encourage sitting for long periods of time. As a parent, you can help your teen get much-needed exercise by promoting athletic involvement, providing opportunities for active recreation, and encouraging an active social life that isn’t limited to texting or social networking. A fringe benefit of exercising is that it increases the endorphins that the body produces, helping your teen eliminate some of the negative emotions that may have led to obesity, to begin with.

Filed Under: Behavior & Emotions, Sports & Health

What Technology Reveals About Today’s Teens, Part 2

Last updated on June 5, 2017 by TT Staff Leave a Comment

listening to musicIt’s pretty clear that like generations that have gone before them, today’s teens have a thirst for social interaction. They’re often using gadgets to fulfill that desire, but it’s insatiable (see Part 1). They can become addicted and are sometimes undiscriminating in what they post or text. They need guidance from mature mentors, to be sure. But there’s something they even more desperately need.

Needing God

The goal can’t be to “convert them” to the ways of previous generations or our own preferences, but to be part of their own world and utilize the resources God has given them in a set apart way. In a way that honors Him, leaves room for Him.

There’s something more important underneath all the constant texting and listening to playlists; sometimes misguided Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube posts or comments; and even eye-rolling or outbursts when tech-free time is imposed. Perhaps there’s a silence or loneliness your teen doesn’t want to feel. Questions they don’t want to face.

Only when thumbs are still and music is quiet can we hear God (Psalm 46:10). Only when we set aside all our manmade devices can we see His Creation (Psalm 19:1). And only when we stop to consider His greatness will we be drawn to praise Him (Psalm 77:12).

At that point, we will realize our need to make less of ourselves and more of Him (John 3:30) and even begin to understand devotion like that of John or Paul in the Bible, no less attempt to mimic it ourselves (Philippians. 1:21).

breakfast textingNeeding Privacy

On a positive note, research indicates that teens do report various types of purposeful online interactions. Each person’s experience with social networking is different, but most have had positive interactions and grown to feel closer to others through it. However, others have seen negative effects of posts or comments that they’ve made.

Unlike the seeming disconnect between online personas and real-life reputations that the pioneers of online socializing thought was there, many of today’s teens understand that their online behavior counts. As a result, though, many have learned how to hide information from some people, namely Mom and Dad. Some even have separate Facebook accounts for interacting with family versus friends.

When we have meaningful communication with our Lord, we won’t hide. Or need to. We’ll invite God into all corners of our world — online and otherwise — desiring His presence and evaluation (Psalm 139). That might not mean today’s teens want all their social interactions seen by Mom and Dad, just like you didn’t want your diary read, but still.

In the end, even our idyllic memories of shared lemonade on the front porch don’t measure up. When teens understand their deepest need and most gratifying relationship are met in God and Christ, they’ll be different from others in their generation (Romans 12:2). The thing is, so will we.

Filed Under: Addictions, Communication, Entertainment

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