Understanding Contemporary Teens

We had our first discussion of the book. There were 10 ladies around our table, drinking wonderful Stumptown coffee at Symposium. This chapter discussed what our teens today have in common with other generations (physical & mental changes, development of reason, confronting personal morality and values, thinking about sexuality and marriage and questioning the future) and how teens today are different from any other generation (technology, knowledge of and exposure to violence, fragmented family, knowledge of exposure to sexuality and neutral moral and religious values). To cap it off, we were encouraged that teens today really are looking to their parents for guidance. Whew!

Our group landed on a few main points of discussion from this springboard. One, we discussed media and what we allow our children to watch or what video games to play. It seemed that most of us were on the same page, and a few tips were passed around like movie review websites (kidsinmind.com) or creative ways to provide an “out” for a child who finds themselves watching something they shouldn’t. We talked about video games, and the different perspective that dads provide in the family. Some moms felt as teens themselves, they were allowed to watch shows that they wouldn’t allow their children to see today. They brought a great perspective and encouragement to be strong in drawing the line with our kids.

Another thing we discussed was that our teens are learning to think for themselves. We need to encourage them to discover things for themselves, and not just spoon feed them answers. A few moms shared how fun it was to start to have more in depth and mature conversations with their children. But, at the same time, sometimes our kids talk on and on and on and on about something important to them while we are busy, and how it can be a struggle to stay plugged in to them. We were reminded that listening to them encourages them to keep conversation open, and that will be valuable when they are in later teen years.

Next week (Sept. 22) we are discussing chapter 2 "The Importance of Parental Love" from pages 29-40. Can't wait! ~k