can you have a responsible teenager? is it ok to have alot of responsiblities at such a young age do you guys think it would affect the teenager later????? ;) im one help me figure it out...
210843
i think that if someone is very responsible as a teenager and they stick to it they will go very far as an adult
361508
As a mother of 3(and a day after all 3 of their P-T conferances!!) I absolutely agree with you..\nToo many parents out there coddle their 'poor innocent children' and don't even know the first thing about teaching them responsability and discipline..I really think that it is a major problem right now but will really come back to bite us in a few years when they are 'adults'.\nMy now 10 year old had major problems with late work and 'forgetting assignments last year. The teacher cared enough to call me and both her and I sat down and developed a plan to work this out together..we checked her work leaving school and I checked everything at home. It was time consuming for both of us; I also NEVER blamed the teacher-i made my 10 year old accountable and wanted her to understand that she needed to become responsable. A year later at her 5th grade conferance(last night!) her teacher this year had nothing but good things to say..how she dives into her homework at study time..asks for help and never has late work this year..plus she had almost straight A's..\nI think teachers are wonderful and are one of the most under-paid professions out there..\nUnfortunately some parents take those things as some sort of personnal insult or don't seem to understand that in a few short years their children will need to enter the adult world.\nI hope knowing that a very, involved caring mom(able to admit that my child isn't perfect!)completely agrees with you will help
597891
I absolutely think that teens can make a difference. They bring a unique perspective to the table, which is realizing how the world is in many ways without being discouraged by the belief that that's the way things always will be. They bring an enormous amount of innovation and energy to any cause they lend their minds to. Teens have started businesses, helped parents to tweak their businesses, and done VERY much for various volunteer organizations.\n\nTo make a difference, I'd suggest to any teen to take something they're interested in and find an organization that works in that area. Volunteer your services as an intern to that organization so you can learn what goes on in that field on the front lines while helping the organization! :)
553875
At 16 you can drop out. At times we're a tough group here. You got married, nice to hear some people take responsibility for their actions. Try and finish school by correspondence or whatever, a diploma is still important. All the best.
233404
This is a really tough question. \nThe most responsible...\nThe media (which includes the Internet, tv, etc.) is a great influence. Society is too general an answer (which makes it the easiest choice) because it includes everybody. Parents have to be classified ... responsible vs. irresponsible vs. too busy (responsible but inadequate), etc.. Teenagers should also be held accountable. You can't plead ignorance (or naivete, or hormones, or recklessness) all the time. \n\nIt's really too difficult to determine.
585620
First of all, what are you doing relying on your parents if you have teenage daughters??  By all means I was not a perfect child but, bu time I was your childrens age, I didn't rely on my parents for squat except for a roof over my head and food.  Stop exausting your efforts on relying on other people and asking for help over the internet and rely in yourself.  If you want a job, there are plenty of them out there...  I lived in Santa Barbara so don't tell me there isn't.  See what "truth"?  What does this mean?  Call me your "angel" and I've heard your "cry", only it sounds more like excuses and moaning.  Stop blaming others for your problems and make some changed in your lives.  Where are your daughters?  Living in the street too?  Don't you think there is something wrong when you bear children and aren't able to take care of them properly.  Hell, I may not know anything about this, I'm only 24 years old...  I know shit happens and I feel for your perdiciment but, you need to make soemthing for yourselves, it's out there, you just have to find it and want it bad enough.  Good luck and God Bless.
534649
My ADHD son was responsible to do this at the age of 8.  Unfortunately his school could not honor his request.\n\nI am a single Mom, I was at work, radios not allowed.  I would work from home when my son was at home.\n\nOne day, his school closed early due to snow (not much really, but they paniced), he went to the office and asked if he could call me at work, so I could get home for him.  They refused him and said it was my responsibility to have someone there for him.\n\nI came home almost 4 hours later, to find a crying very cold kid sitting in the garage wrapped in moving blankets.  The school administration got ripped a new orifice by the time I got done with them.\n\nI think the kid taking responsibility will vary from kid to kid, but  the school has to support it.  If you think the staff should be responsible to call a parent when a kid changes their mind, especially if it is about a planned activity then I have a hard time with that, because you are absolving the kid of being responsible for their planning their schedules.\n\nThat is what makes cell phones nice and almost a necessity.  My son got one very young for this very reason.
348050
1. What were your goals as a teenager?   Get a stable job/career, earn just enough to provide for myself and my family, to get married and have kids\n\n2. Did these goals change, as you got older? If so, how?   I realize having a job that is stable is vital and now that I actually do have one, it's not just being able to earn enough but I want to grow more professionally. I am planning to take up master's degree spring next year.  Also about the marriage subject, been married and divorced once and this kind of made me see things differently.  I don't pressure myself anymore about starting my own family.  If I don't find the right person, I will choose to remain single and just keep dating.  \n\n3. Did you reach any of these goals? Why or why not?  Professionally, I did.  I believe it's because of hardwork, perseverance and lots of grace from above.  \n\n4. Is there anything that you would change? Why or why not?  Not one thing.  Been through good times and some really hard times but have always chosen to see the positive and learn from these experiences.\n\n5. Describe a typical teenager from your generation. (Ex. Clothes, Popular activities, music)   The gamerooms/ arcade started.  The 80's is most popular for its music and music videos so you find the teenager dressed like their favorite artists in that popular music video.  Fashion-wise, big hair, shoulder pads, tight ankle-length jeans in candy colors (Gosh, I get goosebumps just thinking how I looked like!). \n\n6. What were the pressures that you felt as a teenager? How would you compare these pressures to those that tenagers must face today?   In my time, pressure were from your peers about having a boyfriend or fitting in with a group in school.  Today, these plus sex/ drugs/ being accepted for one's sexual orientation/ dealing with teenage depression/ even guns in school.\n\n7. Regarding your values, who was your biggest influence? Why?\nFrom what my parents taught me through their examples and  from my own experience. Observing people's behavior and how they react to situations.\n\n8. How did the media influence you and your generation regarding appearance, behavior, and your role in society?  Just like today, whatever the movie celebrities/ music artists wore became trends to almost every teenager you can see.\n\n9. What advice would you give a teenager today?  Listen to your parents, they want only the best for you.  Do not let your peers pressure you into anything.  Do not hesitate to talk to someone you trust about any doubt/ question/ or if you just need someone to talk to (could be a parent, sibling, school counselor, aunt/ uncle, friend etc.).
27815
As a parent of a teenager who says I'm too strict, I can say that it's very hard to strike a balance between keeping your child safe and allowing them to develop the independence they will need when they go into the world on their own.  \n\nAs a former teenager whose parents were even more strict than I am, I can say that overbearing parents can have their good intentions backfire as the child may rebel.\n\nThe parent and child need to discuss the issues at hand, which will depend on the activity the child wants to go do.  The parent has to be honest about the concerns that come up, and the child has to explain to the parent how they will handle the situations that concern the parent.  The child will have to prove to the parent that they are capable of handling themselves independently in order to ease the parent's mind.  \n\nIn my case, I have learned to trust that I have raised my child well thus far, and provided the foundation that will allow my teenager not to give in to peer pressure and to consider the potential consequences to any actions that might be considered.
290579
Yes, I do think 13 is too young to be dating. I think 16 is appropriate, or at least till you are a freshman in high school. I think the point being that you are too young to deal with some of the things that you will inevitably face while dating. Just take your time and be young for now...I didnt start dating until I was 16 and I dont feel like I missed out, because when I did start dating there were less restrictions on me and I could drive...because lets face it, you really dont want your parents to drive you on a date do you?
402865
okay im 16, and i care about much more then sex, myspace, and iming my friends, I go to school every day and try to get good grades, im gonna need those to get into college and one more thing its not the childs fault its the parents for letting them be that lazy. One more thing dont lose hope in us yet.
304336
The first step is wanting to be responsible and I can see from your question that you do!  Congratulations!  The 2nd step is .... Be responsible.  \n\nSome examples are:  \n \nBe home on time.  \nHelp out with the chores.  \nWatch your siblings.  \nSet the dinner table.  \nWrite your appointments on a calendar.  \nDo your homework and get good grades.  \nDon't lie or cheat.  \nGet a job and do well at it.  \nWalk the dog.\nRead.  \nMake payments on your car.  \nSet your own alarm clock.\nDon't blare the music in the house.  \nFigure out simple problems on your own.\nDon't fight or argue.  \nDo the dishes.  \nClean your room.  \nClean your bathroom.  \nOrganize closets.  \nPack your own lunch.  \nBe where you say you are going to be.  \nBe consistant attending an afterschool activity (like a team, league or club).  \nDon't smoke, drink or do drugs.  \nTake some initiative & help out with somethings that are not expected of you normally.\nSpeak intelligently.\n\nAfter you keep showing your parents that you are handling life, they will see your are growing into a responsible teenager.  Good luck!  It'll happen.
38472
Personally I think that all children should have chores, it builds character, and the research behind it says so as well....BUT I don't think it should be forced. Teenagers don;t need any more issues than they already have, they don;t need anything else keeping mom on thier case, and I think it would be perfectly appropriate to let a teenager (or younger kids for that matter) CHOOSE which chores they would like to do or be able to barter their way out of some chores. Of course, if you are like me, and have been having a child help around the house since they were walking then it won't be an issue when they are teens. Right now my son has four chores to do everyday, and he is 4. He has to feed the cat and the fish, pick up his toys and his laundry, and take a bath. Not so bad right?
336369
I get called that every once in a while. You shouldn't take offence. Even if someone means it to be offensive (sarcasm)Just because you always try to do the right thing. There's nothing wrong with being nice! I always have even as a teenager. My parents were pleased of course they could trust me. I just can't bring myself to do something I know will intentionally hurt me or someone else.You do know there are those that are out there that will take advantage of your good nature and dump on you though right?
64437
No, it's not okay. You guys are way way way too young. I cant imagine what I would have done if I would of been pregnant at that age. I am now 21 and pregnant. Its hard enough now, but think of your financial assets. Can you afford a baby? Are you emotionally stable for a baby? Are you gonna be there to support the girl while she's pregnant? (b/c we need A LOT of support during pregnancy). Think this over, you have a lot going for you evidently, and if I were you, I wouldnt want to mess it up at 18. You got your whole life ahead of you, go have FUN and enjoy being a NON PARENT for a while at least, and enjoy your youth. It dont last too long. Good luck. And stay pregnant free!!
356011
I have not heard about this, but how it has saddened me that a whole childhood has now been lost. I wonder how she will ever cope. Of course the questions come to mind, where were her parents, where did she get the alcohol, who gave it to her etc. But what concerned me most was what type of person ( if not another young, immature child) would take advantage of a child that age no matter what state or condition she was in. God my daughter is 11 the thought of pregnancy at that age terrifies me let alone the reality. Where were the responsible adults. I hope if the other party to this was old enough to know better, he gets whats coming to him. The decisions and responsibilities this child is now faced with are far to heavy for her to even comprehend. There effects will be far reaching. How can one expect an 11 yr old child to understand those actions or the consequences. Good lord this has made me so very sad. We will be praying for her physical and emotional safety and well being. Plse do the same.
505174
i've had so many 'enemies' in life i cant pick which one to choose! when your finding out who you are, you're very vulnerable to what people think of you. growing up is tough, i wouldnt want to be a teenager again, it was a hard time. i made a lot of enemies when i was younger by being hot-headed, shy and clever (at the top of my class) all at the same time! everyone's just confused at this time and havent learnt yet how to accept each other for who they are.