This is a bit off topic for what this blog is used to, I know, but our society is in need of a "sexual healing." My husband and I, along with two other adults, are finishing up teaching a purity class to the teens at our church. I have been so impressed by our teens along the way, at how mature they have been and their responses. I have also been disgusted by the national statistics of teens and pre-teens involved in so many things that even adults aren't even mature enough to handle sometimes. Something needs to be done. Parents need to be talking to their kids and not just handing them an iPhone and a laptop and sending them on their merry way through the teenage years. That's why I'm so happy that people like Jeff Bethke and Mark Gungor are coming out with messages for teens and young adults, as well as their parents. This stuff can't be avoided in today's culture and society, so why not get some advice and encouragement from people who know what they're talking about? Why aren't more people talking about this stuff before their kids hear about it at school, instead of paying thousands of dollars on therapy (that rarely works, mind you) after they have gone down the wrong road or had emotional damage done?
Even if you're not the religious type, there are studies done and books written by non-religious groups that are beneficial to read if you're a parent, caregiver, mentor, or anything involving children. I'm not saying that you should go out and tell all the kids you know about the dangers of premarital sex, but it is important to be armed and ready with information and advice should a teen come and talk to you. Kids want to know this stuff and if their parents aren't telling them, they WILL get the information from someone else. It seems like we spend more time trying to "fix" problems than prepare for them. I'm not the mother of a teen or pre-teen, but those days are coming and the preparation starts now. Yes, even at 3 years old!
Okay, off of my soapbox now, but check out this awesome young man who is a good role model for teens and young adults, Jefferson Bethke. My favorite line – "So think twice before you eat what society feeds us."
Kathleen Kennedy-Leon
Friday 5th of October 2012
I couldn't agree with you more!! I recently wrote a blog post about the NYC school system is piloting the morning after pill to 13 schools in at risk areas as a method to curb teen pregnancy and guess what parents have to OPT OUT by completing a form!! UNREAL!!
Gena
Saturday 6th of October 2012
You're KIDDING! Morning after pill? Wow!!!
Ronni Keller
Friday 5th of October 2012
I'll say this... as someone who has 4 adult children.. whatever message you want your kids to have and info you're hoping they use, should come FROM YOU! They will get the messge from peers, TV, movies, etc. If there's no talking going on IN your home, they will never know what you want them to know. TALK TO YOUR KIDS!
Mel
Friday 5th of October 2012
So many teens are uninformed. Thanks for sharing!
Michelle
Friday 5th of October 2012
I love seeing topics like this actually discussed for how it really is in the real world instead of just ignored or condemed. Thanks for sharing!
Gena
Saturday 6th of October 2012
you're welcome! I love how there are positive role models who aren't just out to condemn!
Brianne
Friday 5th of October 2012
great information at a time I need to share with our oldest daughter! Thanks!