Being a teenager in the Shoals is really tough these days. There is absolutely nothing for these young people to do. I blame the parents, myself included. After all, aren't we responsible for the entertainment portion of our teen 's life? We should all be held accountable for the herd of discontented teenagers wandering aimlessly along our city streets. Perhaps a few well placed mug shots of parents in the local edition of Hard Times arrested for refusing to provide their teen with the proper amount of recreational gratification would result in less boredom for our youth. Yes, laws should be written to facilitate punishment for parents who refuse to comply.
What can be done to eliminate a problem of such epic proportion? We as parents must endeavor to fill our teens days with adventure and excitement. Not to worry, I have already given much thought as to how that may be accomplished and have compiled a list to help guide parents through this process.
1.Encourage your teen and even your younger children to explore by beginning at home. Almost every home has a special room that most teens avoid. Often the location of this room will be obscure and may go unnoticed by your child for years. Ask your child to try and locate the room. They will be excited to learn the room contains special machines designed to transform dirty clothes into clean clothes. Allow them to operate the machines and watch their glowing faces as they master laundry 101.
2. Take your teen to work with you if possible. Explain the concept of swapping skills for a paycheck. After work have you teen accompany you to the bank where they will observe you exchanging the aforementioned paycheck for some cold hard cash. You have their attention now! Use it to your advantage! Explain to your child how he/she can do the same thing. Before you know it your teen will be spending many blissful hours flipping burgers or babysitting the neighbor's children.
3. Show your teen where those delicious meals they enjoy actually come from. Start with a trip to your local market where they will learn to purchase food. Take their little hands and place them on a shopping cart, guide them through the market all the while explaining the art of feeding a family of 5 on a tight budget. Resist the urge to reward them with frivolous items such as cookies, candy or ice cream that you will later eat yourself. Afterwards teach your child the steps to preparing a fabulous dinner. By the time you finish, they should be able to operate a can opener, turn on the stove and oven, set the table, distinguish the differences between the refrigerator and freezer. Don't be disappointed if it takes a while for your teen to master step 3 and don't be surprised if they resist your attempt to keep them entertained in this manner. Think about how embarrassing it will be if your mug shot makes it to the big time.
4. Fathers may fulfill their obligation by offering your teen the opportunity to fill those dull summer afternoons with a few outdoor activities. Several opportunities for fun in the sun exist right in your own back yard. There's mowing, weed eating, weed pulling, garages to be cleaned, pressure washing, and for the very lucky teen gardens to be tended. The possibilities are endless. Aren't dad's great?
5. Your child will be fascinated to know there is a place where they can go that will allow them to borrow a book for free. Take them to the library but a word of caution....watch them closely so they do not embarrass you or themselves by asking where the double vanilla frozen tutti fruity frappaccino's are served.
Along with the suggestions listed above I recommend exercising, volunteer work, spending time with the elderly. Add to these your own suggestions and I am certain that together we will one day contain the boredom virus that contaminates the youth of our community. With these suggestions I extend the offer to other parents to join the Shoals chapter of WOTB (Wipe Out Teen Boredom) dedicated to offering amusement to thousands of teens across the Shoals.
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