Sixteen Straight

Francis Githinji asked:


Most parents can not bare the thought of their children having boyfriends or girlfriends and you can not entirely blame them. Teenage relationship are coming up very fast and some of them as not as innocent as we would like to believe. You ask a teenager if they have ever had *** and you will be surprised at the kind of answers you will get. There are children who have had *** at a very early age. As early as seven years. It is a no wonder that parents are scared by the idea of their teenage daughter or son having a relationship. They can not trust them enough to think that their love is genuine and innocent. With the increased rate of sexually transmitted diseases, more and more parents are worrying about their teenagers.

At this age most teenagers are getting to know who they are and discovering what they can do. Unfortunately, they also want to experiment with their bodies to see what they can do. As much as there are teenagers who love each other truly there are some who want to experiment on teenage relationship. This could be to satisfy the feeling they have started feeling that was not there before or simply because they read some material on love and *** and they want to know if it will really work. With the coming of computers and with it the Internet, it has become even more difficult for parents to control what their children see. Sometimes restricting them only pushes them to want to know why you do not want them to watch or read some material. There are many magazines that are sold in the streets and supermarkets that have very many articles on *** and love.

However parents should not worry so much about their teenage relationship. If you bring your child right and you are not shy about talking about matters that affect their sexuality, a teenager should be able to differentiate between what is right and wrong. Parents should get material about love and *** from the Internet or buy books that talk about love and ***. Encourage your children to read to know what to do in case they feel they would like to experiment with their bodies. You can also enroll them for sports to get their minds of relationships at an early age.

Encouraging your child to talk to you about teenage relationship and what disturbs them is also another way of preventing them from entering into relationships and doing things to please their mates. Whenever you talk to your teenage you get to know what they are thinking and what they want to do. Just listening to them will tell you if you can be able to trust him or her to do the right thing. With the right attitude and talking to them constantly you should be able to convince them not to do most of those things. But at the end of it all, you should let them make their own decisions and if they make a wrong choice, let them know you do not approve. Remember it is at this age that they become defiant, do not push them further away.

Nick Johnson asked:


According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), teenage driver accidents are so common that they are now considered to be the leading cause of death among teenagers (boys and girls between the ages of 15 and 19).

In addition, males and females in this age bracket are responsible for 14 percent of all car accident-related fatalities, even though they only make up about seven percent of the driving population. Despite popular thought, boys are no more likely to crash or become involved in car accidents than girls.

Why are teenage driver accidents so common, and why are teenagers, more than older drivers, at particular risk for crashing and causing auto accidents, killing themselves or their passengers or other innocent victims? It’s because they’re risk takers, says Rose McMurray, the NHTSA associate administrator for traffic safety programs. They’re new drivers, inexperienced drivers, distracted and unfocused drivers, more aggressive drivers, hormonal drivers, and risk-taking drivers who can often assume they’re “invincible” or “immortal.” Most teen drivers involved in car crashes were either drinking (illegally), speeding, or both.

Of course, all teenagers (and everybody else, for that matter) must pass both a written and practical driving test before they can get their license to drive on their own, but the truth of the matter is that teenagers are often not experienced with many everyday driving situations. Such as traffic jams, high-traffic situations, highway driving, certain weather conditions (heavy rain, heavy snow, icy roads) before getting licensed, and are therefore unprepared for what to do and unsure how to respond when those situations do arrive in their early driving days, weeks, months, and even years.

Some experts believe that drivers education programs are somewhat at fault for the high incidence of teenage driver accidents. These programs tend to take the place of teens receiving personal, one-on-one training from a parent or other experienced, older adult who knows the teen, and the programs also tend to focus on teaching teens only the basics of road rules, how to drive, and what specifically they need to do to pass the driving test.

As a result, parents are under the mistaken impression that their teens come away from the driving program fully equipped and prepared to handle any and all driving situations. However, this is often not the case; in fact, many newly licensed teenage drivers are putting themselves, their passengers, and other drivers at huge risk simply by driving.

It’s even more upsetting to think that even if a teenager (whether it’s you, your daughter or son, or someone else you know) is a proven responsible driver, they could still suffer major injuries or even death just by getting into a car with an irresponsible or inexperienced teen driver. In fact, the more passengers a teenage driver has, the more likely it is for the driver to get into an accident.

Parents of teenagers who died in teenage driver accidents throughout the U.S. are working to find ways to keep teenagers safe while driving. State driving laws and requirements and driver testing laws have changed, graduated drivers licensing programs have been incorporated, and educational programs informing teens and their parents about the reality of teenage driver accidents and their associated injuries and fatalities are increasing in number.

Of course, teenage driver accidents still happen, and many families involved in car crashes or other auto accidents seek compensation or litigation. You may require the services of a law firm specializing in car accidents if you’re a teenager and were recently responsible for a car crash or other auto accident that may have injured or killed others involved, if you’re the parent, guardian, or close relative of a teenager either responsible for the crash or a victim of the crash, or if you were otherwise involved in the auto accident caused by a teenager (whether you were a passenger or in the other car).

Our law firm is a reputable and established company that specializes in all types of auto accidents, teenage driver accidents included. If you’re looking for the services of a lawyer because of a car crash or other auto accident that was the fault of the teenager (whether you’re the teenager, the teenager’s parent, or someone else involved in the accident), then contact us today for more information or a consultation.

Raymond asked:


Here are some essential ideas and suggestions to build teenagers self confidence.

First and foremost, just be yourself. If you follow these steps you will become a happier and wealthier teenager. You will have real friends who will always be there for you when you need them. You will have more teenagers self confidence than other teenagers have. People will get to know the real you, some may like you and some may dislike you, but you will always know that the ones who like you genuinely like you for who you are and they will always be loyal to you. You as the teenager with a lot of self confidence will attract more people want to be your friend.

Teenagers clothing. Stop wearing the same thing as everyone else, and wear clothes which are comfortable and make you feel good. Step up from the ordinary teenagers’ crowd and start to build more teenagers self confidence by wearing the right clothing at the right occasions.

Try not to follow others people idea or trends. Try to identify the friends around you. Mix up and communicate with those people who are more expert in your field. Exchange ideas with them and receive the valuable ideas and suggestions from them. During the process, the teenagers self confidence in you will be greatly increase.

Entertainment also can be a great tool to build teenagers self confidence. Listening to inspirational music or watching a movie that you enjoy the most. When you feeling down or something just not going well on that particular day, spend your valuable time listening to music, unwind and recharge yourself to face the reality world again.

Give your opinion confidently. If there is an argument don’t just side with the most popular person. Say what you actually believe. People will respect you more. Bring out your guts to present your ideas to the crowd. Make eye contact with the people you are talking to. Let them feels your unlimited teenagers self confidence in you.   

Do not tolerate yourself with the questions or problems that you faced. If you are in class don’t be afraid to answer a question because you are afraid of looking like an idiot. That is not other easy ways of learning unless we learn from our mistakes since we are teenagers and make asking question as part of our habits.

Body posture plays an important role to build teenagers self confidence. Don’t look at the ground when you’re walking. Walk faster and confidently no matter where you go. Live up your true teenagers potentials!

Your teenagers self confidence can greatly increase beyond your expectations by following these simple steps.

Richard Y. asked:


Teenage is the most difficult period for the parents. It is the period where your teenagers will be subjected to a lot of peer pressure. A sense of belonging is very important at this age and the teenagers will comply to gain acceptance amongst their peers. The peers’ influences are very strong and this is the period where the parents may find that they may have a lesser influence on their teenagers. This is a teenage relationship advice for the parents to deal with such a situation.

The first teenage relationship advice for the parents is to take note that their children have grown up and are now teenagers. It is important for the parents to recognize this and start to change in their way of dealing with their teenagers. This is critical as sometime it is difficult for the parents to see this change that their children have grown up and your way of dealing with them will no longer work. The parents need to relax control in some areas and to increase it in others. The parents need to start talking more to their teenager while expecting them to talk less to you. You need to keep them safe and maintain harmony in the home without stopping their biology needs to be independent. You need to negotiate more than dictate the terms and conditions around their behaviors.

Develop reasonable expectation as your teenagers are in a state of flux. They can be more mature at one moment and less at another moment. Setting too high an expectation on your teenagers will turn them off.

Pick your battle wisely as too much control will lead to defiance as your teenagers are trying to establish their independent. Choosing the right battle to fight will avoid unnecessary frictions in the home. Your teenagers will be able to differentiate what boundaries they must not cross as they will face a fierce battle from you.

Give your teenagers choices and not ultimatums. Allowing the teenagers to choose will probably be more successful than dictating your terms on them. It is more about compromising. Both the teenagers and the parents cant have everything their way.

Give praise to your teenagers when what they do meet your approval. These reinforce good behaviors and are appreciated. This will show that you take notice of them

Always let your teenagers know that you are there for them if they need your help. This will give them an assurance they can always rely on their parents.

Teenage relationship advice for the parents is a good start for the parents to take note of the changes and that their children are now teenagers and will require different ways of handling them. If you need more information or help, check out the teenage relationship advice .

 

Terre Grable asked:


While there is speculation as to whether or not we are in a recession, there is no doubt that as a country we are facing difficult financial times. While some may be pessimistic about the current financial difficulty, times such as these can be prime opportunity to educate your teenager about money. With historic foreclosure rates, recurring job losses, and volatile stock market conditions, what is it that you tell your teenager about debt and money? Here are 7 ways to debt proof your teenager:

1. Teach them about interest

Interest is a part of money management just as the dollar bill. Without it, banks could not operate, and many would not be able to secure housing. A lot of teenagers can read about interest and even tell you what it means. However, there is nothing like experiencing it to get its full meaning. Find a practical way to help your teenager gain a tangible understanding of interest.

2. Teach the advantage of saving over immediate gratification

As consumers, we all know what it means to want something - and want it now. Patience is not a virtue that many can apply to object of our hearts desires. Credit makes it way too easy to fulfill our self-imposed desires for the “must haves” of our lives. For some teens, this temptation can be overwhelming. Yet, there is maturity in being able to save for those things we want, rather than paying more for it with the interest that comes from credit.

3. Educate the proper use of credit cards

Spending more than they have earned, you do not have to look far to find an adult that has gotten into trouble with credit card debt. Credit cards are not necessarily evil, but a convenient method of payment in the hands of responsible users.

4. Limit borrowing

There is something satisfying setting a financial goal, and earning enough money to meet it. Sometime loaning money to teenagers can rob them of the opportunity to gain resourceful financial skills. Encourage the entrepreneurial spirit within your teenager. You both may be amazed at the results.

5. Help them learn budgeting

To some budgeting may hold a negative connotation, one that is filled with restrictions and limitations. However, if done right, budgeting can eliminate financial stress and promote inner peace. If you know where all your money is going, then there is no guessing or the stress of trying to figure out how you are going to pay for your bills. There are many are many resources available to help your teenager learn how to make and keep a budget.

6. Teach them to save, save, and then save

Saving is not only important for getting the things we want, but it is also a safety net for when life’s mishaps occur. Without a proper savings account to cushion the blow of financial crisis, credit become and inevitable solution. Having a savings account will reduce stress when problems arise because a person is financially prepared.

7. Use financial tools

Do not be afraid to use the many financial tools available to help your teenager develop healthy money management skills. Debit cards, accounting software, online banking and checking accounts can be great tools to help educate your teenager about finances. Check with your financial institution, local library, and financial professional about possible resources for teenagers.

8. Get some financial counsel

If your teenager, or even yourself, do not have healthy money management skills, then I encourage you to get some help. Check your local community for financial counseling, classes or financial workshops. Contact a financial professional that can help your teenager gain positive financial advice and how to stay out of debt. Or consider taking a class as a family. It is never too late to learn.

Financial habits are taught, not assumed. Many adults that have spending problems or excessive credit card debt may never have learned how to handle money. The habits that are taught as a teenager and cultivated as an adult can have life changing implications for your teenager.

Michael Lee asked:


Teenage depression hits 5% of children and adolescents, as reported by experts. Teenage depression is serious and needs to be addressed when symptoms start to show. Unfortunately, it sometimes goes unnoticed and untreated because of a lack of understanding about the condition.

Adults may sometimes tend to attribute it to hormones or dismiss it as a case of the usual teenage mood swings and rebellious behavior; but if ignored or left untreated, teenage depression could result in a lasting state of depression and, in many cases, *******. Cases of teenage depression are on the rise; and now more than ever, it’s important to fully understand what it is all about.

Teenage Depression Signs

It’s very important to be able to spot behavioral warning signs. Note that some mood changes are more extreme than most, and that one shouldn’t immediately jump to conclusions when trying to deal with a teenager’s emotions. Being observant and having the ability to differentiate between mood swings and negatively, destructive behavior is a key element in dealing with teenage depression.

What are the symptoms that indicate that a teenager is experiencing depression? A few telltale signs of this condition include:

• long periods of irritability

• feelings of hopelessness

• loss of pleasure in one’s normal routine and activities

• constant feelings of worthlessness and inadequacy

• deteriorating performance in school

• social isolation

• excessive crying and feelings of sadness

• physical and/or verbal aggression

• suicidal thoughts

Depressed teenagers may also exhibit destructive behavior and use activities such as alcohol and drug abuse, as well as self-injury, as an outlet for their feelings.

Teenage Depression Causes

As mentioned earlier, peer pressure and parental expectations play a large part in a teenager’s feelings of self-worth and behavior. Once he feels that he is unable to keep up with all the expectations and live up to other people’s standards, this will cause him to doubt himself.

Young people also place a high premium on being accepted. When a teenager fails to fit in, this contributes to stronger feeling of inadequacy. After all, for many young people, being alone, different, and unpopular is a terrible thing.

Family problems can also give rise to teenage depression. Young people may harbor feelings of guilt and start questioning themselves, wondering if they somehow contributed to the problems, especially if they’re also the constant targets for criticism. They will start thinking that their presence at home is unnecessary and that everyone’s life will be better if they disappeared.

Performance in school is another trigger for teenage depression. With academics becoming more difficult at this age, teenagers may not be able to keep up with schoolwork as well as they used to, and would therefore experience failures from time to time.

Frustration with schoolwork, fear of disappointing parents, and dismay at one’s self can all lead to feelings of worthlessness. In Japan, for example, there was a time when ******* among students was on the rise, especially among those who performed poorly in school.

Teenage Depression Treatments

Clearly, teenage depression is not a joke and certainly not just the dramatic whimpering of young people. It’s a major problem that deserves the fullest attention of one’s friends and family.

That’s why it’s very important to be very supportive and attentive. Rather than being impatient with the young person’s behavior, parents in particular should pay careful attention and take the time to really understand what their children are going through. It would be a great help if they are able to convey to their child that he is loved and that he is a promising individual with lots of potential. Young people need encouragement and support to get through this difficult time in their lives.

Family and friends of a depressed teenager can also get help from counseling services and organizations that specifically deal with teenage depression. Some may also choose to enlist the help of professionals.

Coping with the issue of teenage depression is a daunting task for many, but the results are worthwhile once the teenager is able to overcome it. It will take a lot of time and effort for everyone involved and the important thing to do is to work hard and do everything possible to ensure that your child will find satisfaction and fulfillment in his teenage years.