So I read a post on another blog written by a woman who is active in the lives of many, many teenager. She has her own children, has adopted many children, and is a foster parent. She has some perspective.
In reading her advice to young women I could only think of how empowering and freeing the truth of her words are...of course, there are a couple of things I modify in my own head but all in all I think the list of things she posted are worthy things to discuss with one's own children.
I'd like to add to her list a couple of concepts prior to leading you to her post: Realistic Advice to Teenage Girls.
- Remember your value has nothing to do with other people or their opinions. But, be ready to navigate a whole slew of judgmental bombs from every direction, so "Never go to war where there are no spoils"--make your stand where it REALLY matters to you.
- People believe what you're telling them about yourself. Be sure the outside matches the inside. While we "shouldn't" judge others, we human creatures do, and rather unfairly, too. While you're not responsible for what others do as a result of their conclusions, you may want to be sure you're advertising who you really are.
- Remember "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission". You can only be offended by another person's opinion if you begin trading your judgment for theirs or you buy into their opinions being more powerful than your own. Keep your power.
- We all slip, we make mistakes, be kind to yourself and be kind to others when it happens. It will happen many more times than you would like.
- Give others the "benefit of the doubt". Generally other people aren't purposely out to hurt and drag you down. Sometimes they are but usually a person is simply tripping on words or lost in their own struggles.
- Remember the golden rule and cash in on it. Treat others kindly and generously.
- Remember equal rights means equal responsibilities, not a blank check.
- Pointing out a whole in the ground does not mean you want someone to fall into it. If someone speaks frankly to you about perceptions, value it as an FYI and move on with your own personal judgment on what you'll do with the information. If you really like that whole, thank them for pointing it out and jump in, if you don't like the whole, thank them and move around it. There's no need to yell at or slam them.
- Your attitude really is what makes or breaks any given situation.
- If your are prepared you will have no need to be afraid...intimidated maybe, but not afraid, so do your due diligence to know what you're doing...and why.
- Knowledge really is key. Learn. Be educated. And know some practical application for the theories you study.
With that, I'd like to share the advice of Backwoods Mom: http://backwoodsmom.danoah.com/2011/05/realistic-advice-to-teenage-girls.html
At this point I'd really like to know from you what you think is a really great piece of advice for your women today. Don't worry, I am aware and acknowledge something like this for young men is just as worthy and I will focus on one later...our young men need to be encouraged, too! So.......what's the word, what do you wish someone would tell you or would have told you as a teen??
At this point I'd really like to know from you what you think is a really great piece of advice for your women today. Don't worry, I am aware and acknowledge something like this for young men is just as worthy and I will focus on one later...our young men need to be encouraged, too! So.......what's the word, what do you wish someone would tell you or would have told you as a teen??
