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Last Updated: Feb 22nd, 2010 - 18:41:23 |
Heart to Heartbeat
By Eli White Selvey
When's the last time you've been thanked for being a good parent? I've just recently entered the world of parenting, but I've quickly found out that it's an awesome, raw, demanding, no-thanks kind of job. You alone (well, and your kids too) know the ups and downs you've had as a parent. It's a learn-as-you-go job. No one really has a manual or someone coaching them in how to do it. So I just want to take a moment to share with you some encouragement, even though I don't know you personally, that you as a parent are doing a great job!
Some recent studies have shown that more than 50% of teens say their parents are their role models. Don't expect them to actually tell you that or thank you; the studies are anonymous. But what a challenge to live up to? Every thing you say and do is the model for your kids. How many times have we said, "I'll never do X like my parents did" only to find ourselves doing exactly that when we're older? Some other studies have shown that teen sexuality is also related to parents. Teens who know that their parents don't want them to become sexually active while they're in school have a higher rate of abstinence than those who haven't received that message clearly from their parents. Some parents encourage their kids to have "safe sex," but there is no longer such a thing with the new, different diseases that can spread whether or not you're wearing "protection." Oh how the times have changed!
So take a moment sometime soon to pat yourself on the back. You are a role model for your kids. You do have an awesome, life-influencing impact on their lives and even their sexuality. Don't worry if they don't thank you now.someday they will.
Eli White Selvey is an Abstinence Educator for Heartbeat of Fremont, a
non-profit organization that helps young people choose life and make healthy choices. They are located at 118 N. Arch St., Fremont or online at www.heartfre.org All contact is confidential. Our 24 hr. helpline is (800) 395-HELP or (419) 334-9079
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