Teens, let's get real

In the world that we live in today, we are exposed to so many messages that do not build us up, that do not promote a positive self image, and that do not inspire greatness.

As a mom/parent, we struggle daily to bring ours kids up with manners, morals, self respect, faith, and with the belief that hard work pays off.  We give lectures, nag, and have conversations with them, but they don't seem to listen.  We need to lead by example and they will see and listen. Maybe not today, but in the future.  But we are not our kids only teachers.  They have school teachers, church Pastors, other adults, life lessons and sadly the media.  No matter how much we don't like it, media is here to stay and it is powerful!  The only thing you can do it try to use it to our benefit and have it help us teach life lessons.  Though there are TONS of shameful, negative and just plain scary stuff in the media there are some shining stars too.  I mean when was the last time you saw a negative, or scary cat video?  :-)  But seriously, there are some diamonds in all the rough, so how about we counter all the negative they see with some positive.

That brings me to today, when I saw an old (2013) video of Chris "Ashton" Kutcher from the Teen Choice Awards.  I'm not saying that Ashton Kutcher is necessarily a role model for your kids or mine, but he's been a pretty real, on the level guy even after becoming so famous.  He's played some pretty outrageous characters and some that are too smart, but what he says to a room full of teens (and I am sure pre-teens) is powerful and very "sexy" smart.

These days we hear a lot of I need or I want or the thoughts of entitlement, but they don't want to work to get those things. We see so much in the media about what is "sexy" and we shame those who are not measuring up to that standard. We hear "I never had...", "my family...", "I don't have..." "If so and so didn't do that then..." this is why I am the way I am. But take the next few minutes to watch this video, from this very high profile well known, respected and REAL actor.

Positive words/lessons that you could say/give your kids, but let's get real they won't hear it from you. 

 OK go get your kids, I'll wait.

 Ready?


 

Let's start building up our kids.  Let's start showing our kids that hard work pays off.  Let's help our kids know that intelligence is sexy, not your body.  Let's help our kids see more positive messages and less negative.  Let's make our kids WORK for things not just hand it over because we didn't have it growing up or we feel guilty for not spending enough time with them or <insert your excuse here>.

Don't your kids deserve better?  Set them up for success not failure. The world isn't fair, it isn't always nice, and we will fail at something.   BUT YOU ONLY BECOME A FAILURE IF YOU DON'T KEEP TRYING.  Teach your kids to take control and responsibility for their lives, decisions, direction and that mistakes will happen.


“All men make mistakes, but only wise men learn from their mistakes.” - Winston Churchill

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