 |
|
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon With its colorful cache of purples and oranges and reds, COLLARD GREEN SLAW is a marvelous mood booster --- not to mention just downright delish
April 18, 2014
Rabbi Yonason Goldson: Clarifying one of the greatest philosophical conundrums in theology
John Ericson: Trying hard to be 'positive' but never succeeding? Blame Your Brain
The Kosher Gourmet by Julie Rothman Almondy, flourless torta del re (Italian king's cake), has royal roots, is simple to make, . . . but devour it because it's simply delicious
April 14, 2014
Rabbi Dr Naftali Brawer: Passover frees us from the tyranny of time
Eric Schulzke: First degree: How America really recovered from a murder epidemic
Georgia Lee: When love is not enough: Teaching your kids about the realities of adult relationships
Gordon Pape: How you can tell if your financial adviser is setting you up for potential ruin
Dana Dovey: Up to 500,000 people die each year from hepatitis C-related liver disease. New Treatment Has Over 90% Success Rate
Justin Caba: Eating Watermelon Can Help Control High Blood Pressure
April 11, 2014
Rabbi Hillel Goldberg: Silence is much more than golden
Susan Swann: How to value a child for who he is, not just what he does
Susan Scutti: A Simple Blood Test Might Soon Diagnose Cancer
Chris Weller: Have A Slow Metabolism? Let Science Speed It Up For You
April 9, 2014
Jonathan Tobin: Why Did Kerry Lie About Israeli Blame?
Samuel G. Freedman: A resolution 70 years later for a father's unsettling legacy of ashes from Dachau
Jessica Ivins: A resolution 70 years later for a father's unsettling legacy of ashes from Dachau
Matthew Mientka: How Beans, Peas, And Chickpeas Cleanse Bad Cholesterol and Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
April 8, 2014
Dana Dovey: Coffee Drinkers Rejoice! Your Cup Of Joe Can Prevent Death From Liver Disease
Chris Weller: Electric 'Thinking Cap' Puts Your Brain Power Into High Gear
April 4, 2014
Amy Peterson: A life of love: How to build lasting relationships with your children
John Ericson: Older Women: Save Your Heart, Prevent Stroke Don't Drink Diet
John Ericson: Why 50 million Americans will still have spring allergies after taking meds
Sarah Boesveld: Teacher keeps promise to mail thousands of former students letters written by their past selves
April 2, 2014
Dan Barry: Should South Carolina Jews be forced to maintain this chimney built by Germans serving the Nazis?
Frank Clayton: Get happy: 20 scientifically proven happiness activities
Susan Scutti: It's Genetic! Obesity and the 'Carb Breakdown' Gene
|
| |
Jewish World Review
10 things I've learned from my teenagers
By
Megan Wallgren
FamilyShare
Teens can get a bad rap, but there are lots of things adults can learn from teens about living life to its fullest
JewishWorldReview.com |
Teens often get a bad rap from adults. Sure, they can be moody and irresponsible, but adults can learn a lot from the part child, part not, enigmas living in their homes.
1. Love your self(ies). There are many critics of the selfie. It is used and abused. But, I like teens' attitudes towards pictures of themselves. My daughters comment very little on how they look in the picture. The important thing about the picture seems to be, "I was here," — not, "How's my hair." That's the attitude I need to have more often and not be afraid to put myself in the frame.
2. Keep in touch. While it is true that face to face interaction is important to building good, healthy relationships, texting and social media can keep those relationships afloat. Teens are experts at keeping in touch. Social media helps me keep-up on the lives of friends from my past and keep close tabs on my family. Sometimes, it's easiest to reach out in a quick post, text or email.
3. Read. Teens may groan about the classic literature or current events clips they are forced to read, but reading is the best way to learn about people and places just out of reach. Reading not only educates people about the facts of the world we live in, but the ideas and feelings of those who live there.
4. Never underestimate comfort. Teens are famous for playing favorites. Whether it's a sweatshirt, tv show, reading spot or a cup or hot cocoa, embrace what makes you feel relaxed and in control. Life is stressful, give yourself a little pick me up with some of your favorite things.
5. Be patient. On the surface, it may seem teens are an impatient lot, but they are experts as taking life as it comes their way. What happens in a teen's life each day is still largely dependant on teachers, coaches, parents and other adults. They are always waiting for someone to drive them somewhere or decide how much homework they have, and (mostly) handle what's thrown their way without too much complaining.
6. Forgive freely. I've made some pretty big mistakes in parenthood (one even resulting in the death of a hamster.) My kids forgive me. When I get cranky, that's OK. Most teens are also more likely to forgive friends' mistakes or perceived slights from acquaintances (with or without apologies) than adults. Everyone makes mistakes, just let them go.
7. Reinvent yourself often. Whether it's a new haircut, style of clothes or favorite activity, teens embrace change. Adults could learn a thing or two about letting go of the past and trying something new. Have you always wished you were one of those people who . . . ? Well, go ahead and do it, already.
| STIMULATION AND INSPIRATION |
| Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes "must-reading". Sign up for the daily update. It's free. Just click here. | |
8. A little kindness goes a long way. It's a harsh world, and a kind word can make a big difference to someone. I'm not saying there are no bullies or mean girls out there, but I think most teens get the picture that kindness costs you nothing, but can mean everything.
9. Don't be afraid to try. I have a list in my head of things I already know I am, or am pretty sure I would be, horrible at. My teens haven't turned on this filter, yet. They're not afraid to try.
10. Adventure is out there. Most often, teens look at each day as one with possibilities. They find adventure in meeting new people, trying new things and even appreciate the excitement in things gone wrong. They're experts at enjoying every- day life. Whether it involves where to hang out after school, where to go to college or places they'll visit far in the future, my teens love to make plans. No matter how old you are, life is full of everyday adventures and the future is full of opportunity. Make some plans of your own.
Please send us your feedback.
It's appreciated
Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
Interested in a private Judaic studies instructor — for free? Let us know by clicking here.
Megan Wallgren is a freelance writer and mother of four energetic children
© 2014, FamilyShare
|
