Improving the future of teens

Radio Commentary

George Gallup, Jr., has been polling American teenagers for nearly 50 years, helping his nation keep a pulse on young attitudes. He said that teens report they need guidance, structure, and values if they are to be strong leaders for our country’s future.

Gallup cited two trends he said are troubling: first, America is polarizing into a land of rich and poor, so the number of children at risk is growing at a shocking rate.

Second, juvenile crime is rising and could be even more random and brutal in the future. He had some suggestions:

•  Educate young people about alcohol abuse. Virtually every major societal problem has an alcohol component, he says.

•  Put constant pressure on TV and movie producers to make movies that uplift rather than degrade humanity.

•  Put character first in schools and homes or else colleges will turn out brilliant but dishonest people.

•  Invest in the lives of children in direct, hands-on ways, such as mentoring.

• Pay attention to matters of right and wrong. Youngsters with a value system tend to be happier and better adjusted than their counterparts, and more apt to keep out of trouble, he said.

His suggestions continue to make good sense.

Healthy children

Radio Commentary

Good health is essential to success in the classroom. It is simply not possible to concentrate as fully as possible if you are not feeling well, no matter what your age.

For this reason, all children should have regular checkups by their doctor. Often, doctors can find and treat a problem that could affect a child’s learning both in the short term and in later years.

Symptoms that seem small or insignificant could be forewarnings of more serious conditions. A trained medical professional will know the difference.

Vision screenings are also essential. A child who cannot see the board clearly cannot fully grasp all that’s necessary from a lesson.

Good nutrition is also an important part of good health. Children need to eat a variety of foods each day to maintain healthy bodies.

Good nutrition helps them increase their resistance to germs and diseases that are more prevalent in places where many young people gather.

The fresher the food, the better. Keeping processed foods to a minimum is always a good idea for young and old alike.

Also, try to help your child choose healthy snacks. Fruit, yogurt, plain popcorn, and carrot sticks are all good choices.

Good health is the first essential ingredient to success in life and in the classroom.

Every effort that is made to help young people in this area is a step toward a higher quality of life and more productive living.

Joyful Child advice

Radio Commentary

The Joyful Child Foundation provided important safety advice for young children. It’s a good idea for parents to go over these items with young members of the family.

The advice for children states:

·      Big people should never ask you to go with them without letting you ask your parents if it’s okay.

·      Big people should not look at you without your clothes unless your parents say it’s okay, like at the doctor’s office.

·      Big people should not tickle or touch you on your body’s private parts — the places covered by a bathing suit or underwear.

·      Big people should not tell you to keep secrets or say they will hurt you or anyone else if you tell.

·      Big people should not ask you to help them find things like lost pets. They should get help from other big people.

·      Big people should not take your picture or give you presents without asking for your parent’s permission

·      YELL, SCREAM, RUN and TELL a grown-up you trust — a parent, teacher or principal — if anyone makes you feel scared or hurts you.

This advice is important for all. It can provide peace of mind for all involved if children are well-versed in these concepts.

Core values are important

Radio Commentary

Dwight Moody once said that “Character is what you are in the dark.” 

In the current national climate of attack and shrillness, it seems more important than ever to make sure our young people acquire the core values of honesty and decency. 

This idea is not new. Several years ago major corporate employers rated the five traits most and least important to them in an employee.

The highest rankings were all “work ethic” items: arriving on time, not stealing, putting in a full day’s work, being reliable. 

Interestingly, the lowest-rated items were academic background, knowledge and experience. 

Author Rushworth Kidder reinforced these findings through his own research. He pointed to troublesome indications that adults’ ethics have been moving in the wrong direction.

Today we can cite hedge fund managers and a broad range of banking and white-collar fraud.

The good news is that a large portion of the public has noticed and seems to care.

Several schools throughout our county have been using constructive programs that provide values education.

The Anti-Defamation League’s programs, “A World of Difference,” and “No Place for Hate,” are excellent, and the Beyond Tolerance Center is a resource hub for educators at every level. The common thread is that important values are selected, discussed, and practiced.

No one institution is responsible for the challenges that face our youths and adults today, and no one institution can solve the problems in isolation. I applaud our public schools for becoming an increasingly large part of the effort.

The best things are free

Radio Commentary

Holiday time can be the most loving and, at the same time, the most materialistic period that our children go through each year. 

Sometimes it’s good to reinforce that the most important things in life do not always involve the exchange of dollars.

It’s so easy for a parent to reach for some money or a piece of candy as a reward for good grades or extra effort.

But there are much better ways to show gratitude and pride. The National PTA insists, “hugs, kisses, and compliments are worth more than anything money can buy.”

In fact, some of the best incentives don’t cost any money at all, but continue to reap rewards year after year.   

You’d be surprised how much more staying power hugs have, or pats on the back, smiles, or extra attention. 

Reading together could be another reward. It’s a gift that brings you close to your children.

Also, compliments have much more impact when they are given face to face, or said to others loud enough so that the child can hear them. It can also be effective to hold family testimonial dinners for children. 

The successes can cover any special contribution — fixing the DVD player, drawing a comic book, helping someone in your neighborhood, or meeting a goal. 

It’s never too early to underscore for children that many of the best things in life are not “things” at all, but attitudes and actions that show kindness, concern, and appreciation.