Teen Issue Increasing: Cyber-Bulllying

Many parents are unaware of the stress and emotional issues their teens may be facing when it comes to cyber-bullying.

Basically cyber-bullying is bullying that happens online or via other high-tech devices prevalent in teens lives today. Common tactics include photos, gossip, humiliation, and slander.

Teens text more than talk, use social sites such as MySpace and FaceBook, e-mail, talk in chat rooms and blogs which increases the probability of being cyber-bullied. The New York Times states,

Research indicates that as many as 75 percent of teens have been bullied online, but only one in 10 have reported the problem to parents or other adults, a new study shows.

Because teens are not talking to others about the bullying, they tend to think they are the only ones on the receiving end of such attacks. Many feel the need to deal with the problem alone and are missing the help they need to deal with such emotionally charged feelings.

Communication and education is key to helping your teen avoid being bullied online. If they are educated and find themselves being victimized by a cyber-bully, they will most likely talk to someone about it and be equipped with the tools necessary to handle the issue without it destroying them emotionally.

Talking to Your Teen About Sex

Teen pregnancy is in the forefront in the news. It seems that everyone has an opinion about what is appropriate behavior and what is not. Some choose to condemn, others err on the side of grace.

All the attention could be a great time to talk to your teen about sex. Not sure how to talk to your teen or need some help?

Try these two helpful resources:

Tools4Teens: Personalized Scrapbook that deals with the issue of teen sex
Focus On The Family: What Your Teens Need to Know About Sex

Talking to your teen about sex may seem overwhelming and scary, but just like any other difficult lesson, it must be taught. You, as a parent, influence your teen's decisions even if you do not feel you do. So talk to your teen often and keep the lines of communication open, as it depends on you.

Arm yourself with helpful resources, pray, and get talking.

Teens Who Are Miserable

There are very few adults that would choose to go back to their teen years. Why? Because most of them were unhappy teens.

Robert S. McGee wrote an article entitled, "If God Loves Me, Why Am I So Miserable?" He discusses self-esteem issues and gives teens a road-map of how to get reconnected to the Source (God). Ultimately, though, it is the choice of the teen to accept God's path.

McGee states:

God has given us plenty of physical and spiritual evidence to know that He is real. (Check out Romans 1:20.) Yet we ignore the evidence and only believe what we can understand with our human minds. We make substitute gods to worship and look to them for comfort rather than the real God. (See Romans 1:24-25.)

Our Creator lets us follow the temporary pleasures (money, sex and power) in our search for who we are. But understand this: All our human answers disappoint us because we exchange the truth for a lie and reduce God to something that we try to explain humanly.So true. Teens will continue to be miserable if they do not let go of the things they think are making them happy.

So true. Teens will continue to be miserable if they refuse to let go of the things they believe are making them happy. And if the lesson is not learned, the unhappy teen will become an unhappy adult.

A Letter to the Author

Kelly, I just wanted to let you know that over lunch today, I decided to head over to Fellowship of The Woodlands to get a salad from their Sycamores restaurant and to browse the bookstore. I came upon your Tools 4 Teens books while I was there, and was able to truly become acquainted with your beautiful work first hand. I was blessed.

I just want to tell you that I believe in this ministry that God has given you, and I want to encourage you that He is and He will continue to use this talent He has blessed you with, to bless many, many others. Thanks for your obedience in creating these treasures for hands specifically ordained by God to hold them. It is amazing to consider that He already knows the names of all to whom this book will be given.

It was my pleasure to "happen upon" your work.

Many blessings,
Bonnie

ARTreach, Making It Better Program and Tools 4 Teens Unite in Katy, TX

If you live in Katy or Houston, it is very likely that you have heard of the ARTreach program led by Terri Bieber. This program promotes healing and communication through art. Now enter the Making It Better Program where art programs can be administered to kids that need an outlet to express themselves in a positive way. The Making It Better Program, with Executive Director Jacque Daughtry at the helm, has captured the attention of some key community leaders in the Houston area.

Imagine my delight when these two amazing women approached me about incorporating Tools 4 Teens in their programs! What a blessing to come face to face with teens in a classroom setting to TEACH the content of Tools 4 Teens. Pinch me! What a dream to make a direct impact on the future of these special kids!

Beginning in October, I will be testing a program at the Paul Revere Middle School. Students will create a special scrapbook incorporating lessons from Tools 4 Teens. They will be asked to write their opinions on each topic and set goals for themselves in key areas such as purity, peer pressure and forgiveness. At the conclusion of the program, each student will leave with a copy of Tools 4 Teens with their picture right on the cover!

I am so excited to see lives changed and seeds planted. Thank you Terri and Jacque for what you do for so many kids. I can't wait to see our Tools 4 Teens program unfold!

Kelly

Teen Book arrives at The Pregnancy Help Center

Last week copies of Tools 4 Teens arrived at Katy’s Pregnancy Help Center. Tools 4 Life Books and The Pregnancy Help Center have joined forces to make a positive impact in the lives of teens that visit the center.

Executive Director, Debbie Stoddard (seated) is an angel dropped straight from heaven. Her heart for others is unlike anything I have ever experienced. To know and work with Debbie is like having the Holy Spirit reach down to your soul. She has a gift for speaking truth into your life like no other.

Any teen crossing paths with this team will surely be blessed. Each and every volunteer and staff member cares about every life that walks through their door.

Thank you Debbie and your team for your dedication and love for all of those around you.

BRAVO!!

Kelly

Tools 4 Teens teams up with Katy's Pregnancy Help Center

I imagine walking in to the local Pregnancy Help Center as a teen would be somewhat intimidating. More than likely, a young woman would find herself there because she suspects she is pregnant. She may be looking for confirmation of a pregnancy but she will also get much more.

Every person that walks through the doors of the local Katy Pregnancy Help Center will find a wealth of resources and amazing people who truly care. Considered an Educational Resource Center, the center is equipped to meet spiritual, emotional and physical needs.. For many, this visit represents a turning point in their lives. This can mean breaking the cycle of an unhealthy lifestyle. If they choose, young mothers and fathers can be ministered to by staff who will share the word of God. Knowing that God will meet you where you are and knowing that we, as children of God, can begin a new Godly life, regardless of our current circumstances.

This is why I am so excited to be teaming up with Katy's Pregnancy Help Center. Young people will be blessed with a copy of Tools 4 Teens which will communicate hope and a new beginning.

Katy Pregnancy Help Center

http://www.phckaty.org/

-Kelly