Hello Everyone! I hope all is well with you today! I wrote this blog post about three years ago and I thought it was important enough to share again. So here you go! 🙂
I’m back today and I’d like to just touch on some of the teen issues that I’ve discussed in the past, for example, bullying behavior, teen depression, and teen pregnancy. What I’d like to touch on is a possible solution to these problems. 🙂
All of these behaviors are a result of pressures that the young adults feel during these tumultuous years. These years are filled with new challenges and new emotions and this is the first time teens are testing their boundaries. These are exciting and frightening times for them.
So, it’s not surprising that they make some incorrect choices. 🙂 In the past, I’ve said that parental involvement and keeping kids active in sports are ways to combat some of these negative choices. I still believe that parental involvement is very important in developing positive behaviors, but what about the kids who aren’t interested in sports? Some kids just don’t have any inclination in that direction.
Well, I’ve thought about this and I’ve discovered a solution. 🙂 You knew I had one didn’t you? What about volunteering? That’s right. I came across a wonderful organization that encourages teens to volunteer and I’m very impressed by it.
In fact, I’m working with them on a project and I’m very excited about it! But, there will be a whole blog post about that as soon as we get all the details ironed out. 🙂 So stay tuned for that. 🙂 The organization is called VOLUNTEENATION and here’s the link to their website. Check it out! http://www.volunteennation.org/. This is a national organization which means they have volunteer opportunities all throughout the United States.
I’m sure you all have heard one of the best ways to combat depression is by helping others…I believe this applies to teenagers as well and that’s what volunteering is all about.
What I love about this organization is that teens are working with other teens in a positive situation. They aren’t at home closed off in their rooms brooding about their problems. Volunteering takes their focus off of their problems and gets them moving in a positive direction. In my opinion, this might lead to more fulfilling friendships because teens are working together toward a common goal.
Another positive effect this type of organization has is that there are certainly instances where teens can utilize/learn leadership skills as well as team building skills. 🙂 Skills that are necessary for the working environment. 🙂
Maybe if we got our kids involved in volunteering we’d have fewer disasters like Columbine and Newtown. Something to think about my friends. 🙂
Check out Volunteenation’s blog. Here’s a post about how teens can support the Newtown victims. http://www.volunteennation.org/blog/categories/latest-news/203-how-youth-can-support-newtown
I can’t say enough about this organization; it’s getting teens headed in the right direction. 🙂
Thanks for reading my post today! I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think! 🙂
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! I HOPE 2013 IS YOUR BEST YEAR YET!
I LOVE this post! That organisation seems brilliant! :
All of what you said is so so true! Volunteering is a great way to beat depression, it keeps you busy from thinking too much and in the end you have more confidence in yourself to push yourself to succeed! Even your relationships with family and friend grow stronger every day! 🙂 I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what your project is 🙂
Happy NEw Year!
Kerry-Ann x
Thanks for stopping by Kerry Ann! Details on the project will be forthcoming soon and I can’t wait! I’m really excited about it! 🙂
Great ideas!!! Go Super Spies!
Thanks for stopping by Rita! I’m glad you like my ideas! I can’t wait to start this new project! Details to follow! 🙂
Great post & great idea. I also believe getting kids/teens out amongst each other in a non-threatening environment would be hugely beneficial. I look forward to more details about this wonderful organization.
Paul R. Hewlett
Thanks for stopping by Paul! I’m really excited about this organization. I’ll be posting more details soon!
What a great idea! Love the thought of teens getting involved and volunteering. Sounds like a wonderful organization-thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Rebecca! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! 🙂
I love this! I’ve made sure my 16 yr. old daughter is involved in a lot of volunteering ventures. She sometimes complains and rolls her eyes at me but I know it has helped her grow in so many ways. My two youngest are boys and it seems a little harder to find volunteer opportunities for them. We are always looking for new ideas.
Thanks for stopping by Kari! Yes, I love this idea too and it’s a great way to guide teens in the right direction. Especially, if they’re not interested in sports.
You’re absolutely right…love this! I will definitely check it out. My kids are heavily involved in sports, but I like to see them giving back too. My daughter volunteers with younger kids after school and helps coach soccer when she gets the chance, my son will be volunteering tonight with a charity auction for a culinary school that offers culinary training and job placement to unemployed and underemployed adults interested in starting a new career. I’d love for them to volunteer more, and I think they will as they find the things they are passionate about helping.
That is so awesome! Sounds like they are moving in the right direction, Dish of Daily Life! Kudos to you for being an awesome parent! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Reblogged this on lisaorchard.
Thanks for listing my blog. I appreciate it! 🙂