The following in an opinion article Lisa Newton, Director of Christian Education, submitted to the Republic newspaper in Columbus, IN. It was published on Thursday June 4, 2009.
As another school year comes to a close, the Pregnancy Care Centers of South Central Indiana would like to offer some words of encouragement to parents. Summer break affords many opportunities to strengthen family ties and guide students toward healthy development and successful futures. The attitudes and traits which lead adolescents to make good behavior choices are taught and cultivated over time. Never underestimate the great need children of all ages feel for a close relationship with their parents and for their parents' guidance, approval and support. May the following ideas encourage parents to make their homes a safe haven of love, nurture and respect:
· Spend time together: A national survey revealed that the majority of high school students, when asked about their desires for a better life, “wished for more time spent together with family.” Eat meals together as a family as often as possible, and use the time for conversation. Spend time engaged in activities that suit their ages and interests: visiting the library, participating in programs through Parks & Rec, playing board games or volunteering for a community organization. Shared good times can bring about great discussion and life-long memories.
· Be an attentive parent: Make sure your sons and daughters know you are always there for them and whether you are physically together or not, rules, curfews, and standards of expected behavior still apply. In interacting with nearly 1,000 parents and their students each year through our Transformed program, we find many parents struggling with their role. Appropriate supervision of your students’ whereabouts and activities isn’t an invasion of privacy but rather a responsibility of parenthood. Know what your kids are watching on TV, searching for on the Internet and listening to on their iPods. Help your students become educated media consumers making sure the messages they receive are consistent with your family’s values. The vital role you play is too important to ignore.
· Be a friend-friendly family: Get to know your children’s friends, welcome them into your home and talk with them openly. Develop relationships with their parents so together, you can establish common rules and expectations providing the healthiest, safest environments possible for each other’s kids to grow and flourish.
· Set the right example: Clear communication is a must, but much of what is taught is unintentional. Parents are consistent role models and students will emulate your behaviors. Strive to be a living, day-to-day example of your values and standards.
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