Susan Carney's Blog
Posted by Susan Carney
Thinking about the past twelve months helps us to set a course for the next twelve. It may help us to refocus our energies on goals we wish to accomplish or things we would like to try. Whether we are disappointed in our progress during the past year or energized by what we have already accomplished, we can use the momentum to get started on our New Year’s resolutions.
Many of us trot out the same tired resolutions year after year: lose weight, get healthy, get organized, etc. Often, we set our sights too high, and find ourselves throwing in the towel when the New Year is only a few weeks (or days!) old. By expecting too much, we set ourselves up to fail. Then we feel guilty. And often, this guilt is enough to make us gain more weight, develop even less healthy habits, get more disorganized, etc. We throw in the towel and then some.
An alternative is to pare our expectations for ourselves down to a manageable size. Instead of vowing to drop fifty pounds, we can try to eat one healthier meal every day. Instead of a expectation that we are going to work out every day (which we are likely to abandon the first time we miss one or two days), we can try to incorporate some kind of physical activity into our lives a few times a week.
In addition to being more doable, smaller goals give us the chance to have more immediate success, which boosts our confidence and gives us the willpower to solider on. Oddly, we usually have no problem scaffolding tasks in this way for our kids. But sometimes we forget to give ourselves a hand, as well.
Posted by Susan Carney
With holiday vacations right around the corner, many of us with teens in our lives may be looking for some ideas for keeping them busy and out of trouble. Most kids will have at least a week off from school (some will have closer to two), and that’s a lot of “down time”. Without the structure of school, some teens will, unfortunately, spend their time engaging in less than appropriate activities. New Years Eve poses its own special risks: most celebrations involve alcohol or drugs, and the roads are probably more dangerous than on any other night of the year.
Some other options? For large groups of kids, try having an old fashioned gabfest with these Youth Discussion Activities. This article provides plenty of ideas for getting the conversation started. If you will be hosting a New Years Eve celebration for a group of kids, you might want to check out New Years Activities for Teens for some ideas on making the party fun and meaningful while keeping kids safe. If you are interested in helping kids learn about giving of themselves, as well as keeping them busy and productive, Holiday Service Projects for Teens offers some ideas.
Posted by Susan Carney
A recently released 2006 study by University of Michigan researcher Lloyd Johnson found that while illegal drug use among young people continues to fall, use of prescription drugs such as Oxycontin and Vicodin among the same group remains high. (University of Michigan News Service, Dec. 2006).
Why might this be? Some theorize that these drugs are easier for kids to obtain, sometimes found right in their own parents’ medicine cabinets. They may be easier to transport and conceal, and kids may be less fearful of being “caught” with a legal prescription drug than being caught with, for example, marijuana, crack cocaine or methamphetamines.
Kids may also harbor dangerous misconceptions about the safety of prescription drugs. They may mistakenly believe that because these drugs are prescribed by a doctor, they are somehow “safer” than illegal drugs they may purchase on the street. Because of limits in their cognitive development, many teens tend to believe that they are invincible. This belief, coupled with a misperception of “safety”, may be enough to counter any reservations kids may have about using these drugs.
The reality, however, is that prescription drugs are dangerous for anyone other than the intended patient. When kids take medication not prescribed by a doctor, they risk the health of their developing bodies, as well as unknown dangers from interactions with alcohol or medications they may be taking. Obviously, kids should only take medications that are prescribed and monitored by their doctor. This study reminds us of the need to remain vigilant in monitoring our kids and talking to them often about the dangers of all drug use.
Posted by Susan Carney
The Omaha shootings this week remind me that though we are entering what is for many a joyous holiday season, there are still many who are in pain.
In fact, the holidays can be a particularly difficult time for youth who are suffering from depression or otherwise feeling alienated from others. The stress that is inherent in the business of the holiday season, coupled with the often unrealized expectation of the “ideal” holiday with the “perfect” family, can lead to frustration and disappointment. The pressure to be “merry” when one is feeling anything but can also add to one’s burden. Additionally, financial strains may make it impossible for some families to provide the kinds of holidays gifts and experiences they want to for their families. Indeed, they may even struggle to provide basic necessities.
This holiday season, as always, be sure to be on the lookout for kids who may be struggling. Resist the temptation to offer false cheer, and don’t assume that all kids will have a wonderful holiday. Tragically, many will not.
Please check out Understanding Teen Depression for tips on how to spot youth who may be in trouble. You can also use the holiday season as an opportunity to help out those in need. Holiday Service Projects has some ideas you can use in your youth group or in your family.
Posted by Susan Carney
Over half of the current Youth Development pieces are not presently accompanied by a photo. You can help fill this need, and get your work published on the web, by submitting photos for consideration.
Browse through the Youth Development articles for those without pictures. If you see one that you feel may be a good fit for one of your photos, email me at the link below. Please include your name, the article for which you are offering your photo, and an attachment of your photo.
There is no remuneration for accepted photos, but a photo credit with your name will appear. You can even send family and friends links to the piece, so everyone can see your work on the web.
You may only submit photos that you take yourself. They must illustrate the concepts and themes presented in the article. Keep in mind that the space for pictures is relatively small, so be sure subject matter will be clear even on a small scale. I will contact you to let you know if your photo will be used, and to provide you with a link. Please feel free to submit!
