 Heart 'N Home Newsflash |
from Nancy Van Pelt
Teen Blues
One in 8
adolescents suffers from depression, but spotting it can be tricky because
many signs mimic typical teen behavior. To sort out the difference, ask
yourself whether the behavior is out of character and if it has been ongoing
for two or more weeks. Here are some other clues * Loss of interest in
activities that used to be enjoyable
* changes in temperament, such
as calm child who flares up in anger, or an enthusiastic child who becomes
listless.
* extreme changes in eating or
sleep patterns.
If you suspect depression seek
professional help.
The Nuclear Family - a new minority
A "nuclear family" is a married mother
and father living with their minor-age children. By 1960 52 % of all
families fell into this category. Now fewer than 24% of US households make
up this group. What's behind this steadily declining trend? High divorce
rates, the number of single parents and unmarried couples cohabiting, more
couples having children out of wedlock, more men and women delaying marriage
and more people living as singles than ever before.
TV Time
By age 18, the average
American child has spent more time watching TV -- 25,000 hours -- than
learning in class!
The Perils of Popularity
In two new studies, popular teens were
found to be more susceptible to peer pressure and more likely to drink,
smoke marijuana and cigarettes, shoplift and vandalize property than their
less-popular counterparts. For example, 26% of the popular kids have
experimented with alcohol or marijuana by age 14, versus only 9% of the less
popular. The good news is that both studies showed strong family attachments
and a healthy sense of self worth in the popular kids. The message? "If your
child is popular, be happy -- for 10 seconds." Then ask, "What group is she
popular with?"
In two new studies, popular teens were
found to be more susceptible to peer pressure and more likely to drink,
smoke marijuana and cigarettes, shoplift and vandalize property than their
less-popular counterparts. For example, 26% of the popular kids have
experimented with alcohol or marijuana by age 14, versus only 9% of the less
popular. The good news is that both studies showed strong family attachments
and a healthy sense of self worth in the popular kids. The message? "If your
child is popular, be happy -- for 10 seconds." Then ask, "What group is she
popular with?"Children and Obesity
CHILDREN AGES 9 to 14 who "always" or
"most days" ate with their families had a 15 % lower obesity rate than those
who did so only "some days" or "never," according to a Harvard study.
CHILDREN AGES 9 to 14 who "always" or
"most days" ate with their families had a 15 % lower obesity rate than those
who did so only "some days" or "never," according to a Harvard study.
FROM THE MAILBOX:
You can't even imagine
what your seminars have done for the families in Roterdam, Delft, Eindhoven,
Utrecht and Spijkenisse. Two ladies came to me at church last week and told
me that bringing you here has changed their lives. People haven't stopped
talking about the seminars even yet! The church family sends special
greetings. They enjoyed the seminar and your books are working miracles
here. Wemust have these seminars continue and want you to return next April when Keukenhof and all the tulips are in bloom. Lynnette
Just a note to
let you know that your Smart Love Seminar has made not
only a big impact on my life, but the kids at the school. I was keeping an
eye on the kids and read what they were saying on their My Space accounts. I
saw several references to you and what you have been teaching this week. As
a parent of one teenager in the group, thank you for instilling in these
young people a heart for God and healthy relationships. How I wish I had
been taught these moral standards and how to love right at an early age.
Julie
You can have
a seminar in your city too!
Ask Nancy at her website!