Beyond the Classroom: The Lessons Parents Must Teach Teens at Home

By Byron Jonas

Academic institutions take care of providing kids with a formal and traditional education, covering subjects like math, science, language and history. Secondary schools prepare kids for the future by endowing them with knowledge of subjects like philosophy, physics and poetry. These institutions take charge of the academic formation of the mind.

There are, however, certain aspects of adolescence that secondary schooling does not cover. While these subjects are not necessarily academic, they are still of utmost importance. And wherever schools may fall short in informing students about them, parents must take the lead.

Two central issues for which parents are responsible are drugs and alcohol. While secondary schools may cover the topics, they often tell kids to "just say no," ending the conversation there. But kids and parents alike no that these issues are not so cut and dried and that there are a variety of answers to the questions they pose.

Parents must speak with teens about drugs and alcohol in a way that acknowledges reality. While there is no need to encourage them to participate in the consumption of these substances, there is a need to recognize their prevalence in society. Parents must set their own guidelines regarding drugs and alcohols, making sure that the lines of communication to do with such subjects are always left wide open.

It's important to talk to kids about sex and birth control, making sure that they know what options are available. Adolescents must feel comfortable with coming to parents with questions and concerns about sexual activity. The issue should not be taboo within their homes.

Parents and adolescents must engage in a conversation about sexual activity - especially safe sex. Teens must know what options are available to them. They also have to be able to talk to their parents about sex. The topic cannot be off limits.

Sex, drugs, alcohol and other moral topics are not the only ones parents have to cover. They are also responsible for talking to their kids about their future goals and plans. While secondary schools are meant to prepare kids for the future academically, they may not provide them with all the answers to all the questions they may have.

It is never too early to start talking to kids about the future. Even though the terms may be very undefined and generic, the conversation must be had. Parents may be surprised at what they'll learn about their children when talking about their goals and dreams, realizing that their kids are much more complex beings than they thought. Secondary schooling plays a vital role in a child's formation. Nevertheless, without the accompaniment of a guiding hand of a parent, children will not be fully prepared for the world that awaits. - 30224

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