Difference between revisions of "Essay:Best Concepts to Teach Teenagers"

Revision as of 11:15, September 1, 2008

Suppose you had just five new principles to teach a teenager. Which would you teach?

Here are some suggestions:

opportunity cost (e.g., watching television is expensive)
values have destructive personal consequences (e.g., Hollywood Values)
deceit exists far more than you expect
trying an addictive activity is like stepping on a slippery slope: you may be unable to save yourself from destruction
if you are with someone who commits a crime, the law may hold you fully responsible
Much of our behavior is governed by habits. It is therefore critical to consciously cultivate good habits, and to work to overcome bad habits. Good habits don't just happen.
Constant questioning of authority, on the Liberal notion that authority is neccesarily wrong, is counter-productive and destructive. Respect experience and the wisdom that it brings, and you will benefit from it.
Resist peer pressure to do things which conflict with the values your family and church taught you.
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 #Much of our behavior is governed by habits.  It is therefore critical to consciously cultivate good habits, and to work to overcome bad habits.  Good habits don't just happen.
 #Constant questioning of authority, on the [[Liberal]] notion that authority is neccesarily wrong, is counter-productive and destructive. Respect experience and the wisdom that it brings, and you will benefit from it.
+#Resist peer pressure to do things which conflict with the values your family and church taught you.
 #<more>
 [[Category:Essays]]