Essay:Best Concepts to Teach Teenagers

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

Here are some suggestions:

1. opportunity cost (e.g., watching television is expensive)
2. Liberal values have destructive personal consequences (e.g., Hollywood Values)
3. There is more deceit in the world than you expect
4. Trying an addictive activity is like stepping on a slippery slope: you may be unable to save yourself from destruction
5. If you are with someone who commits a crime, the law may hold you fully responsible
6. Bad ideas will be suggested to you by nearly everyone, including yourself, except a bad idea will never come from both your parents
7. 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.
8. Constant questioning of authority, on the Liberal notion that authority is necessarily wrong, is counter-productive and destructive. Respect experience and the wisdom that it brings, and you will benefit from it.
9. Resist peer pressure to do things which conflict with the values your family and church taught you. Would you rather be a sheep or a shepherd?
10. It is fine to say No: say No to temptation, to illegal drugs, to underage drinking, to crime, to pre-marital sex and indecent behaviour.
11. Pre-marital virginity isn't 'square' or boring. It's cool to keep yourself for 'the one'.
12. You are the master of your bodily impulses, and not vice-versa.
13. You might think it's fun to make decisions. But if you make a decision and you decide incorrectly then it’s your fault. Your friends told you? Your fault. Your government told you? Your fault. Your spouse told you? Your fault. I told you? Still your fault. Welcome to responsibility.
14. It is OK to ask for help. Particularly from your parents as they are there to guide you.
15. Most adults turn to prayer in times of need. It's not any easier being a teenager than an adult, and prayer is available for your benefit. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're above it.
16. It is not winning, but being able to take part and give it your best that is most important.
17. Obedience is the path to independence and maturity.