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. deceit exists far more 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. 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.
7. 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.
8. Resist peer pressure to do things which conflict with the values your family and church taught you.
9. 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.
10. Pre-marital virginity isn't 'square' or boring. It's cool to keep yourself for 'the one'.
11. You are the master of your body, and not vice-versa.
12. You might think it’s fun to get to decide. But if you get to decide then you have to decide and if you decide wrong 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.
13. (more)