Teaching Teenagers, by P-Ditty B. (a very wise boy), 11 years old...

I found this "book" on P's desk. I found it very comforting, in light of the fact that we have been on HIS case for the past few months about his choice of friends. Even though he often doesn't respond in a pleasing manner and seems to gravitate to the same crowd day after day, something is sinking in, so I guess we'll keep trying!


"We all wonder why our teens are intimidating.  Like every problem, there is an answer.  Teenagers tend to swear and smoke and drink.  Why do they do that?  It all depends on their parents and their personality.  The parents can sometimes lead them to the wrong path, which is drinking alcohol or smoking, or having sex when not even married.  This book will teach you how to parent your teenager well.

"Let's say that you drink or smoke and you don't want your child to do so.  Tough luck.  If you do it, then chances are that your teenager will, too.  Anyway, you walk home and you find out that your teenager has gotten into your cigaretts.  What in the name of Sam Hill!  What ever will you do?  This is an example of leading your teen to the wrong path.  What happens after they have that one cigarette?  They will want more and more and more.  And one day, you get so sick and tired of your teen smoking, that you go and buy that medication to help you stop smoking.  Too late.  Your child has been smoking too long enough for it to work.  What could you do if this ever happens?  Pretty much nothing.  You could do something before it happens.   You could set an example for your child.  Tell them why you should never drink this or never smoke that.  Whenever your teen thinks that it is "cool" to smoke or drink, tell them to never do so because it will ruin their lives.  Tell them that there are other good things in the world besides lighting up a rolled-up paper on fire and putting it in your mouth.

"DRUGS...
"Drugs is another big problem with avoiding.  To prevent your teenager from taking drugs, simply take them downtown and show them what they will be.  The cardboard sign, the backpacks, the whole enchalata.  This way they will see their future with taking drugs.  You steel things from people you love, you take drugs non-stop, you would even rather have some pills than living in a home with food to eat, lots of company, warmth, and more.  It is really weird to think that if you take a couple of drugs each day, you want those more than you want a home.  You want those more than your car.  You want those more than your family.  Warn your teen about these conditions.  Otherwise, this could happen.  If your child ever did take drugs, then this coul be half of the reason.  Choosing good friends!  If your teen chooses friends that take drugs, or smoke, then your teen is going to want to be just like their friend.  Really get on your child's case about choosing good friends  Tell them why it is so important to make friends with goo people.

"ALCOHOL:
"Teenagers tend to drink this beverage alot.  Question.  How do you prevent this to happen?  Introduce this to your teen.  Tell them that their friends are going to drink this alot.  Tell them that if you ever have meth (a drug) or smoke, or drink alcohol, they are going to move into another home.  Their bed will be the street gutter.  They will eat at a free restraunt called "The Dumpster".