KETTLE CHIPS OR GRAPES?

Ah, the complexities and struggle of this everyday girl. What should I do? RUN, that's what I should do. Run all the way to our local YMCA and work my arse off. But that wouldn't be near as much fun now would it? NOPE. Because Kettle Chips are sinfully good and really really crunchy. I like the crunch --- actually I LOVE THE CRUNCH. They're salty and satisfying like nothing else. The only thing better? Hot buttered popcorn with some chocolate covered almonds. But wait. I'm not at a movie. THAT'S only permitted at the movie theatre.

The kettle chips are here. NOW. Calling my name.

I'd like to say they poured themselves out on my square little plate but that'd be a lie. A BIG, FAT LIE --- a sin. And then I'd have to add that to the list of the other sins I'm already guilty of.


What to do.....

What to do.....

What shall I do?......


Kettle Chips or Grapes. Grapes or Kettle Chips.

Haha! I know.......


BOTH!



This conundrum brought to you by a middle aged mother of three who doesn't suffer from secretary spread. No, she suffers from bloggerbigarseitis. Not to be mistaken for laziness or underachievement.

Teens And Sexuality

TEEN SEXUALITY!?
Why on earth would I want to blog about that?!! Here's why, I have three teenagers who are living on planet earth. A daughter who is in a serious relationship where the word marraige is being tossed around. How can I not talk about it? It's one of THE most important topics any parent on this planet should be willing to discuss, face to face --- with their kids! It's more important than the upcoming presidential election I dare say. So let's get to it.

Here are some of the sobering statistics I just reviewed:

Nine million new cases of sexually transmitted infections among 15- to 24-year-old. youth;

Five thousand new HIV infections among 13- to 24-year-old youth;

Estimated 750,000 pregnancies among U.S. teens;

125,000 abortions among U.S. teens; and

435,000 births among 15- to 19-year-old women

Are you still breathing? Or did your head hit the desk when passing out. I love my kids so very much and I believe they are capable of making good, sound decisions --- MOST OF THE TIME. I am also a parent who has raised their kids with a goal of 'waiting' until marraige. (Abstinence). But I have had that thought challenged by the mere 'facts' of this life we are living.
Upon one of my first visits to their high-school, I was shocked to see a 9th grade, very pregnant young girl, waddling into the school's office for early dismissal because her baby daddy was picking her up for her OB appt. It really shouldn't have shocked me so much because when delivering my now, almost 18 year old son, the young woman in the very next room screaming for her mama was a mere 14 year old child, giving birth to her own baby! Staggering isn't it? Don't misunderstand me, waiting is the best choice. In my oppinion, it's the right choice. But that doesn't mean my teens are going to make it --- their choice.
And that my friends is where the rub exists. We are challenged to train our children in the way they should go. But often we struggle with releasing them, at the proper time, and allowing them the to CHOOSE FOR THEMSELVES. I can hear some of you cringing. Afterall, if you allow your young adults to choose --- they may choose wrong, right? Yep. that is a distinct possibility. And then, how would you look to your God fearing friends???? And what if the unthinkable happens and you are faced with a blossoming young adult who is diagnosed with an STD or an unexpected pregnancy? Hmmm, it's just easier keeping them locked up inside the closet in chains, right? WRONG! I have come to believe that it isn't anyone elses responsiblity to teach my young adults to be responsible. It isn't the school's job or even our church's job. Yes, I want them to have input, but ultimately, they won't be footing the bill for an unplanned grandchild or the skyrocketing cost of prescription medication --- I will. And the cost WOULD be very high.

So what's a good parent to do? Do we refuse to offer protection because that implies we condone the behavior? Do we try to stay in the 'dark' so we don't have to deal? Do we teach our sons to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance when their hormones override their better judgement? Do we shelter our daughters so they never have to face temptation? That might work --- UNTIL COLLEGE. You see, the bottom line is parents like to 'believe' they are always in control ---truth is, we often aren't. Young adults have many covert ways to out-wit and to out-smart their parents. I know alot of us think that we are soo much more sophisticated than our folks were but I believe we can look back and see this as a recurring theme with each generation. Parents eventually find out but it's often after the fact. And then it's too little --- too late.

The bigger question. Should we choose to be courageous, helping our young people understand our parental expectations, encouraging them to wait, but preparing them in case they choose their own path? I think I'm gonna side with Dr. Drew Pinsky and my own OBGYN. I want the young adults in my house to feel safe enough to confide in me --- even if they already know I'm not gonna like what I hear. I do NOT want to bury my head in the sand where this subject matter is concerned. This is hard stuff. It puts a knot even in the strongest of parental stomachs. But teenagers have sex. Sometimes they have alot of it. It may not be what you want for them or what you believe in --- but it happens!

So be courageous. Spend some time talking with your young adults today. And make it count.


http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/PUBLICATIONS/factsheet/fsest.htm

"Sex....with Mom and Dad." Hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky, MD.
Check your local MTV affiliate for showtimes.