| Imagine having your own room, bathroom, TV, | | | | assistance for her father and catching up lost |
| DVD, computer and music system, set up and | | | | homework in the little spare time she has to |
| free of charge, for your exclusive use. Yes, | | | | herself. Her nature is such that she never |
| please - bring it on! Adults do not have such | | | | complains about not having so many of the |
| privileges provided, at least not unless they are in | | | | accessories of teenage life. She has never owned |
| jail; they have to pay for them. It is easy to | | | | a TV or DVD player of her own, she has a limited |
| understand how teenagers of today have | | | | supply of fashionable clothes which she treasures |
| become so over indulged. Some even have their | | | | and she would be amused if she knew that many |
| own car; complete with an unlimited gas account, | | | | parents would consider her underprivileged. |
| with all the freedom that necessarily results as | | | | In contrast I have seen nineteen year olds throw |
| part of such arrangements. | | | | childish fits because their parents will not buy |
| It is debatable whether such grown up | | | | them the latest iPod technology or pay for yet |
| responsibilities should be inflicted upon a teenager. | | | | another ticket to see Rock Vomit in concert. It |
| The more you give them, the more they have to | | | | appears that parenting techniques which include |
| maintain and care for, the more pressure on their | | | | showering your teenager with every modern |
| lifestyle. It is hard enough to cope with all the | | | | convenience come dangerously close to inflicting |
| unpleasant side effects of adolescence, such as | | | | real and lasting damage on your child. |
| pimples, awkwardness, puppy fat, and dozens of | | | | The question is where is this magical line we must |
| other insecurities; is it really advisable to add more | | | | all take care not to overstep? Is the secret |
| complications? | | | | merely to withhold that last little treat so that |
| Some of the happier, better adjusted teenagers I | | | | your teenager is aware that some things are |
| have come across are those who live away from | | | | worth waiting for? Should privileges be earned and |
| cities, in a simple environment, where peer | | | | not given as routine? |
| pressure is almost non existent and modern day | | | | The evidence is clear that teenagers do not |
| gadgets are in short supply. | | | | require an array of gadgets to enjoy a successful |
| Another case is that of a fifteen year old | | | | adolescence. Nor do they need unlimited access to |
| teenager who must provide daily care for her sick | | | | the keys of the Jaguar. What they all really need |
| father. This outstanding young lady cheerfully | | | | and what so few of them ever get is gentle, |
| sacrifices just about all of her social life and | | | | affectionate but strict parental involvement. |
| divides her time between providing care and | | | | |