Is work the answer for teenage entitlement?

By Stephen C. Schultz

Life experience is only as valuable as our interpretation of it!

Do teens know how to work anymore? Do they know how to meet the needs of an employer? Are they always looking for the next exciting activity, trip, technology or game? What are they learning from a society of instant gratification? Has substance abuse and emotional concerns increased because our teens are constantly searching for the next thrill, but never able to find it?

When teens and young adults find themselves battling the demons that are associated with emotional concerns and family turmoil, they miss out on some crucial life and work experiences.

Throughout their young lives, the focus has been on their journey through the Adolescent Stages of Development. What has been missing are the very important Formative Stages of Career Development.

I don't see the paperboy anymore or the bag boy/girl at the grocery store. We have online news and self check out at the store! While this may be more convenient, there is a trade off for future generations. They are missing out on the opportunity to learn the value of work, the skills to be of value to an an employer and the determination to stay focused through a full day of work!

These experiences provide a foundation for a successful transition into adulthood.

I hope you find value in this related blog post entitled…

Something About Work Is Good For The Soul

http://www.theinterpretedrock.com/2014/03/something-about-work-is-good-for-soul.html

Comments

The Young Boy and the Rattlesnake

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program for Young Adults . Many come to this program having struggled with substance abuse and interacting with unsavory friends.) Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long journey alone.” The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly responded b

Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Free Family Resources

By Stephen C. Schultz Video Games, Anxiety and ADHD - Is there a common theme? Aloft Transitions Home for Young Adults This is simply a complimentary resource guide for parents of teens and young adults who struggle with ADHD, Anxiety and Gaming. ADHD: • Russell Barkley, Taking Charge of ADHD • Hallowell & Ratey, Delivered from Distraction • Harvey Parker, The ADD Hyperactivity Workbook for Parents, Teachers, & Kids • Bradley & Giedd, Yes, Your Teen Is Crazy!: Loving Your Kid Without Losing Your Mind • Gurian, Michael, The Minds of Boys Saving Our Sons from Falling Behind in School and Life, 2005. • Hanna, Mohab, Making the Connection: A Parents’ Guide to Medication in AD/HD • www.CHADD.org (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) • www.help4adhd.org • www.aap.org (American Academy of Pediatrics) • www.aacap.org (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) Young Adult caring for new baby calf Anxiety: The following websites

Oxbow Academy – Unintended Consequences

By Stephen C. Schultz (Editors Note: This post started as an email I sent to a couple of Educational Consultants . It was the culmination of several conversations. I think there is some genuinely good information here that the general public, clinicians and allied health professionals could benefit from.) As helping professionals, we often find ourselves in teaching opportunities. We consult with clients, students, families and even others in our profession. The phrase, “Strength in the Struggle” is prominent at Discovery Ranch (A sister treatment program to Oxbow Academy ). Clinton Dorny, the Executive Director, mentioned to me the other day that they often tell parents, “If your child isn't struggling here at Discovery Ranch, then we're not doing our job.” Much of what we do as treatment programs and the value you provide as a therapist, counselor, coach and educational consultant is to assist families in managing “Unintended Consequences”. There isn't a parent

The Interpreted Rock

Search This Blog