A recent study done on teenagers by the AP and MTV brought some interesting results.
Here is a quote:
When asked what one thing makes them most happy, 20 percent mentioned spending time with family — more than anything else.
Here is a quote:
When asked what one thing makes them most happy, 20 percent mentioned spending time with family — more than anything else.
About three-quarters — 73 percent — said their relationship with their parents makes them happy. After family, it was relationships with friends that people mentioned most.
Also confirming existing research, Twenge says, is the finding that children of divorced parents are somewhat less likely to be happy.
Also confirming existing research, Twenge says, is the finding that children of divorced parents are somewhat less likely to be happy.
Among 13-17 year olds, 64 percent of those with parents still together said they wake up happy, compared to 47 percent of those with divorced parents.
And who were their heroes:
Oprah Winfrey? Michael Jordan? Hillary Clinton? Tiger Woods? All those names came up when people were asked about heroes.
And who were their heroes:
Oprah Winfrey? Michael Jordan? Hillary Clinton? Tiger Woods? All those names came up when people were asked about heroes.
Of public figures, Martin Luther King, Jr. got the most mentions.
But nearly half mentioned one of their parents, with mothers ranking higher (29 percent) than fathers (21 percent.)
Ladies, we are a huge influence in our kids life!
Ladies, we are a huge influence in our kids life!
This is confirmed through the answers of these teenagers.
This study encourages and challenges me.
This study encourages and challenges me.
What am I doing with this influence?
Am I spending enough time with my kids?
Psalms 127:3-5
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from Him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
NIV
Our children are a reward from the Lord!
As a parent, I can tend to feel condemned for the wrong things that I do and the ways I feel that I fail my children. However, I believe we all need to focus more on the positive influence and opportunity that God has given us with the children He has blessed us with.
Let’s use this influence to help them become all that God has intended them to be.
My prayer for myself as a mother is that God would help me to guide my children in the direction He has for their life.
I challenge myself and you to spend more time with each of our kids and use the influence God gave us for His glory in their lives!
Psalms 127:3-5
3 Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from Him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are sons born in one's youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
NIV
Our children are a reward from the Lord!
As a parent, I can tend to feel condemned for the wrong things that I do and the ways I feel that I fail my children. However, I believe we all need to focus more on the positive influence and opportunity that God has given us with the children He has blessed us with.
Let’s use this influence to help them become all that God has intended them to be.
My prayer for myself as a mother is that God would help me to guide my children in the direction He has for their life.
I challenge myself and you to spend more time with each of our kids and use the influence God gave us for His glory in their lives!
Now your turn, what do you think about this study?
22 comments:
Thank you for blessing me this morning! I want to be my kids hereos. I want my kids to think that Mommy is great. I see how so many teens act, and I think, "Please, don't let that be my kid." I want to always know that my kids can and will come to me with whatever. It is something I pray about often.
Thanks again for making me realize that it is possible.
Ohh...I'm 'amen'ing' it from all the way over here in GA! Can you hear me? lol
I'm not a Mom, but I can still think back to what being a young'in was like :)
Such encouraging stats!
As a child, I didn't want to become a teen....thought they were scary. As a mom, I originally said I would keep my kids until they were about 12, then give them away until they were about 22. My mom always said that the teen years were her favorite and I never understood. Now that one of my own has been smoothly progressing through the early teens for a couple of years, I have some idea.
it really is about what you pour into them early on...they are not just going to rebel because they hit a certain age....and my son surprises me when he still has fun with the rest of us, and even wants our opinion....sometimes. I thank God that He is so faithful in our kids' lives and that: "Sons are a heritage from the LORD,
children a reward from Him."
Exactly what I needed to hear! My job is valuable and they do NEED a strong Mom!!! Thanks for those words!
Good to hear from you again.
We have a son who is struggling with who he is going to follow. I am learning to become a witness for God in my own home. If he can not look at my life and see a walk with Christ is a good thing--why would he follow in Christs footsteps?
When I get to heaven I want God to say that I have been a good servant for Him with my family.
Our job is important---no one else can do in my home what God has called me to be.
Good post!
Great post. God established the family even before the Church!!!!
Susan
This is an issue that weighs very heavily on my mind constantly! The world today scares me and the fact that I need to let Emmie spread her wings into it.....I can only do it with the Lord!
Amen!!! Thanks for reminding me my daughter needs a strong mommy and that all that I do...DOES matter.
Have a GREAT day!!!
XOXOX-Jackie
There are times that I feel like all I do goes unnoticed. That maybe I'm TOO involved with my kids. This post is very encouraging to me!! Thank you!
Great post! And a wonderful reminder as we begin a new school year.
Right one!!! We as parents are of such value to our children. It's so important that we do not listen to the world...for our kid's truly do need us!!
Right on, sister! Since we work in youth ministry we see this over and over. We also see parents freely giving up their place in their kids hearts. So sad. The parents say their kids are ready and don't want them around. Bogus. Barna also recently had the same results from their poll. Let's step up and be the parents our kids can call 'hero'.
Totally, totally true! I didn't quite so much want to be with my parents and I chalk that up to a loss. So we have lots of FFF (Forced Family Fun) with our kids and so far, it seems to be working!
It's totally a God Thing.
Great post Sue! Having older children now (24 and 21) who still want to spend time with us and want our advice has been a blessing. We still have one whose walk with the Lord is strained, but I am constantly encouraged in that he still seeks our advice even knowing it will be based on the truth of God's word.
Thank you so much for leaving a comment on my blog! You have made my day! (It looks like we both love coffee!) It's nice to have a new blog friend!!!
God bless!
Wow Sue, those results are surprising...In a good way.
I also feel guilty a lot...never feel I'm doing enough as a mom. But, I am trying, and will continue to do my best.
I really needed to hear this. In our society, seems like the importance of family is dwindling. But not according to this study! I really want to be a hero in my daughter's eyes. It is very encouraging news indeed! Thanks for sharing.
Hey Sue after reading this I was just too curious!! So I asked my son who his "hero" was? His answer surprised and warmed my heart. He said, "you mean besides you and dad?"
I know I alreay posted on this...but just had to share!:-)
How exciting to be reminded of our influence in our childrens lives.
I am the proud mom of one awesome, wholesome, together teen daughter...in a few weeks another of our crew will join the ranks of "teen" with her sister.
I have never anticipated "awful" teen years, I have always "expected" great kids, who love God and honor their parents. I feel like my husband and I have faithfully sowed into their lives and the teen years are a small part of what we will reap from the Lord.
If this isn't what you are personally experiencing, I encourage you to seek God on it. Ask the Holy Spirit what areas needs to be touched and given to him. I believe nothing is impossible with God and that He is indeed walking with us and ahead of us as we chose to parent in obedience to his Word.
Thanks Sue for sharing this very encouraging!
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
I would be so honored to have my kids wear a shirt like that! What a gift in itself that would be.
A great post!
It's definitely an encouragement but also a challenge to be the best mothers we can be for our children!
Wow- Just what I needed to read today. Have a 21 and 17 yr old boys. Raised them alone over half their lives.
Different kids in all aspects: but I would hope that I would be one of the heros in their lives. I do make a difference in their lives and
Thanks for reminding me what my role actually does mean for & to them.
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