Blended Families

What Teenagers Can Teach Adults

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I'm a step-mom of two teenage boys, with one younger boy of my own. And honestly I'm a bit concerned because it seems like teens have a seriously bad rep these days. Whether they're getting into trouble with drugs or having underage sex, the news on teens is always bad news. But I'd like to think that most teens aren't bad and that they can actually teach their younger siblings  -- and adults -- a lot. Am I correct or do you think todays teenagers are bad news?

Sincerely,

Are Teens Bad News?

A:

Dear Are Teens Bad News,

You're absolutely right. Teens don't just learn from adults; they can offer them a lot of life lessons.

What teens can teach adults:

Teens live for the moment. So many of us forget spontaneity in our overly planned, very adult lives. Even if you MUST schedule it in, be spontaneous, and watch your sex life, your love life, and your personal and spiritual life jump.

Many teens think sex is a big deal. I'm not talking about the school sluts, but the romantic teens who are frightened by sex, excited by it, and anticipate it. Sex is a big deal. Adults forget that it's not a required part of a date. Teens mythologize sex, and we could do with some putting it on a pedestal, too.

Fun is important. How many of us hear a song that makes us want to dance and don't, because we're in a suit, in a meeting, or in some other grown up situation. Next time you hear a song with a beat, go with it! Your teen would. Try it.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

Date Out Of Your League Think & Date Like a Man Ideas for a Fun Date Romantic Date Ideas

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