A few weeks ago, I had quite an eye-opening experience. During the last lesson of that specific day, I noticed that one of the girls seemed very occupied with something else, other than what I discussed in class. At first I ignored this and just continued talking. I am a naturally curious person, and I knew that I had to find out what was wrong, and this girl, (let's call her Leah) was normally a good student...but something was visibly wrong.
I asked Leah to stay after class so that I could have a chat with her. She seemed a bit reluctant to stay but at the end agreed and even managed to force a little smile. After everyone left the class, I pulled up a chair and sat with her. I am usually very convincing to get information from students, but it took me a while to get her to talk. I assured her that whatever bothered her could not be so bad and that she will overcome this. Then she spilled the beans....
She's pregnant. Fifteen years old. Lives with her single mother, and the father of the baby could not be bothered (just as you would expect of a fifteen year old boy) I was stunned. I am not going into details here, but I promised her that I would think about how I could help her and she promised that she would not take any drastic steps without discussing this with me and her mother. I even discussed this with the mom, and so far the mom- although initially shocked- seems willing to help. Fortunately it is still early days and there is still much to talk and think about.
I was stunned but then I started to wonder. At what age did this child become sexually active? I am usually very open-minded but I have never really thought about this. I have always prayed that my own children would make the right choices and so far so good.
My honest opinion about today's teenagers, is that they are so easily exposed to sex everywhere. On television and on YouTube. Because of the day and age we live in, if a child wants to know something and his parents are not willing to discuss with him/her the best way out is to go search the internet. Just do yourself a favor, and type in Porn videos in your browser. Very scary!!!
Society is truly to blame for how this world is turning out. Everything is acceptable these days and the normal moral standards and values are just thrown overboard. Young children are allowed to go on dates from a young age, and I have heard more than once a parent saying" Aaahhh it is so cute...this is her first date.." Let me tell you something..you might be ready to become a grandmother, but I am truly not!!!
I have 5 questions to parents worldwide:
1. Do you trust and know your child?
2. Have you had "the talk" with your child?
3. Do you know your child's friend's? Do you trust them?
4. Do your child have access to full internet?
5. Do you know if your child is being pressured into doing things he/she is not ready for?
