C. Lynn Williams's Blog, page 40

Trying to Stay Sane Book Reviews

My book, Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen was featured (read and reviewed) last week at the World Literary Cafe: http://www.worldliterarycafe.com/

Here’s a review from bellalunavoicecompany.com (Thanks Bella!)

Trying to Stay Sane While Raising Your Teen by C. Lynn Williams is a short primer with advice on child rearing techniques for parents during the challenging teen years. The book is written with humor and abundant examples on ways to work with teenaged children. As a psychologist, I heartily agree with many of her comments on communication between child and parent. I also found the section on blended families sensitive and helpful.

Ms. Williams also describes her personal need to involve a dialogue with God while facing some of the more overwhelming decisions she needed to make with her children. She reinforces this approach with multiple biblical references at the end of the primer. Although some readers may not be comfortable with this inclusion in the primer, it is reasonable to assume that parents don’t always have the answers they need and may take comfort in advice from another source! Of course as a psychologist, I would also recommend consulting a professional when parents are at a loss when confronting serious issues with a teen.

Teaching School Tolerance

I saw this link on pregnant teen girls and our need to be sure that they are educated in school. Check it out and tell me what you think.

http://www.tolerance.org/blog/support-pregnant-teens-lasts-generations

Submitted by Sarah Sansburyon March 30, 2012

Keywords:
Diversity and inclusion

Paulina walked slowly down the hall, her gait marked by the waddle of many pregnant mothers. As she came closer, you could see her belly, slightly swollen. You felt her discomfort as she squeezed into her desk. Five months in, she hadn’t seen a doctor or taken any vitamins. The baby’s father wasn’t in the picture. There were rumors of rape. Her parents had all but disowned her.

What role should the school play in the life of a teenage mom? How can we help?

Of course we don’t advocate teen pregnancy. Pregnancy prevention is the best policy. However, the question is what to do when it happens—because it will happen.

Like all teenagers—no matter their creed, race, gender—young mothers are still students deserving an equal opportunity for education. A school needs to be flexible in making that happen.

Sadly, the fact is teen moms are more likely to drop out than graduate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 50 percent of teen moms get their diploma. Of those who get their high school diploma, only an estimated 2 percent will graduate from college by age 30. It’s not only hard to be a mom while going through school, but that most schools do not offer teen moms the needed support.

In fact, only a few states have specific laws requiring schools to provide special services for teen moms like home-bound studies or in-school programs. Other states, like  Kansas, have no laws regarding attendance or alternative programs. Some states“require” helpful programs for teen moms. Others “encourage”them. Some schools do an excellent job of serving pregnant or parenting teens.

A teen mother‘s success seems unfortunately tied to the luck of the draw—the state and district where she attends school. One purpose of public education is  to help create capable, contributing citizens—even if they are young moms. A little help now may be all she needs to stay on the path of education.

We need to champion their needs—whether that means speaking to your administration, board of education members, or even state legislators. And, if you have any pregnant students, be flexible and supportive as best you can. It can be as simple as providing a comfortable desk area or, on a larger scale, supplying materials and instruction needed while she recovers during maternity leave.

No matter what our personal philosophy is on teen pregnancy, we need to boost our students’ likelihood for success.

Paulina, a senior, had a baby boy in January. With the support of her teachers and school counselor, she had started taking prenatal vitamins, regularly seeing a doctor and will be participating in a home-bound study program when she’s on maternity leave. She is determined to graduate—for a better future for her and her baby.

Sansbury is a middle and high school teacher in Georgia.

End Racial Profiling – Tribute to Trayvon Martin

I have two sons; the youngest is 21 years old. As the mother of two pampered princes, the thought of harm or ill will coming to either one of them, brings tears to my eyes. I love both of my sons, as any mother does. However, recently there have been a number of senseless killings of young African American men especially in my neighborhood. It’s terrifying and sad to think that when you kiss your child in the morning you might not see him again. Ever!

I can only imagine how Trayvon Martin’s parents feel, especially in light of the fact that he was a good kid, doing the right things in life and minding his own business. The fact that someone can decide that they think that Trayvon looked like a thug (and therefore was a thug) because he is wearing a hoodie, is astounding to me. George Zimmerman what would you think of my sons?

Trayvon’s story is already inspiring millions in the call for justice and an end to racial violence. It also moved writer/activist Kevin Powell, Akila Worksongs, Jasiri X and the folks at MoveOn and ColorOfChange to record a new powerful video “A Song for Trayvon.” Please watch it and share it with your family and friends to inspire more people to join this growing movement:

http://moveon.org/SongForTrayvon?id=38007-18594760-6s2Siax&t=

All of us sharing Trayvon’s story and calling out for justice are fighting back against racism and senseless violence, so one day we no longer have to fear our child’s walk home in the darkness.

Nurturing Young Kids

I was on my way to school and noticed a young man walking in front of a very young child, possibly a toddler. The “toddler” was hoping behind his dad and his dad was talking on the cell phone, oblivious to whether the child crossed the street safely or not. I was bothered by the entire scene, and I have seen this many times. The parent is in front of their child, and not paying attention to that child. What happened to walking down the street holding hands with your child? We were not allowed to cross the street without holding the hand of our older sibling or parent. What in the world are these people thinking about?

What are your thoughts?

Congratulations Lady GaGa!

Did you hear about the foundation that Lady Gaga started to stamp out bullying for young people? What a great idea! First she appeals to young people because of her style and singing! However, bullying is an issue that affects many kids today. Parents hate hearing that their kids are being bullied, and most kids suffer (being bullied) in silence.

Way to go Lady G!