Wasting Time

So much time is wasted on the trivial aspects of life.

It is reported that teens spend an average of 50 hours a week in front of some kind of screen.

Whether gaming, watching tv, catching a movie, or playing on the computer, this time equates to a full-time job plus 10 hours of overtime.

We cannot continue to let this be a reality if we want to see these teens transition into healthy, active, powerful young adults.
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I remember going through school.  I can honestly say that, leading up to college,
I do not even remember the last time that I read a book all the way through.
Through school, I would always find shortcuts.
And the thing about shortcuts is that while they get you by for now,
your future will perish because of them.

In other words- it's just not worth it.  
  
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The reason why I used these shortcuts was because when it came to school- and other aspects of life that were actually important- I would put them off until the last possible second.
Because my priority was in other things:
Things like spending 50 hours a week in front of a screen.
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Kids are kids and teens are teens.
My point is not that we should rob them of their youth.
This is the one time where they actually have the opportunity to waste some time on things that don't make any type of difference in real life.
And while many people will probably disagree with me,
I think that's ok.
As long as it doesn't consume them entirely;
and as long as it isn't a top priority.

Kid's like movies.
Kid's like television.
Kid's like video games.
And that is not a problem in itself.

We should not strip them of these small joys that make being a teenager fun.  
Instead, we should simply make responsibility more of a priority.

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There are a few ways we can do this:
1. Place more important things higher on the to-do list than screen time.  
We can do this by making sure that our kids do things such as- chores, homework, and studying- before they have the chance to spend some time in front of a screen.

Today's teens are often rebellious and disobedient.
And to me, if they show these characteristics, they have no right to waste away their time locked up in a bedroom with a controller in their hand.

2. Make family more of a priority.  
The American family does not look the same is it did in the past.
Our idea of family today might be more accurately described if we substitute the word roommate in.
Because in many homes, that is the extent to which the relationships go.

If we make family more of a priority,
this will mean a few things.

A) It means that your kids will be more likely to respond to, listen to, and obey you.

B)  It means that your kids will spend more time with you and your family,
and less time on video games.
Instead of letting them eat in their room,
why not enjoy supper around a table and talk about your day?

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I do not see this problem as one without cure.
Because to me, the cure is up to the parents, guardians, and role models.

Set the stage for success.
And make responsibility a priority.
Because if you do this,
everything will be ok.  





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resource: http://www.livescience.com/22281-teens-video-games-health-risks.html