When I was 16, my favorite teacher... Roxanne Schuster, or "Drama Mama" as the students affectionately called her...asked me to perform a monologue at our high school production. I was terrified. I couldn't see how I would be able to perform in front of ALL those people! But Mrs. Schuster knew what she was doing - I overcame my fear, and began to appreciate the impact of empowering others through speech. To this day, I see Mrs. Schuster as "the" teacher who impacted my future the most. The title of the monologue was: "Please God, I'm only 17!" This powerful piece was written by John J. Berrio, a WWII veteran and father of five. In 1967, Mr. Berrio wrote it when his friend's son died in a car accident. He submitted it to Ann Landers and she published it in her infamous "Dear Abby" column.
I didn't truly appreciate the message of the monologue when I performed it. Nor did I really understand its' purpose even when I wrote Mrs. Schuster years later. It is only now when I have a pre-teen son, who is just six years away from driving... that I get it. So I encourage you to look up Mr. Berrio - read it with your teenager - and more importantly, understand what your expectations are for your child as they choose to drive.
For over 40 years, Jim Fay and Dr. Forest Cline have helped parents raise responsible kids who are prepared to make smart choices about serious issues... and one serious issue is teens driving responsibly. There are so many simple techniques to help your child have more accountability when he or she begins driving (read the article by Jim Fay that I posted under "Parenting Tips! - Teens"). Whatever you do... don't avoid it and don't put it off.
Start thinking about this issue now.
Because before you know it... your precious child will be asking for the keys!
Blessings to you!
B
I didn't truly appreciate the message of the monologue when I performed it. Nor did I really understand its' purpose even when I wrote Mrs. Schuster years later. It is only now when I have a pre-teen son, who is just six years away from driving... that I get it. So I encourage you to look up Mr. Berrio - read it with your teenager - and more importantly, understand what your expectations are for your child as they choose to drive.
For over 40 years, Jim Fay and Dr. Forest Cline have helped parents raise responsible kids who are prepared to make smart choices about serious issues... and one serious issue is teens driving responsibly. There are so many simple techniques to help your child have more accountability when he or she begins driving (read the article by Jim Fay that I posted under "Parenting Tips! - Teens"). Whatever you do... don't avoid it and don't put it off.
Start thinking about this issue now.
Because before you know it... your precious child will be asking for the keys!
Blessings to you!
B
RSS Feed