Think Smart, Stay Informed, Keep Safe, Image

"Yah u know its your girl Dominique, I love to dance, sing, design clothes, and hang out with my friends. I'm energetic and happy most of the time. Also I love animals especially dogs."

This is my grammy's web site, but she cares about all of us, so check it out.  I'll be around to help and make sure she has lots of stuff here. This is a great place to share your stories or experiences so let us know and we'll think about it.

 

Teen News: Positive Stories about teens around the country

  • Yes, on April 18, 2008 we did feel the tremor from the 5.4 magnitude earthquake centered on the border of Illinois and Indiana. No report of damage or problems reported.
  • Brooklyn Teen gets National Award for her community service, read more . . . . . .
  • Teen aims to save his town, read more . . . . . .
  • Some teens that made a hospital for their peers, read more . . . . .
  • A journey to Rwanda for some teens, read more . . . . .
  • For live news from teens check out ChannelOne.com
  • Teen Health news from Science Daily
  • CyHigh is news made by students for students
  • Weekly Reader area for teens
  • We do not live in a perfect world, we know kids aren't supposed to answer cell phone's in school. Did this school go to far?  Should there be exceptions in important situations? Please read this article at Fox News
    *By the way the issue has been solved!

Link Pick of the week: 

Boys and Girls Club, Impact 2012, screen shot; Check it out 
Boys and Girls Club of America, Impact 2012
Youth of the Week, see what other kids are doing

Thought for the WEEK:  

Life is full of choices; don't dwell on the negatives, find ways of turning them into positives.
GrannyBroom

Just the facts:

How teens think and the choices they make are important. So think about this! Officially you are a teen when you turn age 13 and will remain a teen until 19.  Wow, you will be a teen for a total of 7 years.

  • At sixteen you will probably be driving.
  • 18 you will be allowed the privilege of voting, joining the military, having a full-time job, going to college, and some other privileges may vary.
  • The majority of your life will be spent as an adult, faced with adult choices, responsibilities, and decisions?

Throughout your journey in life, you will face many challenges and how you choose to handle them will impact your life.  The choices you make will bring consequences and you may have to live with them the rest of your life.  I want you to be prepared and be able to find the answers to alot of different issues you may deal with. It is important no matter how old you are to make an informed decision.  If you understand something or have general knowledge about a variety of things, it will allow you to face daily challenges quickly and with confidence.

The nice thing about the internet is you can find information privately. There are some problems with the internet, you must exercise caution because there are people out there that may want to harm you!  So please be careful.

I look forward to you sharing ideas, links, and stories with me. I will answer your email ASAP and will consider adding your information to my web site. For your protection and privacy, your full name will not be used in anyway on this web site.

Always remember, it's your responsibility to put the right foot forward, not anyone else's. 

Abstinence is the only 100% effective method against pregnancy and std's!

Empower yourself, make a smart decision, and make a informed choice.  Remember Abstinence until marriage is the only 100% way to avoid STD's, added stress, and unwanted pregnancy. There are a lot of people that might like you to think there are not many teens that practice abstinence, well that's just not true!  There are some great sites listed here that have information and great ideas for what to do on dates to make life interesting without needing to have sex.

Be informed about sex before the situation arises!  Make sure you and your partner have an open line of communication and are able to be honest with each other.  Share your beliefs and know how you both feel. Then make an informed decision and remember what you chose to do may affect your entire life!

 

 

The problem is that even safe sex can come with consequences, big consequences. The best advice I can give you is THINK FIRST! For some the first time will be special, for some it won't.  Believe it or not the first time can lead to all kinds of complications, like pregnancy, HIV, or a sexually transmitted disease.  The problem is even with the use of contraceptives or condemns you may not be totally safe and you may not know whether or not your partner has a sexually transmitted disease. 1 in 4 Teen Girls have a sexually transmitted disease, view the entire article, article was posted, on March 11, 2008

It may change your relationship, and not always for the better. Don't have a sexual relationship until you are really ready because the consequences may be great and you could be hurt.

Links:

If you decide you are going to have sex, please be informed about birth control and your options:

Especially for Parents:

Teens in Crisis:

It doesn't matter what's going on in your life there is someone that will help you, if you truely want help and this section is devoted to helping teens that want help.

Links:

  • Hotlines for teens in crisis
  • Kids Health and teen suicide
  • The Trevor Project, "operates the nations only 24/7 crisis & suicide prevention helpline for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. If you or a friend are feeling lost or alone call The Trevor Helpline. There is hope, there is help".
  • Teen hotlines, teens helping teens
  • A list of various teen helplines

If you are a teen in crisis and you live in Fort Wayne, Indiana:

Daybreak Crisis Hotline
2722 Fairfield Avenue
Fort Wayne, IN 46807
219-745-7914

 

The world is at your fingertips, thanks to the web

Many teens can navigate the internet better than their parents which makes teens targets to some pretty creepy people online. It is imperative that teens exercise caution while using the internet.

LINKS:

When is the right time to start dating?  There is no correct time to start dating.  Dating comes with responsibilities and you must be ready for them.

prepare yourself:

Dating is important! The time you spend together will allow you time to get to know each other and see whether or not you are compatible. It's a time to learn about doing things together and how to handle a variety of issues:

  • learning to communicate about a variety of issues
  • how do you make decision together
  • what about a sexual relationship
  • if you are a Christian, how do you grow spirtually together
  • how do you handle disagreements
  • what do you do when life is boring

Dating Issues:

Inter-racial dating:

  • My belief on this subject is simple, the color of a person's skin is not important, it's their character that is important.

SEX:

  • I have devoted a whole area to thi subject because it' important and covers a lot of information. Find out more.

Violence:

If you are a teen that is dating and are in a violent relationship, get help now!  Immediately! There are a few links listed here and more available in the violence area.

Young boy

I'm sure you have seen the ads on TV about medications people can take for depression. Depression happens to people of all ages, for a variety of reasons and there are different types of depression. Depression is not something to be ashamed of.

How do you know if you're feelings are normal or if you are depressed? Occasional sadness or being moody are normal emotions or feelings, especially during teen years. Normally when something happens that makes us sad or upset, those feelings start to go away over time. Some people do take longer to get over something that has upset them.  A person may have a depressive disorder if this sadness or upset just doesn't go away for weeks, months, or longer. Depression affects people in different ways.

Some warning signals:

  • not wanting to get dressed or get out of bed
  • loss of energy, to tired to do anything
  • loss of interest in activities that used to be important and enjoyable; sports, hobbies, dance class, or others
  • getting easily annoyed and frustrated all the time
  • changes in eating habits; eating less or more
  • being restless
  • changes in sleep habits; sleeping to much or not able to sleep
  • trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • feeling that everything looks bad, a feeling of hopelessness
  • frequent headaches, aches and pains, feeling sick all the time
  • feeling that everyone is against you or that they just don't understand

Teen and bottle of pills   a general feeling that life just isn't worth it anymore. If you are experiencing any or several of the above symptoms and they have lasted an unusual amount of time, please talk to your parents or someone you trust about these feelings.

Real stories written by people about their experiences with depression:

Links:

How many times in the last week have you heard someone tell you either in person or on TV not to use Drugs or Alcohol. Drugs and alcohol are not the answer! Did it matter to you? or Did you blow it off?

Drugs and alcohol alter the mind, they have chemicals that change the way a body works. They may give you a feeling that things don't matter, but the issues or problems are still there.

I am not talking about medications that a doctor orders (prescription).  I'm talking about street drugs or illegal drugs. Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroine, PCP, Crack, Ecstasy, these drugs are used by smoking it in blunts or pipes, by taking a pill form, taken by snorting, spoon, or injected by needle. Many times they are given free to get someone to start using them. 

Marijuana, habit forming, mind altering

Marijuana is a mind altering, habit forming drug. It is the most commonly used drug and is smoked, brewed in tea, used with other drugs, and sometimes even placed in food.  The problem is that many think it's okay, it's not and it's far more dangerous than you might think. 

Marijuana will impact all aspects of your life:

  • It is habit forming and the more you use it the more you will be dependent upon it
  • It will effect your motivation and ability to use good judgment
  • You will lose your concentration and it can impair your coordination
  • It can effect your inhibitions
  • Effect your ability to learn and retain information
  • It can increase your heart rate
  • It can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia
  • It can cause damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems
  • It can effect your ability to sleep
  • You may get extreme cases of the "munchies" wanting to snack all the time because you an enjoy it and then when you aren't high you may not want to eat at all
  • It will effect your mood and ability to get along with others

Some people may be able to stop their drug use with minimal help; others may need professional help or even a residential program.

If you are considering using drugs for the first time or are using drugs, get help now!  There are many ways to get help.

Drugs: link to sheriffs dept. see all the different types of drugs.

 

If you have been using over the counter cough medicene you may be causing great harm to your body, please check out DXM here . . . . . .

Great Links:

Man on the floor dead after taking drugs

The hard truth is, drugs or improper use of alcohol could cause your death or someone else's.  It's against the law to drink and drive. Think about this hard question:  If you drink and drive a friend home, have an accident, and cause a friends death, how will you feel?  Better you yet, how do you think it will impact your life, your families life, and your friends family and their life?  What about your friends, teachers, and others, what do you think they will think?  We all make mistakes, but drinking and driving is not something that might impact you, it can impact others.  It's important to think about!  Don't let your friends drink and drive no matter what age you are.  Have a designated driver that doesn't drink responsible for your keys and your friends keys.  Better yet, don't get started drinking and numbing your brain, have real fun instead, know what you are doing.

Drinking and driving

*The information provided in this section has developed from having a family member that was and probably is still an addict, and other people that I know or have known and their experiences.  There are many outside links available here for additional information.

Parents:

The best way to keep your children and/or teen from using drugs is to be involved in their lives. Communicate with them when they are young about what you expect from them.  Explain and talk about drugs and alcohol, they need to know how you feel and please set a good example.  It is our duty as parents and mentors to equip our children with the information and skills they need to handle tough situations.

Teen in a wheelchair at a library

Teens have special needs to, whether it because of a physical, emotional, or caused by a disease. Sometimes we don't think enough about that.

 

What do you do when you meet friends with disabilities:

Other links:

When was the word teen first used?  

The common sense of "teen" meaning someone between the ages of 13 and 19 (all ages ending in "teen") is simply short for "teenager," a term which first appeared in the 1940s. The use of the plural "teens" to mean that period of life is considerably older, first appearing in the 1600s. The "teen" at the end of numbers such as "sixteen" is, incidentally, simply a form of "ten."

The other sort of "teen" is a very old and now obsolete word meaning "harm, injury, trouble, or suffering," and dates back to the Old English word "teona," which meant "hurt or trouble." There is absolutely no connection to teenagers or youth anywhere in the history of the word.
SOURCE: The Word Detective, April 28, 2005 read more . . . .

1921, formed from -teen as a separate word + age; derived noun teenager is from 1941 (the earlier word for this was teener, attested in Anmer.Eng. from 1894). Teen-aged (adj.) is from 1952; shortened form teen is from 1951 (though this had been used as a noun to mean "teen-aged person" in 1818). Source: Dictionary.com

Teeny-bopper is recorded from 1966.

Other source: Online Etymology

ng hand, volunteer

Teens are great and can really impact people around them, their friends, and their communities. Volunteering is a great way to learn new skills and open opportunities for your future. Volunteering can keep you busy and out of trouble. People who volunteer don't expect anything in return.

  • Do not make arrangements to help someone or volunteer unless your parent(s) know and agree.
  • Always make sure you check things out
  • Find out if it's a reputable organization before you get involved

Some suggestions on where to start:

If you are interested in animals and live in the Fort Wayne area, check out the information about volunteering at the Fort Wayne Zoo, find out more here . . . . . . . .

  • Check with your local Red Cross
  • your church
  • your school. 
    • Are you good a math, science, english, or different subject? Help someone in your class that isn't. There is always someone that can use a little help. 
  • what about a neighbor
    • cutting the grass
    • taking their trash to the curb
    • shoveling snow
    • washing their car
    • helping them with their groceries
  • read to or visit a senior at a nursing home
  • volunteer at a Food Bank
  • do you knit or crochet, make baby or children's blankets, hats or bonnets for a local shelter

Some links for some other ways of volunteering:

Today's teens are savvy. It is important to start becoming informed about politics while you are a teen because when you turn 18 you will be able to vote for the first time.  Your parents, teachers, friends, the media, and others will have lots of opinions about the different political parties, their agendas, and more.  The important thing though is being informed and educated.  Don't be stressed about voting and if you are not ready to vote when you are 18 that's ok. Vote when you are ready.

I believe that voting is a very personal experience and decision and I will never tell someone how they should vote.  I will help people find the information that they need to make an informed decision.

Getting involved in politics:

I have an area with lots of  interesting information at  Vote 2008, which will cover the topics below so if you are interested please check it out.

  • My first voting experience was when I turned 18 and I must say I am not happy with that decision because I made. At the time it was the right decision for the knowledge I had, however, as I have gained maturity and experience I would not have made the same decision today.  That's okay, sometimes we are not happy with past decisions, we change over time!
  • It's important to know a little bit about political history, not the history that you hear from talking heads, but real history. 
  • Did you know that not everyone in America had the right to vote when first elections were held?  Do you know who did?  Did you know that Black Americans, Woman, and Native Americans,were not always allowed to vote?
  • Do you know who your State Senators or Representatives are? Do you know how they voted and whether or not you agree with them?
  • Know the issues and what you believe about them

Some links:

In the past I have not been involved with web sites for teens, however, I have received numerous requests for a Teen list. I take these lists seriously, therefore, I will be developing this list over a period of time. If you have a Teen web site you would like to recommend, please email us and I will be happy to review it and consider adding the web site to my list. I only accept links which are positive or relevant to teens in this area.

Teen Pregnancy
The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy is May 7, 2008.

Let's face it teen pregnancy happens and the choice you make will affect your entire lifetime.  Do not make a quick decision; make an informed one and don't try to make this decision alone.

Symptoms of pregnancy: These symptoms normally appear after you have missed a cycle for at least 2 weeks and it varies from woman to woman.

  • You must have had sexual intercourse with your partner
  • If you have missed your period (if yours a normally regular)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Your breasts may be tender or swollen
  • Your mood swings
  • You are really tired and sleeping a lot more than normal

Stories to share from people of different ages that were or are pregnant teens:

  • A story about being 15 and pregnant
  • Stand up girl, a young woman who was a teen mother and the choices she made. Great web site with great information and stories from other young woman

Links about Pregnancy and Teens:

Most of what I have learned was not from a structured school environment. My knowledge has come from my journey in life and my ability to read. School is important. Stay in school and do everything you can to learn while you are there. I am not a scholarly person and honestly I was always bored in school. I have chosen to learn about a variety of subjects and read as much as possible.  If you can read and enjoy it; the sky's the limit! 

I know you have heard it before, reading is important. Reading is like a snowball. The better you read, the better you can write, the better you can understand, the easier it is to learn, and so on and so forth. Reading stimulates thinking and if you enjoy it, learning won't be such a chore. There's a wealth of information out there about any subject, opinion, animal, planet, etc. that you can imagine. Reading is something you can do no matter how old you are, where you live or travel, or how poor or rich you are.  There are libraries available throughout the United States. Books are hard to come by in some foreign countries. Not necessarily because there's a book shortage, or because there are no libraries or stores to sell them, but their governments wont' allow them.  If their governments do allow books, often they are only allowed to read what their government  imposes on them.

If you don't like to read:

Don't always look a books because they are in a certain age category; you might miss something you would enjoy reading.  I believe if you have read a book for several chapters and realize you aren't remembering anything or it's just not interesting, lay it down and walk away from it for awhile.  In an hour or so, or even the next day, pick it up again and start reading it.  If you still don't find the book interesting, find another book to read. If the subject is something that interests you it may be the style of writing you are not getting. Writers have different styles and writing abilities.  They may catch the interest of some, but not all.  Even at my age I still find some books that I just can't read because they are so boring. Right now there is nothing I have to read, but when I was in school and had to read a boring book and just couldn't keep it together this is what I did:

  • Keep a note pad so you could write down the most important things, people's names, dates, events, etc.  that I might need to remember
  • I would try to find something I could identify with, a person, place, or thing
  • Take more breaks than normal
  • Be glad you don't have to read it again and again and again ..........

Some ideas:

  • Read what you like to read until you learn to read well, then stretch and try something new.
  • Read to your younger brother, sister, nephew, niece or anyone that will listen, until reading becomes more natural
  • Read to a senior at a nursing home, or to someone that is blind.
  • Pick a word in the dictionary, any word then write it on a 3x5 card with the information about that word. Learn the word, use it in as many different ways as you can possibly think of.  As soon as you have learned it, find another word. Stretch yourself!

Starting in April I will share a few books that have been recommended to me or that I have enjoyed reading. If you have a book you would like me to share, please let me know and I will consider adding to my book list.  Criteria: when you recommend a book, you must tell me a little bit about it and why you enjoyed reading it.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. Contact me

out!

Don't be a statistic, do what you have to do:

Okay, I know lots of people tell you to stay in school, but are they brutally honest about why you should stay in school? I'm going to be brutally honest with you because I know a lot about staying in school and being bored and hating, I mean really hating school.

Who wins if you drop out of school? NOT YOU! 

Seriously if you drop out school it's a no win situation.  It is much harder to find a job today. 

Are any of these your reason for wanting to drop out of school?

  • What's the point I'm failing or getting poor grades and I just can't keep up with my schoolwork and others in school.
  • I hate school in general and the school I'm attending.
  • I don't get along with the teachers.
  • I don't fit in with the other kids at school.
  • I'm always in trouble.
  • I've been suspended or expelled.
  • I need to get a job because I need to help my family.
  • I can't handle my job and school
  • I'm pregnant, it's just not working out and I've got to have a job now.
  • I have a drug and/or alcohol problem.
  • I can't learn anything anyway and I'm bored.

You are a person of importance, no matter what you think or anyone says!

You can make a difference in your life but you have to want to!  Seriously if you want to change you can.  If you can't on your own then there are those that will help you.  There are people who care about others in every city in the United States. 

My ideas for ways to change something:

  • Identify the problem, why do you want to drop out?
  • Stop using drugs and alcohol, you may need some help, but get it. The chemicals in drugs alter the mind.

Links:

  • Blog, talking about dropping out

Stop sign before making a hasty decision. If you are teen thinking about running away, what do you normally do to calm yourself down? Do it now. It's hard being a teen, but it's even tougher to be a teen runaway. Life is full of challenges and decisions to make.  Don't kid yourself, people from all walks of life face challenges, even adults.

Drugs and alcohol are not the answer!  Drugs and alcohol alter the mind, but the issue(s) will still be there. Sometimes the used of drugs and alcohol will make things seem worse than they really are, or make it hard for you to make a good decision.

I not a professional, I am a grandmother that loves kids. When I was a teen; I faced some issues that were pretty intense for me. It really doesn't matter what my problems were or who caused them. No matter how great they were to me, they will be small to you, because you are going through your problem and challenge now. 

I went through my problem a long time ago. What happened to me was something that people didn't talk about then. When I was a little girl I was scared, so scared.  As I grew up, I wanted help because I didn't know what to do to make it stop. One night I got enough courage to talk to my boyfriend and he sat in the car in shock as we both cried. He said, "I don't know what you should do!"

These are the choices I made:

  • I learned to say, please, thank you, and excuse me. Politely
  • I learned not to talk back to adults
  • I learned to keep my mouth shut
  • I didn't runaway
  • My room was clean
  • I obeyed
  • I got busy
    • I sang and played the piano for every function I could, at school, at church, or anywhere anyone asked me
    • I helped an elderly lady after school on my way home with little jobs she couldn't do
    • I volunteered at a nursing home and at the Red Cross program at my church
    • I was at church doing anything I could to keep busy
  • I chose to stay around people that would be positive, helpful, and where I felt safe

It took time, but these things helped me get away from the situation, my experience helped me think more clearly, made me stronger and I was able to stand up for myself in a time when no one wanted to talk about it.

STOP and THINK

Empower yourself, make the choice to do something about your situation, be creative. Do not runaway! The choices I made may not be something you would find interesting or helpful, but I strongly believe if you STOP and THINK you too, will find a solution that is right for you.

Today there are Teen and Youth programs around the country.  There are people and organizations that are trained to listen and help you through any situation. 

Some great links:

If you are a pregnant teen and do not know what to do, make an informed decision this is a link on my web site.

For Parents:

Laws:

Teen runaways, some important information about laws surrounding this issue

These are some Teen helping Teen web sites that have been around for awhile.

  • Teen Line, ("Teen line is operated by teens for teens. If you have a problem or just want to talk with another teen who understands, then this is the right place for you … Our teens have helped other teens for 28 years!")
  • Teen Central
  • Teens Helping Teens, they had technical glitch with one of their forms but it's been corrected

Teen violence is real and sometimes it plays a big part of a teens life. I am not a professional but I know a lot about this subject because someone really close to me continues to stay in an abusive relationship, her story will be available at the end of the first week of April. Physical or emotional abuse is not acceptable for any reason. 

If you find yourself in an abusive relationship, walk away from it and don't give in. The longer you stay in this type of relationship the more dangerous it may become and losing your life is a real possibility.  The sooner you end this relationship the better.

This is not a game, it's battle. I believe it is impossible for us to make a person change.  A person that has a problem with abuse or and addition must acknowledge and realize they have a problem first. Then they must seek professional counseling to stop their habit. Think about a person that has an alcohol addiction, they know the rest of their lives that even just one drink could start the whole process over.

No matter how sweet the apology is or the amount of tears shed by the abuser it will not get better unless that person acknowledges their problem and seeks professional counseling.

A Woman with bruises from a beating
Don't let any of these be you!
Woman with bruises
Woman hiding in a bathroom
Don't ever get in this situation and if you have been, get out of it before it's too late!

If you are struggling with sexual abuse, beatings, or other abuse at home, there is help for you! Abuse is difficult in itself, but being abused by a parent is even worse, because that is the person that is responsible for you.  That doesn't mean that you should continue to endure abuse.  There are places that will help today, so get help from them, find out what to do, life is important and the experiences you have help shape your future. Get help from someone you trust!

  • Kids Health, information about all kinds of abuse and what to do about it
  • Stand up for Kids, their primary goal is to help homeless and street kids. Across the Nation they are impacting lives daily and helping kids improve their lives and living conditions.
  • You are not alone, stories from others, this story is about a 16 year olds Dad shooting and raping her
  • A Healthy Place, stories to share

 
Dog
* Please note:  If you are a parent visiting my teen pages, WELCOME! My agenda is clear; to help teens that need more information about a subject when they, for whatever reason, are afraid to talk to their parents. I have attempted to provide a wide variety of factual information and to stimulate thinking. Some of the web sites have some great information. Honestly, since this is my web site, I have elected to avoid web sites with only liberal view and/or values. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact me.