Two Voices – Two Choices Presented by Maryann Wyatt UMCH, ParentCorp, Joshua Brown Foundation

Hank, Emmy, and Me

August 21, 2004

Today’s Culture Fast and furious Be smart Be the best – WIN Blend in with the crowd Teaches fear Drugs, alcohol and sex makes you cool

Look what we started Drugs Alcohol Smoking Hip hop-gangsta Body piercing/tatoos Sex without boundries In-appropriate clothing Self mutilation Suicide

Who wins? Entertainment Media  Study our children Retailers, Retailers, Retailers  150 billion dollar babies Alcohol companies Tobacco companies Drug companies

Your inner voice Be still/listen Love yourself and others Being cool is using your own talents and abilities Stand out - Be unique Explore ideas

Look what we started Churches/support communities 4-H Boy Scouts Youth groups Habitat for Humanity Music programs Home Schooling Outreach ministries Picnics Family Vacations

Who wins? Children Parents Future generations

How do we get there from here?

Know their world Learn about today’s culture Visit myspace.com Learn about drug/alcohol use today Choose your battles Show up at school/social functions Talk to them, talk to others

Core Beliefs Do you believe that  Life has to be a struggle?  It’s possible for you to be happy?  You live in a safe world?  You will find joy in your life?  It’s important to suffer?

Communication Practices Practice listening Make time to communicate Take charge Communicate with the child in front of you, not the one you want them to be Talk about issues-often

Talk about Now Life doesn’t start when you graduate college Use your talents now Talk about life and death Accept life as it is today Talk about choices Encourage Encourage Encourage

Share your own growth If you are not growing – start Read books Take classes Journal Meditation Exercise

Quality of Relationship Be honest in thought, word, actions Build trust – on both sides Spend time talking and being If its broke-fix it Show your love often Treat every day like it might be the last

Family Priorities Re-think them – often What would an outsider say about your priorities? School, work, religious activities, sports activities, social activities, friendships, extended family, relationships within family Relax time, diet, exercise, balance

Rules around technology Monitor cell phone useage Monitor internet useage Monitor television and limit time Monitor computer games

Boundries outside the home Establish a check in routine Make sure you have phone numbers Understand that you may show up at any time Firm rules about driving/riding

Time away from home Be aggressive about a realistic schedule Say no sometimes Develop plan with your teenager Limit weekend activities to 1 or 2

In Loving Memory of Emily Jewell Wyatt February 16, 1990 – August 21, 2004 In Loving Honor of Hank Wyatt November 16, 1987