Teens Teens, in a way, are the most hard to satisfy group of people. Being a teen myself, I do know what many are actually looking for. Some, do not even know what they really are doing and why they are doing so.

We see day to day, our youths slowly leading astray. We quickly point the blame to the society and the mass media. But have you ever wondered the true reason as to why teens go astray (joining gangs, smoking, drug abuse etc.)?

The answer is very, very simple. But yet, all people do is say and not actually execute it. Even parents don't realise this. Why? Because they are too busy with their work. This is always the main reason given.

Teens go astray is simply because they crave the attention and the affection of parents. What they are seeking from their parents is this simple thing called 'LOVE'.

Love and affection is free. But yet, parents do not shower enough on their teenage kids. Teens are not praised for their achevements but always scolded for even the very minor things. Their talents are not properly recognised by parents, but always criticised for their flaws. In fact, most parents would give the reason saying that they are too busy with their work.

Parents would always say that they work to find money for the best of their teens. But do they actually realise that what teens crave ore is love. By continually going after material needs, they neglect the emotional need of their teens. This would lead the teens to find this sort of craving for love and affection from other channels. And sometimes, to grab the attention of their parents, they would really be lead astray.

So, if parents were to find out that their teen kids are involved in some 'bad' things, do they have the rights to actually reprimand their kids?

Actually, no. If parents were to reprimand their kids, then they should reprimand themselves too. They put the total fault on their teens. But are they aware that they are at fault too?

They really should take a step back and look at the whole situation from the teens point of view as to how they have 'suffered' in silence all these while, deprived of love, affection and attention of their parents. Parents should also realise that being absolutely strict to their teens also result in this need of attention. Being too strict to their teens would only make them turn into a rebel, who wants to go against their parents. And when this happens, the parents also have no rights to reprimand them.

So to all parents, do take a step back to think as to how you are managing your teens. Are you showing them enough love and affection? Or are you being overly strict with them?

Remember. Teens are also human. They seek this most desired thing - parental love. Love acually is the greatest thing. Do think about it. I will leave you with a quote from the Bible.

"But these three remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love"
- 1 Corinthians 13:13  ¶ 8:17 PM 0 Comments

  Highly-strung People = Kiasu?? Reading Ps Ben's post: 'Highly-Strung Anybody?', got me thinking. In this world are we all not continually tensed about things? We want to dominate in certain situations, we get overwhelmed by things, we are too emotional and can be over-sensitive. We are constantly irritable and can jump at people.Well this is a defination: Adj. 1. Being in a tense state, edgy, in suspense, jittery, jumpy, nervy, over-strung, restive, uptight, tense, in or of a state of physical or nervous tension.In Singapore itself, you can get a lot of these people. And maybe you yourself am one. just maybe give you an example. You get irritated by people who are walking too slowly in front of you, etc. In Singapore, the word 'Highly-strung' can actally be replaced by another Singaporean word 'Kiasu", which means afraid to lose.'Kiasu'ness in Singapore is typically everywhere. People rush to be the first, but would only get irritated if others were there before them. Students are always trying to dominate the top positions in school, and are always in a jumpy state when it comes to exams. Singaporeans are always constantly on the move. They are movin along too fast. But is it really their fault for behaving in such a way?Being highly-strung or kiasu is a norm in every Singaporean lives. And why is that so? It's because we are living in such a fast-paced society that people would only rush for theie own sake and not stop and spare a thought for others. As time goes by, the society keeps changing. With that, it will also bring abut a change in people. It changes everyone to actually be more self-centered.Nowadays, we see more and more people only thnking about themselves and not giving a shit to others. They strive to be the best but whenever they face an obstacle, would always crack under pressure. The society now demands only the best. The best and nothing else. And because of that, people all start to chase for all things 'good'. If they had some time to stop and think, they should ask themselves: "Are what I am chasing after any good?"When you go all out to chase your needs, you are really just chasing after worldly needs and material possessions. But is it all worth it? Because when you focus mainly on worldly needs, you are actually growing further away from God. You forget God, and eventually what will happen to your spiritual life?It's not that I am against those who go after only worldly needs. Come on, I myself have done that. And who hasn't? But what I am trying to say is that this continual rush in life is just not going to get us anywhere. What people need to do is to actually slow down and take a step back and actually also work on your relationship with God. You might be saying, "but i pray everyday". Well, let me tell you this. Prayer is one hing. But devotion and seeking God is another. To really make your relationship with God closer, you actually need to devote your lives to God and actually seek Him.The continual fast-paced life isn't going to make you any better. It will just turn you into a more self-centered person, whose only aim is to have the best for himself. It is true that competition is really all around. But you tell me. Would you like to live in a society full of self-centered high-strung/kiasu people?I believe many don't. But do you actually realise that you might also be one of those breed of people? If you don't then thats my point. You are living in a very, very fast-paced society, working your butts off for worldly needs. You do not take time off to thik about your REAL character.Think about it. If more and more people get high-strung, wouldn't this world be a ugly place to live in because people only think of themselves? An ugly world is the very last thing that everyone and especally God wants in the wishlist.  ¶ 8:17 PM 0 Comments

  Life Just what is life? What is the true meaning of life? What is the purpose of life?

These are the questions that you continually ask yourself? Well, no worries, you are not the only ones. Even I myself also ask myself those questions. Hahaz. Many would associate life with problems. But in a sense don't you think that it IS correct? Hahaz. Actually it is quite true. Imagine you just lead a peaceful life - peaceful as in no problems. Isn't that like boring? What is the meaning of life at that like that then.

Problems are what make our lives more colourful and interesting. Don't you think so? You see, it is through problems that we gain maturity, we grow wiser and definitely a stronger, tougher person. Problems would definitely shape you to be a better person. A person who would most dfinitely survive in the tough world.

Many view problems as a set back. And actually continue dwelling on it. But by doing so, they are actually making themselves feel more miserable. In a sense, they are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Seriously. With many also succumbing to problems, it would lead to many foolish things. Some abuse themselves, whilst some might attempt suicide. This is the eventual result of those who keep dwelling about their problems.

This is not what problems are meant to do to you. Problems are not suppose to pull people down into the abyss of foolishness, problems are supposed to push you and shape and make you a better person. It will give you a stronger personality and actually prepare you to be able to face more problems of tomorrow. Oh yes. Problems are part and parcel of life and would definitely knock on your door everyday.

But you need not fret or even worry or be scared about its coming. There really isn't a need to. Just face problems with a positive mindset. Do not constantly dwell on your problems. There isn't a need to. Actually every problem is very small. However, human would blow up the problems and make it seem very big. There isn't a need to. Its a matter of how you really view your problems. But just be sure that after you have gotten over it, you would definitely come out a better person.

You see, there really isn't a need for suicide or even abusing yourself should you face a "major" problem. Just take a step back and review your problems. And you would be so surprised to see how tiny your problem was and that it was through constant dwelling and worrying that actually made the problem seem big.  ¶ 11:44 AM 0 Comments