The Influence of Teenage Role Models
Teenagers are at a critical point in their lives. They have so many decisions to make. They are surrounded by friends who influence them to make certain choices, some good and some bad. It is vital that teens have role models in their lives.
Parental Role Models
First and foremost, parents should be the ultimate role models for their teens. Parents may not realize it, but teenage children truly look up to their parents. Parents must make wise decisions in everyday situations including financial, moral, physical, and for some families, spiritual decisions that will positively influence their children. Teens need a solid foundation in which they can start to build their life and future on, and it is up to parents to be that firm foundation in their teenager's life.
Teenage Role Models
It may seem crazy that teenagers look to teen role models to pattern their lives after, but they most definitely do. In today's day and age, there are many teens that have made it big, and have quickly become teen idols and teen sensations. Not only are teenage role models influencing today's teenagers, but their influence reaches as far as the young children as well. It is becoming more and more common to see three and four year old little girls wearing "Hannah Montana" t-shirts and singing Taylor Swift songs at the top of their lungs.
Teenage role models can have either a positive or negative effect on the teens and children who idolize them. On a positive note, many of today's teens who have "made it" in the show business world are for the most part talented, good members of society. These teens seems to have a positive influence on the younger generation and influence them to do better things. "American Idol", a highly popular television show that showcases young adults trying to make it big in the singing world, has produced amazingly talented singers and artists. This type of influence motivates youth to follow their dreams and reach for the stars. It allows them to see that anything is possible.
Some teenage role models, however, are anything but role models. Many young adults who have made it big simply cannot handle the stress of the Hollywood lifestyle and begin to make very poor decisions. Drugs, alcohol, promiscuity, lying, cheating, and stealing become a core part of their lifestyle. These types of teenage influences most definitely would not be good for our own teenagers to pattern their lives after.
What is Real?
Parents should stress the importance of what is real and what is not as far as teenage role models go. The latter example is no way for an individual to live. This type of lifestyle only creates heartache and disappointment. On the other hand, teens should look to the more positive group of teens that influence them to do better. They should motivate them to better their lives and follow their dreams.
(We will never share or sell your email)