Jean's Message

Dear Parents,

As a mother of 5, I write this letter "in the thick" of raising teenagers. I have spent the past 2 years talking to guidance counselors and parents, and immersing myself in books, videos and everything I could put my hands on to learn more about what it takes to raise an incredible teenager. Here is what I have learned so far:

First, I have to be aware of the issues that surround my kids. I've learned that it is critically important to initiate conversations about alcohol, sex, the internet, etc. However, in order to have an intelligent conversation, I need to understand those issues as they exist TODAY...not 20 years ago. That's what our Parent Handbook is all about!

Secondly, I have learned that I need to be around other parents, talking to them about these issues, and forming some friendships based on mutual love for our kids. I need to know there are parents who will call me if they have concerns about my teenager and will welcome a call from me, because we just want our kids to be safe and healthy. That's what our small groups are all about!

Finally, I have learned that I need to take a good hard look at myself, my marriage and my own childhood and make an honest assessment of the way I am relating to my teens. Am I over-compensating in some areas because of the way my parents raised me? Am I asking them to display character that I myself struggle to model for them? Am I fixing family dinners, attending their extra-curricular activities and teaching them my beliefs? Am I willing to admit to my teen that I did a lot of stupid things when I was their age and love them enough to tell them what I learned? Well, let's just say that I'm still "in training," but now that I am educated on the issues, I am empowered to press on and remain fully engaged with my teens.

Parents, it's so easy to assume we are doing all the right things, but during these middle and high school years, life is hectic, careers consume us, marriages strain and our teens often suffer as a result. Operation: SPIRIT was been developed out of a passion to reach all parents who want to stay connected to their teenagers and who are brave enough to admit they need a little support and help along the way.

The issues addressed in this program can hurt any one of our teenagers at any time. Many of us have dealt with some of these issues and as heartbreaking as it can be to discover that your teen is in trouble, it is comforting to know there are resources and parents available to help you get through it. I'm encouraged by what I have learned so far and excited to continue this journey called "parenting".

Best wishes as we work together to raise incredible teenagers,

Jean Schumm