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Environment Has
Life-Long Impact
As
parents, teachers and 4-H leaders, we are always thinking about what we
can do to help young people be successful in life. We want our kids to
be healthy, happy and wise. We want them to have good relationships,
rewarding careers and to be physically and mentally fit.
Much
of the current research on adolescence and youth underscores how
important adults are in determining young people’s future success. The
research shows, when it comes to being role models, "the
apple" does fall "close to the tree." The examples we set
and the environment we create have lasting impacts on the young people
who are close to us.
We
always need to be concerned about what kind of role models we are. If
our kids see the use of "adult beverages" get out of hand at a
tailgating party, it shows them how adults act and what it means to be
grown-up. In that context, it’s no wonder the research has found that
among typical 4th graders, 10 percent have already had more than a sip
of alcohol and 7 percent have had a drink in the past year.
While
the numbers are small in the fourth grade, the surveys show the
percentage of children who have used alcohol increases with age and
doubles between grades four and six. These numbers are alarming because
of the connection between early alcohol consumption and later trouble
during adolescence and young adulthood. The research also notes that
early drinking relates to a variety of other problems, including
absences from school, delinquent behavior, drinking and driving, sexual
intercourse and pregnancy.
Alcohol
isn’t the only adult substance that has a negative impact on kids.
Another study notes that secondhand smoke increases high school test
failures. The study by Temple University found the exposure to
secondhand smoke at home decreased the odds of passing standardized
achievement tests by 30 percent in 16 and 18-year-olds.
We
can talk about all the negatives, but there are also a thousand positive
examples parents and concerned adults provide. Parents who live in
caring, committed relationships have children who live in caring,
committed relationships. Parents and other role models who are kind and
generous lead to children being kind and generous. Parents who love
learning have children who love learning.
Certainly,
there are challenges kids face in our increasingly-complex and
rapidly-changing world. But by having a good foundation at home and in
the community, young people are ready for whatever the future may bring.
The
photo with this article was taken at a Farm and Home Safety Day. This is
where 4th thru 6th grades were given the chance to learn more about
"SAFETY" around the house and out at the farm. Remember Safety
is up to Me!
Until
next time, God Bless!
James
Shropshire is the Alabama 4-H Regional Extension Agent for the Central
Alabama Region. Email him at shropja@auburn.edu.
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