Tag Archives: Support and Help for Parents

09.05.17
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Surviving the Storms of Crisis

Surviving Through the Storms of Crisis - Anchor of Promise

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey was a devastating blow to the state of Texas.  Although the warnings were there ahead of time, what couldn’t be predicted was the amount of destruction it would cause.

The families in Texas feel lost, depressed, discouraged, and unsure of the future.  For some, it left catastrophic effects and major loss of their property, animals, and even loved ones.

Around the corner now, Hurricane Irma is bearing down in the ocean leading another path to its target, although unknown at the moment.

To control a hurricane is like trying to control an earthquake.  The pre-existing facts are there, but it is too big to stop it.

We can often see the impending crisis with our teen similar to the radar of a hurricane.  To control or stop it is another matter.  We see the signs for example, in our drug addicted child or self-harming teen, but to bring a halt to their destructive behavior is not something we as parents can physically control.  Before we know it, the crisis is beyond our imagination of what we knew to be true. Continue reading →

08.20.17
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It’s a Scary World For Our Teens, and Us Too

 

Its a Scary World for Our Teens, and Us Too - Anchor Of Promise

Today, we are seeing a rise in violence and harm towards our children, pre-teens and teens.  Whether it is gun violence, physical/sexual assault, or self-inflicted harm, the younger generation is broken and hurting like never before.  

In our country, there is an increased devaluation of human life.  The sex-trade and human trafficking has crossed borders not only into our country but also in every state.  Immoral and worldly propaganda has filled their minds that right is wrong and wrong is right. Protecting our children has become a major priority among parents.  A teen in crisis raises that bar of protection because they are more vulnerable due to their shaky foundation.  

With so much uncertainty in this volatile world, our teens are also fearful.  We may believe their outrageous and risky behavior is coming from a tough interior, but this is not true.  They feel hopeless.  They think they are worthless. Their future seems bleak to them.  They feel alone.  In their minds, they don’t believe anyone loves them or cares about them.  They too, also see the world changing with not much to look forward to. Continue reading →

06.25.17
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Weeds.  I Hate Weeds!

Weeds. I Hate Weeds! - Anchor of Promise

 

I’ve been ignoring it.  I’ve been walking by it.  I’ve put it off day after day.  But today, I couldn’t close my eyes to it anymore.  

Weeds.  I hate weeds. Obviously they are a nuisance.  They get out of control.  They will overtake you.  They will drive you insane.  What is more irritating is how some of them will trick you to believe that they just might end up as a beautiful bonafide flower.  Problem is, you have to wait it out to know for sure.  

Weeds.  I hate weeds.  Now of course I could attack them with a top of the line weed killer spray.  Unfortunately, that will also kill off all the flowers you so preciously have cared for that the weeds have so graciously grew up next to.  If you want those flowers to last and last, this leaves you no other option but to be proactive to fight every weed that comes near your flowers and tries to choke it to death.   Continue reading →

06.05.17
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Is Your Teen in an Abusive Relationship?

Is Your Teen In An Abusive Relationship - Anchor Of Promise

She was 16, pregnant, and involved in a relationship with someone in their twenties.  When asked why she would be with a man who obviously didn’t care about her, all she could say was, “I could never leave him.  I love him.  Yes, he has hit me.  But I’m okay with that.”

The young man was sweet and caring. He would do anything for the girl he loved.  However, he also was willing to allow her to hit him, curse him, threaten him, emotionally manipulate, and humiliate him in private and in public. Yet, his love for her would remain.   Continue reading →

04.19.17
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Grooming: Could Your Hurting Teen Be Another Elizabeth Thomas?

Grooming - Could Your Hurting Teen Be Another Elizabeth Thomas?

Every other day, I have been tracking the news story of Elizabeth Thomas, the young teen who was kidnapped by her teacher Tad Cummins from Tennessee.

Parents across the country are shocked that this could have happened.  The term “grooming” is a word often used when an adult figure manipulates, deceives, and earns the trust of the victim through various forms of coercion.

Sadly, more and more authority figures are “grooming” young teens at their most vulnerable times.  It can happen in schools, churches, and sports teams.  Many have questioned or made statements about Elizabeth Thomas such as, “She chose to be with him,” or “She can run away.” However, they do not understand the psychological control this teacher has over her that started a long time ago under the guise of a teacher mentoring a student in school.

Teens don’t just jump into a relationship with someone older.  There are many factors when combined set the perfect stage for the grooming of the victim.

So what types of teens are targeted for grooming? Continue reading →