Thursday, July 23, 2009

Defiant, Disrespectful and Rebellious Teen

I just came across an article about defiant teens – defined as children that have no respect for authority and mainly disrespect their parents. Defiant teens, angry teens and rebellious teens can affect the entire family.

How true! Well, this is timely and real, as I and my elder sister is facing such person. I am sure my sister will find herself wondering what she did to deserve such treatment from her only girl!

I have deep thoughts about what happened at home 2-3 weeks ago, and after letting the anger subsides, I became rational and thought we ought to save this ‘little girl’ lost in the jungle, and trying to wriggle her way out!

Before that, I want my sis to realise that she’s not the only one out there having to face such a situation. Many families are experiencing this and many are still wondering “why”

Stop the wondering – that’s the 1st step! It is sad that the little young girl is very confrontational, but who is not when they are in their teens. Teenage years are a crucial part of growing up. At this stage, they love to explore things and when they are not permitted to do what they wanted, they will rebel
I remember, I was….and at that time, I also felt the same way, but perhaps lesser degree.

Here are some points I think we need to ponder on ourselves:

Too Strict Rules

When under the stern control of older folks, she will resent and rebel. It would be best if she be given chance to take part in making the rules and agree to the consequences that go with it. Just keep an eagle eyes over her!

Unreasonable punishment

She may not be given the chance to speak out and explain her side, and feels unfair. .

She wants attention
She feels nobody cares about her; none care to compliment her. In this desperate situation, she would do something to catch the attention, including poking herself with those needles.

Peer Pressure
Actually, this is the one I’m most afraid of. She may felt out of place when she wouldn't do what others were doing. She wants to belong to a group of friends, and is often guided by whom she gets along.

Can I make a suggestion to do something right now? I should stop “boycotting” her. Whether she is remorseful or not, I think she’s making an effort to made up. We must try to give her advice instead of being too hard on her. We must give considerations for some mistakes and give her chance to do the right thing with proper guidance.

No point putting the blames. No point nagging or scolding, because if these methods are ineffective, such flare would not have risen.

But, if we are kind enough to open up communication, kind and understanding in dealing with teens, I think we have taken a step to mould a young teenager into a good person.

Why not, try giving a room of her own and have some confidence on her to be a responsible young lady. Give a chance to decorate her room so that she’s proud to show to her friends?

Should we all take this FIRST effort…..PLEASSSSSSEEEE

Thursday, July 16, 2009

A Sad Moment

At about 3.30 am this morning, I received an SMS that my 2nd uncle has passed on. Though I was sad, my Buddhist mind leads me to think that he has good karma to passed on this way. I just can't bear to see him entering the next phase of suffering in the days ahead like any other cancer patients.

When I visited him at the UKM Hospital on 5 July, I was prepared to see a very sick man just like someone I knew (see this blog http://ce5nt.blogspot.com/). But, fortunately, he looks fine and in my mind, I knew it was his karma and all the good deeds that he may have done when he's capable.


I really admire this self-made man. He has worked very hard all his life, and whatever fortune he has accumulated, it was all from his sheer hard long hours and much sweat. The kids should be very proud of him and indebted because he made sure that they have good education, a very comfortable house to live in, and any other dreams that any kids would dream off.

But, in April last year, the nice world seemed to have "crumble" down for the family when he discovered he had lung cancer. But in October 2008, he looks just fine when he came to my parents house during my father's birthday celebration.  I had the opportunity to just snap two photos of him, which I believe are the last two I have.
Like any C patients, he had to go thru the usual path, but more painful would definitely his immediate family members, particularly his wife. 




Such episode in anyone's life always send a strong message to me. It was urge me to look at another perspective of life, when I'm down.  "Always treasure our life and live it the fullest". Whatever small quarrels we had, whatever misunderstanding we had, whatever discontentment we had, we have to let them go....There's a lot of people who wanted to live their lives happily, but they didn't have the chance to do so.

So, I must appreciate all my family members whenever I have them. I must appreciate my journey of life, and live every moments of the path...
May he Rest in Peace...
May all suffering ends...
And May we ALL be well and happy