Encouraging Positive Role Models

Children and young people tend to have certain role models - people they aspire to be like when they are older. Whereas traditionally children would have wished to emulate their mother, father or a favourite relative or local character, increasingly these role models are thought of as celebrities and sports people. Opinion varies as to whether pop stars and other celebrities are a good example to children. It is fair enough to say that it completely depends who the particular person in question is. Glamour models, such as Jordan (Katie Price) are often admired and looked up to by young girls, often much to the despair of parents and teachers, who wish to encourage the concept that success is achieved through hard work and effort, rather than appearance and physical attributes.

There are still large numbers of huge people who want to grow up to be like people closer to home - their parents, older siblings, a family friend. Some decide they would like to be like their favourite teacher. Often children and young people identify with adults who share similar interests to their own. A child who loves to draw and paint may want to grow up to be the next Picasso or Van Gogh, someone who loves to write might envisage themselves as famous wordsmiths, like Dickens and Shakespeare. If a child wants to be a dancer, they may well admire a celebrity dancer, but often this is not the case. A lot of dance students wish to be like their dance teacher.

The job of any sort of teacher is more than just providing knowledge of a given subject. They should be able to gain their student's confidence and trust and communicate well. They should be able to understand an individual's needs and be able to assess skill levels and identify ways to assist students as individuals. Dance teachers almost always have a great amount of enthusiasm and passion for their subject. Whether they teach ballet, tap, jazz or modern dance, students will be able to tell if their dance teacher's heart is in it. Helping youngsters to learn morals, to learn how to accept winning with good grace and losing with dignity, is central to any parent's or teacher's job. Manners are very important and a dance teacher can make use of their position as a 'cool' or 'trendy' to help instil good behaviour in youngsters.

It is the belief of the majority of people that raising children well is the most important part of life, the most rewarding, but also the most difficult. Good parents always try their best for their offspring, something that a child often overlooks when they are annoyed with their mum or dad. Finding somewhere safe for children to go and learn to socialise better and acquire new skills can be also be a good break for long suffering parents, a chance to relax in the knowledge your child is safe and have some peace and quiet. If you want your child to learn dance, make sure you trust the dance teacher fully and have studied their credentials.

Europe's leading online retailer of dancewear - Dance Direct.If you need a dance teacher, please visit our website at http://www.dancedirect.com/

By Treak Eric

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Exciting Job Ideas For Young Teens

It is never easy being at an age between 13 and 15. Your parents sometimes have a hard time deciding on whether to continue treating you as a child or as an adult because you're in the stage when you are not even sure yourself. Getting a job towards earning your first paycheck might just do the trick in convincing them that you are responsible enough to be trusted more and be allowed to venture out in the world on your own.


There are a number of potential job opportunities for young teens like you. You may want to pick one that does not take much of your time, pays reasonably, and fits your personality.

First, consider your strengths. Ask yourself what you like doing and what you are good at? If you are born with special talents like drawing, singing, painting, or writing, you may make use of this to offer freelance services.

Start with the people you know, professionals who may want to require your services. Ask your friends who are part of local organizations if they need someone to make or design a poster, sing at an event, and so on. If you naturally love to talk, you could offer to host your neighbors' parties.

If you are good with children, try applying part-time in a day care or as a tutor. You could teach children, fellow teens, and even fellow adults if you have some knowledge in music, science, match, or any foreign language.

As young as you are, you may start a small business of your own if you think you have what it takes. You could sell a product around the neighborhood like custom-made shirt and others. Be creative, opportunities are limitless.

If you are looking for jobs for 14 year olds make sure to visit my website. You will also find ideas for summer jobs for 14yr olds.
 
By Heidi Gerson


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Group Activites For Teens

Sometimes teens need new suggestions for creative and affordable group activities. If you don't have a lot of extra money to spend, it can sometimes be hard to think of fun things to do with your group of friends. You can still have lots of fun with not a lot of money! Check out these free activity ideas for teens.

1.) Host a movie night with friends.
Get together at a friends house and have each guest bring a refreshment, whether it be soda or a fun movie-themed treat. Serve the food and watch the movie! This will save you tons of money instead of attending the local movie theater and spending $15-$20 a person.

2.) Start a book club.
It's easy to start! Get together a group of 3+ friends and pick a fun book title to read for your first meeting. One month later, get together and discuss the book. Serve fun snacks and don't forget to pick a title for your next book club meeting! Before you know it, you'll have a large group of friends interested in participating.

3.) Host a video game competition.
Get together a group of your gaming friends and have some friendly competition. Organize your game play into play offs and see who can win the most matches. Keep score and think up a fun prize for the champion!

4.) Play Sports
It may sound cheesy, but some really fun times can be had playing a casual game of softball or kickball at the local park. Make a day of it! Bring a large blanket and have a picnic to relax after the game.

5.) Volunteer for Charity
Instead of getting involved in charity by yourself, get together your friends and volunteer. It is a lot more fun to volunteer in a group then it is on your own. Find a charity that you all have an interest in or even alternate charities every month so everyone in your group of friends can introduce a new cause to everyone else in the group. Some ideas include volunteering at the human society, political campaigns, reading to schoolchildren, and volunteering at homeless shelters. Or, start your own charity! Raise awareness about important issues and hold book drives, clothing drives, etc.

Hopefully this article has given you some good ideas for fun group activities for teens! If you're looking for more ideas, check out this site for some additional activities: Group Activities for Teens.

By Ashley Covington

Ashley Covington enjoys writing articles about affordable activities for kids and teens. Check out her website for some more great group activities for teens ideas.

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