This week, Legacy's intern is back with an article about Male Body Image issues, and how they are more than what they may seem.
Male Body Image - By Steve Taylor, November 5, 2007
You can read the article directly above, and you may also visit the editorials page at http://legacyofhope.com/Editorials.htm.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
College Student Speaks Out - "Foibles of Teen Life Today"
LEGACY is proud of the university interns we have employed over the last 12 years. Not only do they keep us on the cutting edge of real life in the fast lane of adolescence and young adult living, but they are in sync with what's really going on with today.
We begin our NEW Editorial Page with unique and interesting perspectives from our 2007-2008 intern, Steve Taylor, Chapman University student and Business Major:
Steroids for Students: How ADD medication is changing study habits - By Steve Taylor, September 25, 2007
The Travesty of Technology: Because texting is so much easier than talking - By Steve Taylor, September 23, 2007
You can read all the latest articles by visiting http://legacyofhope.com/Editorials.htm, and we welcome your comments and remarks below!
We begin our NEW Editorial Page with unique and interesting perspectives from our 2007-2008 intern, Steve Taylor, Chapman University student and Business Major:
Steroids for Students: How ADD medication is changing study habits - By Steve Taylor, September 25, 2007
The Travesty of Technology: Because texting is so much easier than talking - By Steve Taylor, September 23, 2007
You can read all the latest articles by visiting http://legacyofhope.com/Editorials.htm, and we welcome your comments and remarks below!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Burnt Out, Stressed Out, and Pilled Up!
Everywhere I turn this new school year, school counselors, teachers, parents and teens are telling me they’re OVERWHELMED, feeling depressed, spewing inappropriate anger and rage, and dissatisfied with their lives. It’s STRESS –a world of excessive - I mean EXCESSIVE – Expectations… High-achievers have parents breathing down their necks for every mistake and imperfection.
“You’ll be handling the Jr’s and Sr’s this semester including scheduling, college applications, and 10 other essential administrative activities,” declare administrators to counselors who work hours of unpaid overtime to listen to teen problems because no time is available during the school day.
“Now, don’t stress-out in my class,” a teacher kindly chides her students, then assigns two-hours of homework every night, drops a daily spot quiz on them and 5 major exams throughout the semester.
And then there are the incessant text messages from friends that have to be responded to as well as the required 3 extra-curricular activities and volunteer hours each week in order to be competitive on college applications.
Too many expectations with no room to make mistakes, to try and to fail and to try again, to know we are loved not because of what we DO but because we ARE.
We are not Human Doings, my friends, we are Human Beings! We don’t have to be perfect – we don’t have to get into the best university – to be loved! We might actually be HAPPY and find fulfillment from our losses and our imperfections – from going to a second tier college with less stress and more personal attention and personal growth.
I had a call just this week from a school counselor who was at her wits end, stressed to the extreme, because the students at her magnet Advanced Placement high school were too stressed, and cheating. She wanted stress management education for her students, and then she determined maybe better for the teachers and let them disseminate the information. Good call.
What was of greatest concern to me was that the school absolutely did NOT want to have the focus of stress management on alcohol and drug use or sexuality or violence because, well, this was about “STRESS MANAGEMENT”. I have no problem providing stress management training for the body, the mind and the spirit – finding life balance within self-awareness, self-care, and self-nurturance in all these areas. That is my and my husband’s area of expertise. However, how can we look at stress management without looking at how we cope with pressure and emotions in our lives? And how many parents, from low-education/low-income to highest achieving, model chemical coping – alcohol, painkillers, pot, cocaine, methamphetamines, valium, Vicodan, Oxycontin and more to manage the fears and failures of normal every day living?
Stress is the great catalyst to choice! Because STRESS is the 6-letter cover-up for so many uncomfortable feelings including a great fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, and fear of not being loved.
I’ll be exploring this perspective in greater detail this year and including CHOICES that are critical to our sense of well-being, fulfillment and joy in life.
All achievement and no play makes for a depressed teen/adult!
“You won’t get into the top colleges if you aren’t at the top of your class!” exhort pushing parents.
“You’ll be handling the Jr’s and Sr’s this semester including scheduling, college applications, and 10 other essential administrative activities,” declare administrators to counselors who work hours of unpaid overtime to listen to teen problems because no time is available during the school day.
“Now, don’t stress-out in my class,” a teacher kindly chides her students, then assigns two-hours of homework every night, drops a daily spot quiz on them and 5 major exams throughout the semester.
And then there are the incessant text messages from friends that have to be responded to as well as the required 3 extra-curricular activities and volunteer hours each week in order to be competitive on college applications.
Too many expectations with no room to make mistakes, to try and to fail and to try again, to know we are loved not because of what we DO but because we ARE.
We are not Human Doings, my friends, we are Human Beings! We don’t have to be perfect – we don’t have to get into the best university – to be loved! We might actually be HAPPY and find fulfillment from our losses and our imperfections – from going to a second tier college with less stress and more personal attention and personal growth.
I had a call just this week from a school counselor who was at her wits end, stressed to the extreme, because the students at her magnet Advanced Placement high school were too stressed, and cheating. She wanted stress management education for her students, and then she determined maybe better for the teachers and let them disseminate the information. Good call.
What was of greatest concern to me was that the school absolutely did NOT want to have the focus of stress management on alcohol and drug use or sexuality or violence because, well, this was about “STRESS MANAGEMENT”. I have no problem providing stress management training for the body, the mind and the spirit – finding life balance within self-awareness, self-care, and self-nurturance in all these areas. That is my and my husband’s area of expertise. However, how can we look at stress management without looking at how we cope with pressure and emotions in our lives? And how many parents, from low-education/low-income to highest achieving, model chemical coping – alcohol, painkillers, pot, cocaine, methamphetamines, valium, Vicodan, Oxycontin and more to manage the fears and failures of normal every day living?
Stress is the great catalyst to choice! Because STRESS is the 6-letter cover-up for so many uncomfortable feelings including a great fear of failure, fear of inadequacy, and fear of not being loved.
I’ll be exploring this perspective in greater detail this year and including CHOICES that are critical to our sense of well-being, fulfillment and joy in life.
All achievement and no play makes for a depressed teen/adult!
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Check out my FOX NEWS LIVE INTERVIEW!
June 22, 2007 - FOX NEWS LIVE interviewed me as a youth and family issues expert regarding a 16 yr-old girl marrying her 40-yr-old track coach --- Whoa, let's think about this one! Not what every parent dreams of for their daughter's future, I am sure!
What do you think of that?
http://www.legacyofhope.com/RealMedia/Fox%20News%20Live%20Clip/Fox%20News%20Live%206-22-07%20SV%20Interview.wmv
What do you think of that?
http://www.legacyofhope.com/RealMedia/Fox%20News%20Live%20Clip/Fox%20News%20Live%206-22-07%20SV%20Interview.wmv
Sharing my good news!
I am thrilled to share with my fans, family and friends about receiving the National Speakers Association CPAE Award and being inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame!
What a fantastic evening it was! As always, "Julio" - my gangbanger character - came out first to try to claim the prize, and then "he" stripped down to reveal me in my elegant white gown!
What a fantastic evening it was! As always, "Julio" - my gangbanger character - came out first to try to claim the prize, and then "he" stripped down to reveal me in my elegant white gown!
AWESOME!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Q&A with Susie: Teens feelings about Parent's Divorce
Dear Ms. Susie,
I just wanted to thank you for your presentation this morning at my High School. The characters you portrayed were very close to home for me and it touched my heart. It was really nice having you present today and understand what most of us teens go through in our everyday life.
I too, have the emotion of feeling neglected and unloved. My parents divorced when I was in elementary school and I still, to this day, remember every single thing that happened during the time when my parents were in the process of getting a divorce. Every now and then I still cry because my dad doesn't care about me and he has a new wife that doesn't want him to see me. I sometimes feel that it’s my fault that my parents got a divorce. Sometimes I even feel that I was just a mistake. I just wanted to thank you for understanding and I also wanted to say how I can relate to many of the characters. I come from a broken family; it's nice to know someone like you understands.
Sincerely,
Grateful Teen
__________________________________________
Hello Grateful!
THANK YOU for emailing and sharing about your life.
I know how it feels to think things are your fault and that somehow you are responsible for the lack of love from others in your life. Truth is, you did not cause your parents to divorce, nor for your father to neglect you. None of us are a "mistake" in God's world. He wanted us to be born, no matter WHAT craziness our parents may be going through! And having parents that don't seem to care enough is very common because many parents are NOT mature and emotionally intelligent. They are still angry, self-centered kids inside, thinking life is all about THEM! Especially if either of them drinks heavily or does any drugs. Then they are SURE to neglect their kids because alcohol and drugs damage the brains ability to be mature, responsible and able to love.
I think it is important to decide if you want to feel like a "victim" and always the loser or not. It's not easy letting go of thinking we're not good enough. It's even a safe belief to have because then when anything goes wrong, we can always just feel like it is our fault and not have to care or try to make life better! HOWEVER, there are so many LOVING people in the world, who are compassionate, patient, kind and giving. The key is where to find them. You don't find them at parties typically. Usually in places where people are helping other people, involved in service, spiritual endeavors, positive people. At any rate, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for people who DO accept you just the way you are and are RELIABLE in their friendship. Just because parents are not, does not mean you are not lovable and deserve respect and reliable caring from others!
I will keep you in my prayers!
Susie Vanderlip
I just wanted to thank you for your presentation this morning at my High School. The characters you portrayed were very close to home for me and it touched my heart. It was really nice having you present today and understand what most of us teens go through in our everyday life.
I too, have the emotion of feeling neglected and unloved. My parents divorced when I was in elementary school and I still, to this day, remember every single thing that happened during the time when my parents were in the process of getting a divorce. Every now and then I still cry because my dad doesn't care about me and he has a new wife that doesn't want him to see me. I sometimes feel that it’s my fault that my parents got a divorce. Sometimes I even feel that I was just a mistake. I just wanted to thank you for understanding and I also wanted to say how I can relate to many of the characters. I come from a broken family; it's nice to know someone like you understands.
Sincerely,
Grateful Teen
__________________________________________
Hello Grateful!
THANK YOU for emailing and sharing about your life.
I know how it feels to think things are your fault and that somehow you are responsible for the lack of love from others in your life. Truth is, you did not cause your parents to divorce, nor for your father to neglect you. None of us are a "mistake" in God's world. He wanted us to be born, no matter WHAT craziness our parents may be going through! And having parents that don't seem to care enough is very common because many parents are NOT mature and emotionally intelligent. They are still angry, self-centered kids inside, thinking life is all about THEM! Especially if either of them drinks heavily or does any drugs. Then they are SURE to neglect their kids because alcohol and drugs damage the brains ability to be mature, responsible and able to love.
I think it is important to decide if you want to feel like a "victim" and always the loser or not. It's not easy letting go of thinking we're not good enough. It's even a safe belief to have because then when anything goes wrong, we can always just feel like it is our fault and not have to care or try to make life better! HOWEVER, there are so many LOVING people in the world, who are compassionate, patient, kind and giving. The key is where to find them. You don't find them at parties typically. Usually in places where people are helping other people, involved in service, spiritual endeavors, positive people. At any rate, I encourage you to keep your eyes open for people who DO accept you just the way you are and are RELIABLE in their friendship. Just because parents are not, does not mean you are not lovable and deserve respect and reliable caring from others!
I will keep you in my prayers!
Susie Vanderlip
Q&A with Susie: Teen thinking about joining a gang
Dear Mrs. Vanderlip,
I think that the legacy of hope has taught me a lot about peer pressure. I
think you have probably raised the hearts of many people. That was the most
inspirational presentation I have ever seen. I hope more people have the same thought
as me; I was thinking of joining a gang when I was older but now I don't think
I want to. I'm growing up around drugs and everyone around me is smoking. I have breathing problems and it worries me.
Sincerely,
Undecided Teen
____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Undecided,
I am very glad you listened and understood so much of my message! Yes, peer pressure is strong, but you can be stronger! I am glad you saw that joining a gang doesn't solve the fears, loneliness, anger of life. In truth, they just magnify them and channel them into so much more sadness and loss of good lives.
You are clearly emotionally intelligent, able to think things through and communicate about them. That is sooo terrific! You are way ahead of a lot of young people, and even adults! I encourage you not to ever let yourself down by thinking having feelings is wrong or a weakness. Strong and courageous men and women are those that know their feelings and work daily to channel them in healthy ways as you did with your email.
As far as being around smoking and breathing problems from it, that is a real bummer. I'm sorry your family has such an addiction to cigarettes. They smoke because they think they have to or else they get physically and emotionally irritable/anxious. That is from the nicotine and other drugs in cigarettes. What I suggest you do is try to go into another room or outside for some fresh air, go in your room and open a window. Do what you can to avoid the second hand smoke. I also suggest you pray for them to recognize their addiction and have the desire and ability to quit.
You can't nag, scold, yell at them enough to get them to quit, so I suggest you don't try! It will just make you mad! And, of course, since you've had breathing difficulties yourself, make a personal policy that you don't smoke, EVER! Just tell kids, “I don't choose to smoke. Breathing is IMPORTANT to me!"
If I can answer any more of your questions or help encourage you to keep going in a healthy direction, let me know!
God bless you!
Susie Vanderlip
I think that the legacy of hope has taught me a lot about peer pressure. I
think you have probably raised the hearts of many people. That was the most
inspirational presentation I have ever seen. I hope more people have the same thought
as me; I was thinking of joining a gang when I was older but now I don't think
I want to. I'm growing up around drugs and everyone around me is smoking. I have breathing problems and it worries me.
Sincerely,
Undecided Teen
____________________________________________________________________________
Dear Undecided,
I am very glad you listened and understood so much of my message! Yes, peer pressure is strong, but you can be stronger! I am glad you saw that joining a gang doesn't solve the fears, loneliness, anger of life. In truth, they just magnify them and channel them into so much more sadness and loss of good lives.
You are clearly emotionally intelligent, able to think things through and communicate about them. That is sooo terrific! You are way ahead of a lot of young people, and even adults! I encourage you not to ever let yourself down by thinking having feelings is wrong or a weakness. Strong and courageous men and women are those that know their feelings and work daily to channel them in healthy ways as you did with your email.
As far as being around smoking and breathing problems from it, that is a real bummer. I'm sorry your family has such an addiction to cigarettes. They smoke because they think they have to or else they get physically and emotionally irritable/anxious. That is from the nicotine and other drugs in cigarettes. What I suggest you do is try to go into another room or outside for some fresh air, go in your room and open a window. Do what you can to avoid the second hand smoke. I also suggest you pray for them to recognize their addiction and have the desire and ability to quit.
You can't nag, scold, yell at them enough to get them to quit, so I suggest you don't try! It will just make you mad! And, of course, since you've had breathing difficulties yourself, make a personal policy that you don't smoke, EVER! Just tell kids, “I don't choose to smoke. Breathing is IMPORTANT to me!"
If I can answer any more of your questions or help encourage you to keep going in a healthy direction, let me know!
God bless you!
Susie Vanderlip
Q&A with Susie: Mom worries about teen's drinking
Hi Susie,
I am a single parent and right now I am having a very difficult time with my teenage son. He is currently on juvenile probation, involved in a gang and smoking marijuana. His attitude is to the point where he doesn't really care about anything and sometimes he can be really disrespectful and just not wanting to listen to rules or be disciplined. I am willing to reach out for any type of resources that may be able to help my son. I know he has a lot of mixed feelings right now, and he is trying to get on the right track. It is very hard for him, so it seems like your program would really be beneficial for him and our family.
Thank you.
Mom w/ Teenage Son
___________________________
Dear Mom w/ Teenage Son –
My heart goes out to you about your son and your concern for the choices he is making. It’s heartbreaking to see a child going down a destructive path because of their internal emotional struggles.
I would very much like to be able to share LEGACY OF HOPE with your son as well as other teens either at his school and/or in juvenile probation. I regularly do assemblies in schools and for juvenile probation departments. The program does give teens a new view on why they are making the choices they are and an opportunity to ask for help.
As far as your son's situation, I often talk to gang kids and ask about the family - who in the family has/had an alcohol or drug problem? Did his dad? His grandparents? I look for the reasons he feels worthless - where did he get neglected, verbally or physically abused, ignored, yelled at, criticized, etc? If this is in his past, he is likely to be acting out on feeling like a loser. Divorce hits kids hard as well and when they become teens, they grieve again, and think all the problems in their families are somehow their fault and/or resent the family for the pain they are having.
I wrote a book that came out last year that covers more of this. 52 Ways to Protect Your Teen that can give you more insights into your son's feelings and thoughts.
Can you have him drug tested? Can you send him to rehab if he IS using? Can you get him into counseling with you? If he is using or drinking, I highly recommend you find Al-Anon Family Groups for YOU and attend some local meetings where you can get additional support and ideas from other parents who have dealt with similar teen problems and the feelings you have of concern, guilt, worry and fear you may have for your son. The meetings are free, anonymous, no gossip and can be extremely helpful in learning how to interact with your son in a healthy way regardless of his choices.
I hope these ideas are helpful.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Susie Vanderlip
I am a single parent and right now I am having a very difficult time with my teenage son. He is currently on juvenile probation, involved in a gang and smoking marijuana. His attitude is to the point where he doesn't really care about anything and sometimes he can be really disrespectful and just not wanting to listen to rules or be disciplined. I am willing to reach out for any type of resources that may be able to help my son. I know he has a lot of mixed feelings right now, and he is trying to get on the right track. It is very hard for him, so it seems like your program would really be beneficial for him and our family.
Thank you.
Mom w/ Teenage Son
___________________________
Dear Mom w/ Teenage Son –
My heart goes out to you about your son and your concern for the choices he is making. It’s heartbreaking to see a child going down a destructive path because of their internal emotional struggles.
I would very much like to be able to share LEGACY OF HOPE with your son as well as other teens either at his school and/or in juvenile probation. I regularly do assemblies in schools and for juvenile probation departments. The program does give teens a new view on why they are making the choices they are and an opportunity to ask for help.
As far as your son's situation, I often talk to gang kids and ask about the family - who in the family has/had an alcohol or drug problem? Did his dad? His grandparents? I look for the reasons he feels worthless - where did he get neglected, verbally or physically abused, ignored, yelled at, criticized, etc? If this is in his past, he is likely to be acting out on feeling like a loser. Divorce hits kids hard as well and when they become teens, they grieve again, and think all the problems in their families are somehow their fault and/or resent the family for the pain they are having.
I wrote a book that came out last year that covers more of this. 52 Ways to Protect Your Teen that can give you more insights into your son's feelings and thoughts.
Can you have him drug tested? Can you send him to rehab if he IS using? Can you get him into counseling with you? If he is using or drinking, I highly recommend you find Al-Anon Family Groups for YOU and attend some local meetings where you can get additional support and ideas from other parents who have dealt with similar teen problems and the feelings you have of concern, guilt, worry and fear you may have for your son. The meetings are free, anonymous, no gossip and can be extremely helpful in learning how to interact with your son in a healthy way regardless of his choices.
I hope these ideas are helpful.
I will keep you in my prayers.
Susie Vanderlip
Q&A with Susie: Teen worries about Dad's drinking
Hi Susie,
My dad has a drinking problem and he pushes me around. What can I do?
-Worried Teen
______________________________________________________________________________
Hi Worried Teen -
Check out www.al-anon.alateen.org
Then read everything you can about Alateen, order the pamphlets (they're free), if you can afford any of the books, I encourage you to read the little red book or the Courage to Be Me book. These will help you understand what to do about your dad's drinking and related behavior problems.
Immediately I suggest you do your best to remove yourself from wherever he is when he's been drinking. Don't hang around to be pushed around. Don't argue with him when he's been drinking; you're only arguing with alcohol, and putting yourself in a position to be hurt. Better to be happy than to be right! Alcohol makes people angry, unreasonable, critical, argumentative, and even violent.
Lastly, if he ever hits you or you are scared for your safety, pick up the phone and call 911. Get the police there to protect you and also he will get the message that his drinking and abuse is a problem. You are not being bad or disloyal. Your safety comes first. If you have to, leave and go to a friend's house over night. Where is your mom in all this?
What I am sharing with you is what I, too, learned what to do at Al-Anon/Alateen. It is the smartest steps I know.
Thanks for caring enough about yourself to reach out for help!
Susie
My dad has a drinking problem and he pushes me around. What can I do?
-Worried Teen
______________________________________________________________________________
Hi Worried Teen -
Check out www.al-anon.alateen.org
Then read everything you can about Alateen, order the pamphlets (they're free), if you can afford any of the books, I encourage you to read the little red book or the Courage to Be Me book. These will help you understand what to do about your dad's drinking and related behavior problems.
Immediately I suggest you do your best to remove yourself from wherever he is when he's been drinking. Don't hang around to be pushed around. Don't argue with him when he's been drinking; you're only arguing with alcohol, and putting yourself in a position to be hurt. Better to be happy than to be right! Alcohol makes people angry, unreasonable, critical, argumentative, and even violent.
Lastly, if he ever hits you or you are scared for your safety, pick up the phone and call 911. Get the police there to protect you and also he will get the message that his drinking and abuse is a problem. You are not being bad or disloyal. Your safety comes first. If you have to, leave and go to a friend's house over night. Where is your mom in all this?
What I am sharing with you is what I, too, learned what to do at Al-Anon/Alateen. It is the smartest steps I know.
Thanks for caring enough about yourself to reach out for help!
Susie
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
2007 Newsletters
January
http://www.legacyofhope.com/January_2007.htm -Giving Girls Goals
February
http://www.legacyofhope.com/feb_2007.htm -Underage drinking
March
http:/// -DENIAL - Small Word, Big Impact
April
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Apr_2007.htm -Kids and Money -What They Need To Know
May
http://www.legacyofhope.com/May_2007.htm -Drug Test Your Teen - Yes or No - FREE DRUG TESTS AVAILABLE
June
http://www.legacyofhope.com/June_2007.htm -Free GRAND Subscription, Kids of Meth Parents, Prescription Drug Use in Rehab, Power of Parenting Day
July
http://www.legacyofhope.com/July_2007.htm -FOX NEWS LIVE Interview with Susie; Teens & Risk-Taking;Emotional Connection/Attunement facilitates Academic Achievement; Research on Zero Tolerance; and Parents Providing Alcohol at Parties
August
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Aug_2007.htm -Stop Childhood Obesity - Nutrition Newsletter
September
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Sept 2007.htm - Teen Emotional Issues - Talking Helps, Psychotropic Drugs and more
http://www.legacyofhope.com/January_2007.htm -Giving Girls Goals
February
http://www.legacyofhope.com/feb_2007.htm -Underage drinking
March
http:/// -DENIAL - Small Word, Big Impact
April
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Apr_2007.htm -Kids and Money -What They Need To Know
May
http://www.legacyofhope.com/May_2007.htm -Drug Test Your Teen - Yes or No - FREE DRUG TESTS AVAILABLE
June
http://www.legacyofhope.com/June_2007.htm -Free GRAND Subscription, Kids of Meth Parents, Prescription Drug Use in Rehab, Power of Parenting Day
July
http://www.legacyofhope.com/July_2007.htm -FOX NEWS LIVE Interview with Susie; Teens & Risk-Taking;Emotional Connection/Attunement facilitates Academic Achievement; Research on Zero Tolerance; and Parents Providing Alcohol at Parties
August
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Aug_2007.htm -Stop Childhood Obesity - Nutrition Newsletter
September
http://www.legacyofhope.com/Sept 2007.htm - Teen Emotional Issues - Talking Helps, Psychotropic Drugs and more
Monday, April 9, 2007
2006 Newsletters
January Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/jan_2006.htm -
iPod Influence on Teens & Education
iPod Influence on Teens & Education
February Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/feb_2006.htm -Teen Prescription Drug Abuse - Pharming Parties
March Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/mar_2006.htm -The Cheating Game
April Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/april_2006.htm -Teens and the Internet
May Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/May_2006.htm - Teens and Excess Stress
June Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/June_2006.htm -Dangerous Teen Trends - Choking Game, Racy Books
July Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/July_2006.htm -Sobriety High Schools, Recovery College, Resources on Underage Drinking
August Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/August_2006.htm -Teaching Teens Tolerance
September Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/Sept_2006.htm - Essential role of School Counselors in Middle & High School
October Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/Oct_2006.htm -Eating Issues of Teens
November Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/November_2006.htm -Arts Impact on Raising Healthy Kids
December Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/December_2006.htm -Teaching Teens Compassion
2005 Newsletters
January Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/jan_2005.htm -Alcohol Issues and Medical Community plus more
February Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/feb_2005.htm -Various topics - Household product Misuse, Alcohol Industry, etc
March Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/mar_2005.htm -Tobacco/Smoking Impact issues
May Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/may_2005.htm -Girl Aggression
June Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/june_2005.htm - Predatory Drugs and Young Adults
July Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/july_2005.htm - New Drug Concerns, Medical Research and USC Ban on Alcohol
August Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/aug_2005.htm -Sleep Deprivation - Impact on Teens
September Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/sept_2005.htm -Eating Habits and their Impact on Teens
October Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/oct_2005.htm -Teen Gambling Concerns
November Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/nov_2005.htm -Teen Depression
2004 Newsletters
January Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/jan_2004.htm -Inhalants, Suicide, Smoking articles
February Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/feb_2004.htm -Drinking - Variety of Interesting Perspectives re: Teen Drinking
March Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/mar_2004.htm -Youth Violence Issues
May Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/may_2004.htm -Teen Depression, Suicide
July Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/jul_2004.htm -Stress-Induced Teen Drinking, Specific State Alcohol Actions
August Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/aug_2004.htm -Juvenile Drug Court - Example - Orange County, California
October Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/oct_2004.htm -Youth Violence, Video Games, and more
November Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/nov_2004.htm -What Various Countries are Doing about Youth Alcohol and Substance Abuse
2003 Newsletter
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2003.htm -What's up with LEGACY OF HOPE Outreach
2002 Newsletter
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2002.htm -Rural America - Alcohol & Drugs Perspective
2001 Newsletters
Fall Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/fall_2001.htm -Lessons on Sex Learned on the Dance Floor/Freaking
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2001.htm -Various Prevention Topics
Winter Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/winter_2001.htm -Pre-Teen Fashion Concerns, Youth and Gun Violence, Verbal Abuse Impact
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2001.htm -Various Prevention Topics
Winter Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/winter_2001.htm -Pre-Teen Fashion Concerns, Youth and Gun Violence, Verbal Abuse Impact
2000 Newsletters
Fall Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/fall_2000.htm -Dealing with Stress: How Men and Women Differ, various Prevention Articles
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2000.htm -Prevention Info, Service Learning Curriculum
Winter Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/winter_2000.htm -National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Spring Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/spring_2000.htm -Prevention Info, Service Learning Curriculum
Winter Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/winter_2000.htm -National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
1999 Newsletter
Fall Newsletter: http://www.legacyofhope.com/fall_1999.htm -Elements of a Good Prevention Program, Teen Violence Prevention
my book: 52 Ways To Protect Your Teen
iParenting Media Award, 2006 EXCELLENT PRODUCTS WINNER!
* Sleep better knowing your teen is well prepared to resist peer pressure.
* Written in 52 short, easy-to-read chapters
* Unique insights into the “why” and “how” teenagers think.
I wrote this book based on lengthy one-on-one conversations with 25,000 individual teens following my LEGACY OF HOPE® assemblies at their schools and youth conferences.
The world our youth are growing up in today is not the same as the world of our childhood. The pressures and the pains of adolescence are magnified multi-fold, and so are the means of escaping them. So we adults need a reality check AND we need to know how to reach teenagers raised in a digital, multi-media, sound-bite, extreme, star-studded, sexualized, endorsed drug-using social environment. Let's not forget that it is a bottom-line profits world today in which we've allowed corporate America to market everything under the sun to our youth with sexual messages we would have considered pornography a generation ago.
HOW TO with a mighty mix of HOPE! 52 Ways is easy to read -- read a little, read a lot, then re-read when you want to try out a new skill or approach to a teen, on a day he/she is sporting a less than communicative "attitude"!
52 Ways to Protect Your Teen
Guiding Teens to Good Choices and Success
Author Susie Vanderlip, CSP
A great read for teens, as well, to get along better with parents and peers!
* Sleep better knowing your teen is well prepared to resist peer pressure.
* Written in 52 short, easy-to-read chapters
* Unique insights into the “why” and “how” teenagers think.
For more information about 52 Ways to Protect your Teen or to place an order visit www.waystoprotect.com
I wrote this book based on lengthy one-on-one conversations with 25,000 individual teens following my LEGACY OF HOPE® assemblies at their schools and youth conferences.
The world our youth are growing up in today is not the same as the world of our childhood. The pressures and the pains of adolescence are magnified multi-fold, and so are the means of escaping them. So we adults need a reality check AND we need to know how to reach teenagers raised in a digital, multi-media, sound-bite, extreme, star-studded, sexualized, endorsed drug-using social environment. Let's not forget that it is a bottom-line profits world today in which we've allowed corporate America to market everything under the sun to our youth with sexual messages we would have considered pornography a generation ago.
HOW TO with a mighty mix of HOPE! 52 Ways is easy to read -- read a little, read a lot, then re-read when you want to try out a new skill or approach to a teen, on a day he/she is sporting a less than communicative "attitude"!
Who I Am and What I Do
Maybe you just saw me at your school today, or maybe I talked at a conference you were at in the past... You may remember me best as "Julio", a gang member from the barrio with a mean, alcoholic dad and a painful past... Maybe you'll remember me best as the cheerleader in red whose dad drinks too much, or how about the soccer player whose parents just split and is now cutting on herself because of emotions she cannot face. Maybe you remember these or another of the 8 characters I portray in my one-woman show, LEGACY OF HOPE 
All these characters are based on real teens and adults I’ve met on my journey to help teens understand the power and purpose of their feelings and, more importantly, how they drive us from within – how anger, sadness, grief, self-loathing, hopelessness and despair are important emotions that tell us we need to reach out and ask for help from caring and safe people.
I also hope you'll just remember me as Susie, the lady in the red jacket who spoke about a 15 year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy who met in high school, fell madly in love, and later got married. Do you remember how I shared that they first tried alcohol and pot at parties in college (like parties in every high school in America today!)? I shared how HE really liked it. In fact, he turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with the stress/emotions in his life. He was an intelligent and capable person who became a dentist, yet turned to prescription and illegal drugs to handle his feelings, fears, discomfort, anxiety, depression, and disappointments. Then, you may remember my sharing that SHE began to feel suicidal living with him. It didn’t matter how high he got or what he took to get there, he now was mean and angry or ignored her completely. She had been the high school valedictorian and voted Most Likely to Succeed. It did not matter. His criticisms and unkindness eroded her self-esteem. Then, one night, he self-medicated for the flu: took some prescription pain killer (like Oxycontin), drank some alcohol, and snorted lines of cocaine. In the middle of the night, his heart stopped; by morning he was gone. That morning at the age of 35, as I shared, my husband died. This was my story. And, of course, my pain. In the 20+ years since that happened, I have learned so many important lessons about dealing with feelings, how to get out of feeling like a victim, how to heal anger/shame/resentment, who to talk to about grief, and just what it takes to develop emotional wisdom – the key ingredient to feeling happy, joyous and free of past pain.
So, here I am – ready to be a resource to you and your friends if you get what I’m talking about – if someone else’s drinking, drug use, sexual acting out, unkindness, criticism, cruelty has affected your emotions like it did mine. If you come from a family where someone has a drinking or drug problem, or a family with verbal, physical, emotional abuse, perhaps you, too, need to know where to get help. I can help you with that. I am not a therapist, a counselor, or a licensed social worker. I am simply one person willing to share their experience, strength and hope along the road to emotional well-being – particularly if you’ve thought you were the only one dealing with such things.
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