When it comes to your teen how many times have you been told not to fuss over long hair, a messy room, or torn jeans?
There are important issues that arise when we consider dress and grooming. When a teen acts out, look at his or her attire and frequently you will find a statement being made about themselves, their family and their perception of society.
My personal belief is that patterns of dress, affiliation with popular trends in music, dress and hair style says a lot about where the mind of a teenager is focused.
It is easy to fall into popular parenting traps of complete and absolute acceptance. Don't buy this concept for a minute. You could lose your teen to a world of misfits if you hold to this idea for very long.
There is much to be said for a teen who dresses well, takes care of their body, is neat and clean, and a healthy desire to dress modestly and in a generally conservative fashion, make a positive projection to the world.
Sometimes it even matters more than grades and pure accomplishment. Put two teens side by side. One with a neat and clean appearance and the other with a sloppy, disheveled look. I will be bet you a dollar the clean one gets the job.
Employers are not looking to mar their public image and a teen focused on a fad or style that lends negatively will almost always be behind from the beginning.
It is important to be careful when addressing these issues as many teens as well as adults will cry foul if you are perceived in any way to tamper with "free-expression".
The United States used to be a more neat and comely society. In many respects much more regarded and admired. Much of this had to do with appearances almost more than performance.
Lets use whatever influence we can to steer our teens in a higher and more noble direction than the popular trends of the day would have us go.
If we do I am certain our teens will find greater success and a power to overcome challenges with much more confidence.
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