Most teens get their drivers license at the age of 16.  Driving is a major responsibility so make sure you're prepared for it.  Sign up for driver's education classes and get some practice time with mom and dad.  The more experience you have the better you'll be to handle a vehicle.

Driving is a privilege.  You're very lucky if you receive a car for your 16t birthday.  Having a car is a responsibility.  Your car needs gas, car insurance, routine maintenance and repairs, and washing.  If you're not ready for all of this responsibility then you may want to rethink getting your driver's license.

Practicing will help you to become a safe teen driver.  Remember, there are other drivers on the road who have more experience and insurance than you!  They know how to use their driving skills to their advantage so make sure you're a courteous driver on the road at all times.

Driving tips

1.  Do not drink and drive.
2.  Make sure you check your blind spot before you merge into traffic.
3.  Learn how to merge into traffic.
4.  Don't be a road hog -- you're not the only one the road.
5.  Make sure your windows are clean so you can see out of them.
6.  Drive the speed limit.
7.  Don't get involved in road rage, it's not worth it.
8.  Drive a vehicle that you can handle.
9.  Don't allow your gas to go past a half tank.
10.  Carry windshield wiper solution, oil, fix a flat, brake fluid, power steering fluid, antifreeze, fuel injector cleaner, water, jack, gloves, jumper cables, blankets, jacket, rags, and extra clothes in your trunk.
11.  Purchase car insurance.
12.  Don't blast the music when you drive because you may not be able to hear police, EMS, and fire sirens.

Teens become safe drivers today so tomorrow you can live a long life.  It's not worth it to drive fast because you can "crash and burn" in an instant.  Plus, you can harm others which could result in death and or a lawsuit.  Be safe on the roads.  Your destination is not going anywhere so drive the speed limit.  If you end up late than you're late.  Better late than dead!

Teens, do you know what you want to be when you grow up?  If you don't, there's no need to worry about it.  However, you may want to give it some thought.  Whatever you choose, make sure it's your passion.  Don't choose a career because your mom and dad want you to follow in their footsteps.  Do what you want to do!

Some teens may be entrepreneurial.  This means that you'll be the boss!  You'll have most of the responsibility if you don't have a partner, but you'll receive plenty of tax incentives.  And, you get to make your hours, decide when you take lunch, go on vacation when you want, and make other decisions.

Tips to finding your career

1.  What makes you smile?
2.  What are your passions?
3.  What are your talents?
4.  What do you like to do?

Teens it's never too early to think about what you want to do when you grow up.  You may as well do something that you'll enjoy doing.  If you choose a career for the money, you may be disappointed and resent your career.  Choose a career that you'll love!

Every 18 seconds someone is abused.  Teens dealing with domestic violence get help.  No one has the right to abuse you, not even your parents.  It may be scary to tell someone about what is going on at home, but the sooner you do the better.

Domestic violence happens for numerous reasons.  Sometimes parents were abused as children.  If they don't receive counseling or deal with the abuse, they're more than likely to be abusers.  Remember, nine times out of ten, parents raise their children based on they were raised. 

Teens, you don't have to deal with domestic violence on your own.  Tell your grandparents, teacher, guidance counselor, minister, or whomever you trust.  Get help today so tomorrow you can live a better life.

Domestic Violence can happen anywhere, at any time.  It does not discriminate.  If you're in a domestic violence situation, get help today.  Call the Domestic Violence hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or 1.800.787.3224 (TTY).

Why does domestic violence occur?  Some parents can't handle the pressures of life and they snap.  Others were abused as children or witnessed their mom or dad being abused.  It's a vicious cycle that will repeat itself if it's not dealt with in the proper manner.

Teens if you're involved in a domestic violence situation get help today because your life depends on it.  No one deserves to be in this situation.  Remember that it's NOT your fault.  Have the courage to speak up and don't lie about your situation because that will make matters worse.  Get the support you need so you can live a happy and healthy life now and in the future.

Many teens are surrounded by drugs because drug pushers hang around schools.  Stay away from anyone that pushes drugs on you because it's not worth it.  Once you get addicted it may take you some time and money to break the addiction.  It's better to avoid drugs at all cost. 

Drug pushers prey on teens because they're easy targets.  Most teens want to look cool so they'll go along with the crowd.  Learn to be yourself and just say no!  There's nothing cool about frying your brain on drugs.  If you do too many drugs, you run the risk of overdosing which means you can die.  Do you really want to die at a young age from drugs?  Think about that before you purchase drugs.

Teens you may experiment with drugs.  You are not the first teenagers and will not be the last ones to try drugs.  Avoid drug pushers at all costs because they may not be "pushing" the real deal.  They could have mixed the drugs with something else that will cause your death in an instant.  Think about before you buy something from the street.

The hardcore drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroine can screw you up big time.  Of course, they can also kill you.  Then again you could die from sharing needles if you "shoot up."  Using a dirty needle means you can contract STDs, Aids, and other diseases.  Are these diseases worth it to get a high that doesn't last that long?  When you come down from your high you could go through withdrawal and become sick.  Does that sound like fun?  Does puking and going into convulsions sound like fun?  Think about that before you do any type of drug that is pushed on you.  If you don't know the side effects, you could die in an instant.  The headline will read "Dead at 16."  Is that what you want?  The choice is yours.

Drug pushers who target teens have nothing else to do with their time.  If they really wanted to run a drug business, they'd push the drugs onto high profile people who can afford the good stuff.  That's just the way it is.  Many people believe that drug addicts are derelicts when in fact most addicts are rich and successful.  So why would drug pushers sell to teens?  They do this to get you hooked.  Before you know it, you'll become a regular customer.  Here's a tip:  spend your money on something else and forget about drugs.  It's not worth it!

Teens if you want to be healthy stay away from drug pushers.  Once you become addicted you may have a tough time breaking the addiction.  Plus, you better have the money to pay drug pushers.  They mean serious business.  If you don't have the money, they will find a way to get it from you or someone close to you.  That's the way it goes because it is a business.  Stay in school, do your best, and stay clean and sober.  There's enough crap in the atmosphere that can pollute your lungs.  You don't have to seek it elsewhere!

 Teens, how many of you are ready for the responsibility of having a baby?  In my opinion, no teen is ready to be a parent.  In fact, some adults are not ready to be parents.  Learning about birth control now can prepare you when you're mature enough to enter into an intimate relationship.  Hopefully, some teens will put off having sex.  If you're thinking about having sex or are sexually active, you'll want to read this post.

Some teens are raised in strict families where birth control is prohibited or frowned upon.  Teens, you have the right to decide what is best for you.  If you want to go on birth control or know more about it, visit your local Planned Parenthood to pickup information about birth control.

Note:  Some diseases such as HPV, HSV1 and 2, and crabs are transmitted through the skin contact.

Types of birth control

1.  Oral.  The pill is the most popular choice of birth control.  You take a pill for 21 days.  The pill is available in a 21-day or 28-day pack.  The last seven pills in a 28-day pack are called reminder pills.  They'll keep you on schedule so you don't forget to take your pill.  The pill costs $15 - $50 per month.  Some insurance companies are starting to cover the pill. 

2.  Condom.  No matter what type of birth control you use, always, ALWAYS use a condom because they can prevent STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).  Having a STD or STI is not fun and it costs MONEY because you'll have to be on prescriptive drugs -- sometimes for life!

3.  Diaphragm.  This is inserted into the vagina and it covers the cervix.  You must use a spermicide cream or jelly with the diaphragm; otherwise it will not be effective in preventing pregnancy.  It costs $15 - $75.

4.  Female condom.  It's inserted into the vagina and can prevent STIs.  It costs about $4 ad is safe and effective to use.

5.  Sponge.  A plastic foam sponge that contains spermicide is placed in the vagina.  It covers the cervix to prevent pregnancy.  It costs $9 - $15.

6.  Cervical Cap.  It's a silicone cap that's placed in the vagina to prevent pregnancy and costs $60 - $75.

7.  Abstinence.  The best way not to get pregnant or catch a STD or STI is to abstain from having sex when you're a teen.  Of course, all bets are off when you reach adulthood.  However, at least you'll be prepared when you engage in sexual activity.

As you can tell, having sex is a responsibility.  Girls choose to use the pill, sponge, condoms, and or some other contraceptive.  Guys buy condoms at  the store.  Having sex is a responsibility that you may not be prepared for.  Are you emotionally ready to have sex?  Are you economically ready to have sex?  You may want to think about these questions before you have sex!

Teens, how well do you write?  Can you read your writing?  Did you know that your proficiency tests are being scored by people who may have difficulty reading your writing?  The good news is there are "checks and balances" to ensure you receive a fair score.  However, this doesn't mean that you couldn't improve your writing in more ways than one.

Whenever you take a test, make sure to write legible.  Write a cohesive, well thought out answer.  Before you respond to a question, take a moment to think about it.  This way your answer will sound intelligent and you may score some points for effort.

Tips to improve your writing

1.  Get tutoring.  There's nothing wrong with asking for help.  Your teacher could help you after school or you could attend a Sylvan Learning Center or some other learning center.
2.  Read fiction and non-fiction books.  Read the classics such as Charles Dickens and pickup a couple of writing books that will help you improve your writing.
3.  Ask your teacher for examples of exemplary papers from previous years.  Your teacher may have copies of papers from past students who did extremely well.  Ask if you could review those papers so you can see what a well written "A" paper looks like.
4.  Just write.  Journaling can help improve your writing.  Writing every day will improve your writing skills.

Writing is imperative because it shows how well you digest and comprehend information.  If your writing is not that great, ask for help.  Find a tutor or ask your teacher for extra help after school.  Read books and improve your writing skills any way you can.

Teens, it's imperative that you know how to write.  When you fill out a college application, you'll be expected to write a personal statement.  Not only will this letter show a college's administration "why" you want to go to college, it will show them how well you write.  Believe me, you will write many papers in college.  It's best to be prepared now so you'll be prepared when you go to college or run your own business.

Improving your writing skills now will serve you later in life.  Someday, you may be required to write reports that will be given to the CEO (chief executive officer) or CFO (chief financial officer).  Even if you want to own your own business, you'll be required to write a business plan.  If you want investors to back you then you'll need a well written business plan. 

Writing well will take you far in life.  Now is the time to hone your writing skills.  Get started by reading a book or two and educating yourself.  Write every day and you'll be a writing pro in no time.  Your grades will improve which means your chances of getting into your favorite college or university will go up.  Good luck!

Many teens are not well prepared to take state proficiency tests, especially when it comes to the reading and writing section.  If you can't read and write, how do you expect to function in the "real" world?  You can't function in the real world without knowing how to read and write.

I have been given the opportunity to see firsthand how deplorable some teens read, write, and spell.  Do you even know what the word deplorable means?  If not, go to Dictionary.com or grab a dictionary and look it up!  As a scorer of proficiency tests, it saddens me to see that some teens in one particular state have the reading and writing level of a 4th grader (or lower) when they're in the 9th grade.  Teens, what's going on in school?  How the hell did you get into the 9th grade?  That one is not your fault.  Our educational system in the U.S. is not one of the strongest in the world.  Administrators pass kids just to get them out of high school and out of their hair or to save money.

Teens, how serious do you take your education?  What problems do you have with reading and writing?  What extra help have you been given?  How well do your teachers teach?  How well do you pay attention in class?  This is your life and you are responsible for it. 

It's a serious matter when you can't read and write.  No one will hire you for a top level position and you won't be able to receive a bank loan if you want to purchase a car, home, or business loan when you're older.  You must be able to read and write in order to understand what it is you're applying for.  You must understand the terms and conditions of the paperwork put in front of you.  If not, you could wind up like most of the people who applied for housing loans only to be scammed!

Teens, reading and writing are essential tools.  You must be able to fill out an employment application in order to get a job.  If you can't read and write, how will you fill out the employment application?  You must be able to read a college application to attend college.  How will you go to college if you can't understand the college application?  You will NOT go to college!

Some teens say they don't like to read.  Why?  Do you think your brain will explode from the knowledge its absorbing?  Do you think that it's not cool to read?  What's holding you back?  Are you afraid your family, friends, or community members will make fun of you and call you names like "bookworm" if you learn to read and write?  Here's a tip:  stop thinking about what others think and focus on YOU and you alone.  If you learn to read and write and find an awesome job or start your own business, the people who made fun of you will be  asking you for a handout!

Teens, pickup a book and READ it today!  There's nothing wrong with expanding your mind outside of the classroom.  In fact, you're probably better off.  Find a tutor who can help you.  Ask your librarian for help.  Ask your guidance counselor for help.  Ask your parents for help.  Take reading and writing seriously because it will open up a world that you didn't know existed.  Start today so tomorrow you'll have a brighter future!

Parents often pass their values to their teens.  Here are some definitions for values taken from Dictionary.com:

1.  Relative worth, merit, or importance: the value of a college education; the value of a queen in chess.

2.  Import or meaning; force; significance: the value of a word.

3.  Values, Sociology. The ideals, customs, institutions, etc., of a society toward which the people of the group have an affective regard. These values may be positive, as cleanliness, freedom, or education, or negative, as cruelty, crime, or blasphemy.

4. Ethics.  Any object or quality desirable as a means or as an end in itself.

5.  To consider with respect to worth, excellence, usefulness, or importance.

6.  To regard or esteem highly:  He values her friendship.

Values are a set of principles that you live your life.  What are your values?  Do you even have a values system?  Your values today will shape the person you'll be tomorrow.  They  will help you to focus on what is important in your life.  They'll help you to make clear decisions and take the right or inspired action steps.

If you don't have anyone in your life right now to show you what "values" are then take a look at the list of values on this post.  You may already have some of these values or may want to incorporate them into your life.

Examples of values

Integrity
Honesty
Intuition
Gratitude
Fairness
Trust
Loyalty
Respect
Dependability
Humility
Success
Unity
Warmth
Silence
Wealth
Simplicity
Recreation
Professionalism
Originality
Perseverance
Determination
Foresight
Ingenuity
Ambitious
Studious

Having a values system is important because it will help you to function in this world.  You'll encounter people throughout life who don't have your highest good in mind.  It's up to you to be able to spot those people a mile away and stop them in their tracks.  You can do this by relying on your values system.  If someone is deceptive and deception is not one of your values then don't allow that person into your mix.  Simply say "no thanks" and move forward with your life.  And, there's no reason to feel guilty about it!

Values can keep you on your path.  Do your best to avoid the fast talkers who may appear in your life.  Sooner or later, they'll burn out and fade away into the background.  Always do what is best according to your values system.  Forget about what others are doing because it doesn't concern you.  Focus on you and your values; you'll be just fine!

Teens when you say NO it means no.  Don't allow another person to pressure you into  something you're not comfortable doing.  Avoid following PEER PRESSURE such as, "...if you're my friend, you'll help me; if you love me, you'll have sex with me; if you want me to be happy, you'll go along with my plan."  These are bully tactics -- don't fall for them!

Unfortunately, life is not always easy.  Sometimes we're put into situations that are uncomfortable but they're necessary for us to grow as a person.  Yes, this sucks big time, but it's how we learn!

If you're feeling pressured to have sex, say no and mean it.  Please don't fall for the B.S. lines such as, "if you love me, you'll do it; everyone's doing it; you're not normal if you don't want to do it; these pressure tactics are based on the other person's fear and insecurity.  If someone REALLY and TRULY loves you, they will not pressure you into doing something you're not comfortable doing.

Disclaimer:  You may have to "suck it up" and go to your grandparents.  However, make sure you voice your opinion why you don't want to go.  Just don't say, "...no, I don't want to go."  You'll still have to get into the SUV, but you'll feel great because you spoke up for yourself.

Set your boundaries today because they'll serve you later in life.  Never give your power away to another.  If you don't want to try out for the baseball team, tell your parents you have no desire to play baseball.  Respect your parents, but don't let them push you into extracurricular activities that you don't want to do.  It's your life not theirs!

Saying no and meaning it will not come easy for some teens because you may have the "care giver archetype."  There's nothing wrong with this as long as you're coming from the healthy side of it.  If you're prone to martyrdom and enabling behaviors, you'll feel the negative side of this archetype.  Remember that everything has a positive and a negative.

It's liberating to say no.  Stand your ground.  Don't allow someone to force you to do something you don't want to do.  You have every right to say no, especially if you may get into trouble.  If your friends respect you and really are your friends, they will not ask you to put yourself in harm's way.  Think about that before you agree to do something that doesn't feel right or is wrong in the "eyes of the law" or according to your values systems.

Cliques are nothing new.  No matter if you're in elementary, junior, or high school, you'll find cliques.  What is a clique?  A clique "is an exclusive group of people who share interests, views, purposes, patterns of behavior, or ethnicity.  Membership in a clique is often, but not necessarily, exclusive, and qualifications for membership may be social or essential to the nature of the clique" (retrieved from Wikipedia on March 9, 2010).

Sometimes cliques can make you feel like crap.  That's just how it is.  You may think that something's wrong with you if you're not part of a clique.  There's nothing wrong with you.  Besides, would you really want to be part of a group that excludes people?  How much fun is that?  What if the teens in the clique are rude or mean to their fellow peers?  How bad do you want that reputation?  Being part of a clique is not what it's cracked up to be.

Most cliques thing they're so important that they can't be bothered with certain people.  These teens need to get over themselves.  When you apply for a job, the hiring manager will not care if you were part of a clique in high school. 

How to handle cliques

1.  Ignore them.  They may dress in clothes from Abercrombie and Fitch, Jimmy Choo, The Buckle, or whatever store is popular.  Who cares!  The clothes are made in other countries for dollars.  They're shipped to the U.S. and slapped with a significant markup.  Jeans with a price tag of $250 jeans were probably made for $2.00 in another country.  That's a brief "economics" lesson for you!  Remember that the next time you go shopping or you overhear someone bragging about their new pair of $250 jeans!

2.  Stand your ground.  Cliques sometimes like to intimidate their fellow teens.  Don't think about it or give it attention.  Stand up for yourself when it's warranted, but consider the source when someone harasses you.  Most people who bully or harass others are insecure.

3.  Go with the flow.  Cliques are nothing new.  If you really want to be part of a clique, ask yourself "why" you want to be part of the group.  What's so great about them?  What do you admire about them?  You may change your mind after you answer these and other questions.

4.  Don't get down on yourself if you're not accepted into a clique.  Being in a clique may seem like a big deal right now, but when you graduate you'll get over it.  You probably won't see these people again, don't fret because the "popular" teens didn't allow you in their clique.

Cliques will come and go.  The popular group today will not be the popular group tomorrow.  If you have true friends, be grateful for them.  Who cares that you're not part of the so called "cool" group.   Just be you because there is no one like you. 

Teens who are desperate to be part of the popular group will most likely continue looking outside of themselves for happiness.  Everything you need is inside of you.  There's nothing outside of you that will make you happy or fill a void.  You must figure out why it's important to be part of a clique.  There's something inside of you that's lacking.  Once you figure out what it is, you will not have the desire to be part of the "in group" at school.  What a relief that will be!