I often get mixed feelings when I think about bringing up my three kids in this day and age. As a professed techie growing up in what my little ones consider the stone age, where there were no cell phones, mp3 players, motion-control videogames, movie-making media, HD-TVs, and almost limitless information at the click of a button, I can’t help but feel a bit envious that they have at their very fingertips such great gadgets, technology, and opportunity.
But on the other end, I can’t shake the feeling that they are living in a very dark age, and it’s just going to get worse as they grow into adults. Certainly, many of the mores that were considered taboo and abhorrent during my days growing up are now the norm today. How would the world be when my kids become adults, themselves? Scary, isn’t it?
According to popular author Josh McDowell, in the next 12 months:
- 500,000 children will attempt suicide
- More than 1 million will run away from home
- 75,000 teens will give birth to illegitimate babies
- 418,000 girls under 19 will have received abortion to end unwanted pregnancy
- 12,000,000 teens will take some form of narcotics and regularly use drugs
- 3,300,000 young people will experience a serious drinking problem
- 5,000,000 children will become victims of broken homes
- 4,000,000 children will be beaten, molested, or otherwise abused by their parents
- More than 50% of the 21 million teens between 15-19 are sexually active
- Another 2M between 13 and 14 are believed to be sexually active
These statistics were taken many years ago, and I’m sure it hasn’t improved since. Don’t think we’re any better off because this survey was taken in the west. Even when there’s no divorce here, broken families abound. Couple this with the common situation of one or both parents leaving for work abroad, and the general economic situation that many face…well, this is the world our children are growing up in, and the world they will inherit will likely be worse.
Are our kids in trouble, friends? I think the obvious answer is yes.
But is there hope? Is there still hope that you can raise positive kids in a negative world that’s getting more and more negative?
The answer, I believe, is also yes…but we need all the help we can get.
Whether you feel that you have arrived as a mom or a dad, or parenting woes have left you heartbroken and down on your knees, allow me to invite you to a fantastic event that would greatly help you in this area.
Two of the nation’s top motivational speakers, Francis Kong and Peter Tan Chi, will speak on how to inspire your children to become winners. Mark your calendars on December 4, 2010 as they will grace us with their presence and wisdom for four hours of the afternoon (2-6 PM) in what’s surely going to be a wonderful time. The venue for this exciting event is Limketkai Atrium, with the cost being a ridiculously low P100.00.
Francis Kong needs no introduction, as he is very well known as an author, media personality, and is a very in-demand speaker all across Asia. Peter Tan Chi is an educator and mentor extraordinaire, and surely a great speaker in his own right—especially on the topic of parenting. When I think about it, Mr. Tan Chi is probably my favorite speaker and foremost role-model on this topic. You will find out why on December 4.
I been blessed to have listened to both men several times on different occasions; and after each time, I left the venue a changed and inspired man. They are surely big draws on their own, but to have them both at the same event? That is truly a rare gem…a gem that you absolutely must avail of. All you’ll need to do is to call 857-3000 or the participating schools (see poster) for your tickets.
Make no bones about it: if you care about raising winners in an age where it’s exceedingly difficult to do so, you need to be in attendance. I feel a little awkward when it comes to rating myself as a parent; but without a shadow of a doubt, I wouldn’t be nearly as good a dad as I am now if it weren’t for events like these.
I’m sure you’d be blessed as well. I’d like to give a truckload of thanks to Cagayan de Oro Association of Private Elementary Schools, Rotary Club of Kalayaan, Rotary Club of Metro Cagayan de Oro, Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists—Northern Mindanao Chapter, and Christ’s Commission Fellowship for making this event happen.
PARENTING WINNERS with Peter Tan Chi and Francis Kong. December 4, 2010. Limketkai Atrium. 2:00 – 6:00 PM. I expect to see you all there!
Oh, before I end…if you have a high school or college age child, Mr. Francis Kong will speak on BECOMING A PERSON OF EXCELLENCE at Christ’s Commission Fellowship at 9:30 AM that same morning. It’s actually very near to Limketkai, just across the street from the Robinson’s Car Park entrance. This youth talk is absolutely free, so feel, uh…free to bring him or her there. Did I mention your child will get to see Francis Kong for free? As in, absolutely no charge? Again, 857-3000 is the number to call.
