Tag: #forparents

5 Reasons Why We (Teenagers) Need Responsibilities – Reblog

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Note: Hey, peeps! Today, I will be posting a reblog about why we, as teenagers, NEED responsibilities. Thank you so much for reading! Enjoy! ✨

As a teenager, it can be easy to wonder why we suddenly have all these responsibilities. I mean, as a child, they were minimal, but the moment we turn 13, it’s like an extra bucket of chores are poured on us. But why do we need responsibilities now? We aren’t adults yet!

Today, I’m going to be discussing 5 Reasons Why We (Teenagers) Need Responsibilities. ✨ 

1. Responsibilities help prepare us for adulthood.

Sure, we aren’t adults quite yet. But adulthood is not too far away. Therefore, it’s important that we learn how to do things on our own now, so we won’t be like a fishes out of water when we are living in our own homes. Imagine if we were living on our own and we didn’t know how to do simple things like do the laundry or wake up to get to college/work on time.

2. Responsibilities teach us how to be responsible.

If we had nothing that we are supposed to do, no duties, no responsibilities, then we would most likely lack accountability altogether. When we have responsibilities, we are training ourselves to get our work done in a efficient way and amount of time. In other words, it is a way to develop our character and work ethic.

3. Responsibilities allow us to contribute to our homes and communities.

Although we might not always feel like doing chores, doing responsible things like recycling and the laundry for your parents are benefitting your family and your community. Most people take delight in having a nice home and community. Since we live in and are benefitting from our environments, the least we can do is help maintain them.

4. Responsibilities increase our self esteem.

Believe it or not, having our own responsibilities is a confidence booster. Why, you ask? Because they give us an opportunity to do things on our own. And when we do these things successfully, it makes us feel capable, as we are showing ourselves that we can do things without as much needed assistance from others.

5. Responsibilities give us self control and logical thinking.

Responsibilities come in many shapes and forms. Your parents might trust you with the responsibility of going to the local park with your friends. Some duties give us a choice on what is logical, and responsible, to do in these situations. This choice comes into play with logical thinking, and the ability to have self control when it comes to our actions and words.

I hope that these reasons explaining the purpose of responsibility have given you a different perspective, as well as something to think about. Of course, responsibilities can be a challenge, sometimes. But what’s life without challenges?

Have an amazing day, everyone! ✨

A Go-To Guide on How to Make Successful New Year’s Resolutions | Blogmas Day 16

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A Go-To Guide on How to Make Successful New Year’s Resolutions

-ajoyfulchristianteen 🎉

While every year is a blessing, no year is perfect. Therefore, many people find themselves wanting to change something and do better the next year. These targets that we set for ourselves as January comes around are called New Year’s Resolutions.

Making these resolutions are a method to practice reaching your goals and bettering yourself as a person, and they are very healthy ways to start off a new year. But there’s one catch: they aren’t always easy to write and do successfully.

Here’s a helpful guide on how to effectively write New Year’s Resolutions that are reachable, productive, and purposeful!

  • Pick a few, realistic resolutions – Many people will fill a sheet of paper or more with resolutions that they might not finish as the year comes to an end. If you are a goal-getter, then go for it! However, it might be a better idea to pick a few goals (realistic ones). This will allow you to focus more on each specific resolution, rather than juggling a dozen. The least we want to do with our resolutions is put ourselves in a crunch.
  • Start preparing ahead of time. Physically and mentally – Truthfully, change can be a hard thing. Resolutions are essentially changes, some of which can be stopping an addiction or an unhealthy habit. Whatever your resolution(s) are, take the time before January to prepare yourself for your goals. It might help to slowly start your goal beforehand, that way your mind and body has some time to adjust to the unfamiliar changes.
  • Write them down – Believe it or not, we can easily forget things if we don’t write them down. Having documentation of your goals, especially with a signature, is an agreement with yourself that you will push through and complete your resolutions. Not only that, but it is a visual way to help you remember what you want to do for the year.
  • Be specific – Often, when making our resolutions, we tend to speak about our goals in general. However, in order to set a stable path for success, you need to be specific with your details, making sure that you know exactly what you will be doing, and by when you want to complete each resolution.

Here are some examples of general vs. specific New Year’s Resolutions:

  • “I want to lose weight.” vs. “I want to lose 50 pounds by Christmas Day of (insert year.)”
  • “I want to have a healthier diet.” vs. “I want to eat 2 cups of vegetables every day from this day, (insert date), forward.”
  • “I want to save more money.” vs. “I will only go on a shopping spree (for unnecessary items) a maximum of once a month in the year of (insert year.)
  • Explain your resolutions to a confidant. – Some resolutions might be private, and if so, that’s okay. But a good idea to help you remain determined is by telling your New Year’s Resolutions to a confidant (family member, friend, etc.) Doing so will help hold you accountable to your words, and the confidant of choice can help keep you on track!
  • Make large goals smaller by splitting them into sections. – While healthy goals are great, we as humans may try to put too much on our own shoulders. Instead of making long, complicated goals, split them into smaller sections.

Here is an example of how you can make a large goal smaller:

Main Goal: I want to loose 50 pounds in the year of (insert year.)

  • I will eat 2,000 calories per day.
  • I will exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
  • I will loose 4 pounds, 2 ounces every month.
  • Be prepared to reward yourself. – If when the end of the year comes around, you have completed your goal, I can say one thing to you: Congratulations! It’s about time that you congratulate yourself with a healthy reward. You worked hard to reach your goal! Now that you have done what’s best for your health, it’s time to give yourself a pat on the back!

If you don’t remember anything else from this guide, keep in mind that change is an adjustment that takes getting used to. Change can be a good thing, however, with work, determination, and dedication, I’m sure that all of your resolutions will be met!

Have a beautiful day, everyone! 🎉

Pearls are ALWAYS Appropriate

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Pearls are ALWAYS Appropriate

-ajoyfulchristianteen 🤍

What is fashion without the jewelry? Accessories are beautiful tools to help enhance our inner and outer beauty, and that includes what we wear.

While all types of gems can be just as becoming, there is one in particular that simply CANNOT be replaced! Pearls! And since today is National Wear Your Pearls Day, there’s no better time to discuss these delicate beauties!

Pearls are a symbol of wisdom, good fortune, femininity, long life, and elegance. Basically, all the good stuff in a nutshell…or an oyster, in this case, lol.

What I love about pearls is that they can go with absolutely anything, from a fancy prom dress to a simple tee with jeans. They never go out of style, and are a classic edition to any outfit!

Pearls are unique for many more reasons then their delicate appearances. They are the only gems known to men that come from living organisms. Not to mention that natural pearls are one of the most rare jewels in the world!

Fact Pearl-fection

For more information about pearls, here are a few interesting articles!

I hope you all enjoy some of your pearls today, and/or blessed someone else with some. Jewelry allows us to express ourselves and our unique style. So never be afraid to rock some pearls!

Have a beautiful, blessed day, everyone! ✨

Top 5 Christmas Traditions that Help Make the Holidays Memorable | Blogmas Day 9

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Top 5 Christmas Traditions that Help Make the Holidays Memorable

-ajoyfulchristianteen ⭐

Christmas is a special holiday, filled with love, family, joy, giving and sometimes gifts. While there are so many things that make this day special, there is nothing like the Christmas traditions. These activities that many people do each year to celebrate can make amazing memories and allow for quality time with our families and friends.

Let’s take a look at some of my favorite Christmas traditions ! ⭐️

Decorating the Christmas Tree

Every year, me and Goodmommy never forget to set up a festive Christmas tree. It’s just so satisfying to add our personality to it with unique ornaments and garlands to add a little texture. And that final angel or star on top wraps it all together like a bow does a gift. To me, Christmas trees are one of the best ways to light up our home with the Spirit of Christmas.

Christmas Movie Marathon

Sitting on the couch, binging classic and new Christmas movies is definitely a favorite in my house! The nostalgia that I get, and the laughter that it causes is so memorable, and a huge part of the reason for why it’s a tradition. Hallmark Christmas movies are our favorites to splurge on as soon as November begins!

Advent Calendars

I think that advent calendars are so whimsical, and bring even more excitement to the holidays as you wait for Christmas Day to arrive. The suspense from not knowing what trinket you’ll receive next makes them so fun to have. Especially as a family.

Gingerbread Houses

A good gingerbread house can definitely be a joy, especially when you have a close family member or friend by your side. Sure, they can be a little tricky, and messy, to put together, but it’s super fun to look at your work, when you’re done. And the best part? They’re edible, of course!

Christmas Dinner

When Christmas Day finally arrives, the anticipation is over. Me and my whole family get together, and we have a wonderful Christmas dinner. A huge part of Christmas is spending time with family, so any tradition that centers around my loved ones is one of my favorites.

Christmas traditions are simply ways that we celebrate the Christmas season. To be honest, these examples are just a glimpse of the many things that you can do with your family this time of year. The list is almost endless with many festive possibilities!

Have a blessed day, y’all! ✨

Me and Goodmommy Made Gingerbread Houses! + Pics! | Blogmas Day 8

Q'Zion1 Comment

Hey, y’all! Today is National Gingerbread House Day, and to celebrate, me and Goodmommy made our own gingerbread houses!

I must admit, we both had so much fun, and the final results came out pretty good, if I do say so, myself!

❤️ Wait! ❤️ If you’d like to see us actually making our gingerbread houses, be on the look out for the video on our TikTok account! We would really appreciate it if you would follow us @GoodGrands!

Decorating gingerbread houses is so magical during Christmas time! It serves as quality time with your loved ones, and a tasty snack afterwards! Definitely a win-win!

Question of the Day

Comment down below some Christmas traditions in your family! Have you made a gingerbread house, this year?

Have an amazing day everyone! Have a beautiful day! ✨

Gifts — Should We Keep Them a Surprise or Get Validation? + Poll

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Gifts — Should We Keep Them a Surprise or Get Validation?

-ajoyfulchristianteen 💙

Who doesn’t love getting gifts for the holidays? Sure, it isn’t the main reason why days like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and our birthdays are such a big deal, but it never hurts to get a present, large or small! But, one question that I think is overlooked about gifts is how we want to receive them.

Let me explain; some people might prefer their gifts to be a surprise, while others think that asking them what they want is better. A separate group might be in the middle, and think anything is fine. While all sides of the argument are solid, I want to discuss them today.

So, let’s get started!

Surprise Gifts: To be fair, I know a lot of people really like surprises. The ‘surprise factor’ can be what makes the gifts that we receive so special, especially when it’s exactly what we wanted. It could kind of ruin part of the fun when we already know what we are most likely getting for a special holiday (not that we shouldn’t be thankful for it.) And what if we don’t like the gift?

Asking them What they Want: Although this option might ruin the whole ‘surprise factor’, doing so will make it much more likely that we will be gifting a person with something that they truly love. This allows us to spend our money wisely, and it will make the person that we give the gift to happy, as well! It’s a win-win, as long as the giftee. (or the person who receives the gift,) isn’t a fan of surprises.

I truly think that whether my gift is a surprise or not, I will be thankful for the thought, in spite of. A gift is a blessing, and I know that no one has to give me a gift, unless they are doing it out of the kindness of their heart. Therefore, even if it isn’t what I would have picked, it’s the thought, or true intentions, that count.

I want to get you all’s opinions, as well. To get a good feel of which side is most popular among this community, new or not, I would really appreciate it if you would answer the following poll:

As well, please comment which answer you choose and why you choose it down below in the comments!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Also, remember, the best gift of all is another second, minute, hour, and day alive! Each moment of our lives is a representation of God’s grace towards us. We should never take that for granted! 💙

5 Reasons Why We (Teenagers) Need Responsibilities

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5 Reasons Why We (Teenagers) Need Responsibilities

-thejoyfulchristianteen ✨

As a teenager, it can be easy to wonder why we suddenly have all these responsibilities. I mean, as a child, they were minimal, but the moment we turn 13, it’s like an extra bucket of chores are poured on us. But why do we need responsibilities now? We aren’t adults yet!

Today, I’m going to be discussing 5 Reasons Why We (Teenagers) Need Responsibilities. ✨

1. Responsibilities help prepare us for adulthood.

Sure, we aren’t adults quite yet. But adulthood is not too far away. Therefore, it’s important that we learn how to do things on our own now, so we won’t be like a fishes out of water when we are living in our own homes. Imagine if we were living on our own and we didn’t know how to do simple things like do the laundry or wake up to get to college/work on time.

2. Responsibilities teach us how to be responsible.

If we had nothing that we are supposed to do, no duties, no responsibilities, then we would most likely lack accountability altogether. When we have responsibilities, we are training ourselves to get our work done in a efficient way and amount of time. In other words, it is a way to develop our character and work ethic.

3. Responsibilities allow us to contribute to our homes and communities.

Although we might not always feel like doing chores, doing responsible things like recycling and the laundry for your parents are benefitting your family and your community. Most people take delight in having a nice home and community. Since we live in and are benefitting from our environments, the least we can do is help maintain them.

4. Responsibilities increase our self esteem.

Believe it or not, having our own responsibilities is a confidence booster. Why, you ask? Because they give us an opportunity to do things on our own. And when we do these things successfully, it makes us feel capable, as we are showing ourselves that we can do things without as much needed assistance from others.

5. Responsibilities give us self control and logical thinking.

Responsibilities come in many shapes and forms. Your parents might trust you with the responsibility of going to the local park with your friends. Some duties give us a choice on what is logical, and responsible, to do in these situations. This choice comes into play with logical thinking, and the ability to have self control when it comes to our actions and words.

I hope that these reasons explaining the purpose of responsibility have given you a different perspective, as well as something to think about. Of course, responsibilities can be a challenge, sometimes. But what’s life without challenges?

Have an amazing day, everyone! ✨

Happy World Kindness Day! – 2021

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Hey, kind people. You might have already heard of this, but today is World Kindness Day of 2021! Although kindness is important every day of the year, World Kindness Day is a reminder of how important kindness truly is.

Kindness is being compassionate towards someone by choice. You can be kind to yourself and others, both of which are equally important! However, being kind to others will bring you joy, too, as you get to see that positive difference that you have made in their lives!

I hope you all enjoyed my digital drawing that I created specifically for World Kindness Day!

Blog Posts About Kindness

I hope you all have a wonderful day! Remember that kindness is a blessing. If anyone has been kind to you, kindly say, “Thank You!”

1 Corinthians 14:4-8 –

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

45 Acts of Kindness

Q'Zion6 Comments

Yes. Yes you have read the title correctly.

Guess what, y’all! This is my 100th post on The Joys and Trials of A Christian Teen! I just want to say thank you all so much for all of your support! I appreciate every single one of you who have stopped by to spread some love on my blog!

I didn’t know what to expect when I first started this journey, which is still a work in progress. However, I am thankful to God for the progress that I have made, so far, and I am so excited to see how this blog continues to grow and improve, in the future.

God is so Good! 🎉

Since this day is so important, I wanted to post a BANGER! 🎉

So, let’s do it! Here are 45 Acts of Kindness!

1. Call a friend or family member that you haven’t spoken to for a while. Ask them how they are doing.

2. Leave a flower bouquet on someone’s doorstep.

3. Send an encouraging email.

4. Plant a tree.

5. Give your sibling a hug.

6. Donate a baked good or something that you made to those in need.

7. Tutor someone.

8. Write positive messages on sticky notes and put them in places where your family can see them.

9. Like a post that you enjoyed.

10. Give a stranger a compliment.

11. Have anything that you don’t use anymore? Give it to someone else.

12. Wash the dishes for your parents.

13. Get a library book.

14. Send a ‘Thank You’ card to a soldier or veteran.

15. Donate some of your old books to a library.

16. Ask a family member, “What is your least favorite chore?” Then, do that chore for them.

17. Smile more.

18. Donate your hair.

19. Ride your bike to school or work.

20. Write an inspirational poem.

21. Teach someone how to read.

22. Avoid complaining.

23. Enjoy your favorite dessert.

24. Share your food with someone else.

25. Volunteer for a good cause.

26. Tell your sibling something you love about them.

27. Hold the door open for someone.

28. Teach someone how to make a paper crane.

29. If you do something wrong, apologize for it.

30. Tell your guardian that you love them.

31. Watch someone else’s favorite movie.

32. Give your mom, dad, or guardian breakfast in bed.

33. Unplug from social media for a day or week.

34. Adopt a pet.

35. Say, “You look awesome!” to yourself in the mirror.

36. Tell a joke.

37. Write positive messages on the sidewalk in chalk.

38. Start a fundraiser to raise money for a good cause.

39. Make a scarf for someone.

40. Donate blankets and scarves to the homeless.

41. Help your parents make dinner.

42. Make a “Feel Better” card for someone.

43. Ask your guardian(s) and/or grandparent(s) about their childhood.

44. Pick up the trash in your neighborhood. But with gloves, of course.

45. Read a book to kids at your local library.

I hope you all enjoyed this list of 45 Acts of Kindness! Please comment down below #100thpost with the “🎉” emoji to celebrate the 100 post anniversary of The Joys and Trials of a Christian Teen!

Again, I thank you all for the amazing support! Have an amazing day! Remember to be kind!

Galatians 6:9-10 NIV – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

5 Ways to Encourage Personal Development

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5 Ways to Encourage Personal Development

-thejoyfulchristianteen ✨

Look in the mirror. Say what you love about yourself. Maybe you love how you treat others, or how energetic you are, or how you look. Perhaps you love all of the above and more about yourself. If so, give yourself a round of applause! You have developed self confidence!

Now, look in the mirror again and say what you could improve about yourself. I know that for some people, self improvement and actually acknowledging how you can do better is just a way to lower your self confidence. I want to explain that this is not the case.

If we take the time to improve ourselves in a way that we love, then we will begin to love ourselves more and more, because we are becoming more of the person that we want to be.

Let’s discuss 5 Ways to Encourage Personal Development! ✨

#1 – Acknowledge ways that you can improve.

Chances are, you have at least one thing that you could do better. Maybe it’s being kind, having a better diet, or improving something that you are already good at! Whatever it is that you want to improve in, you can do so! But the first thing that you need to do is think about what it actually is that you want to improve about yourself.

#2 – Walk towards your goals with tiny steps.

Goals that you make to develop yourself for the better take time to complete. Make sure that you reach the goal with small, tiny steps forward. The only way that you can put all the effort that you can into your goal is by being patient with yourself, and taking your time to reach it.

#3 – Improve your communication.

A huge skill for your personal development is learning how to communicate with others. Keep in mind that communication is more than speaking. It is also being willing and able to listen to what others have to say. Communication skills are required for many jobs on the market, so once you master communication, many doors could be available to you!

#4 Learn to be willing to take healthy risks.

Some things in life can be scary, and it’s normal to feel unsure about some things. Especially as a teenager. But part of life is learning how to be brave, and do things that might scare you or make you nervous. Conquering your fears can be another great step towards personal development.

Just remember, we also have common sense! If you are contemplating doing something that could hurt you in any way or that you don’t want to do, then it’s probably better not to do it!

#5 – Don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake.

=

If you make a mistake, then that’s alright. To be honest, most of the time we are our own biggest critics. When you do something that is wrong, just apologize, do better in the future, and move on. Mistakes are what help us grow and learn. So if and when you make one, learn from it instead of beating yourself up.

I hope you all enjoyed learning about ways that we can improve ourselves for the better! Be sure to comment down below #selflove if you want to see more posts about self improvement in the future!

Also, keep in mind that self improvement is not improving yourself for others. It is impr0ving yourself for you! As long as you are content with yourself and what you are doing, then you are on the right track!

Have an amazing day everyone! ✨