Sydney, Australia. Teacher, sports coach, former school principal and author Robin Cox’s latest publication by Essential Resources, Letter 2 a Teen – Becoming the Best I can be, is the culmination of 13 years research and 30 years practical experience coaching, tutoring and mentoring over 1,000 teenagers. Since 1999 he has been involved in developing youth mentoring programs in New Zealand and Australia and 750 volunteer adult mentors have attended his Youth Empowerment Seminars mentor training program, accredited by TAFE New South Wales in 2007. As he is so passionate about encouraging teenagers to reach their undoubted potential, he self-published this book, “so I can almost give it away,” he says. Indeed, he is giving away 5 free copies at the end of May through his website (www.yess.co.nz) “While I was researching youth issues, draft copies of Letter 2 a Teen were being critiqued by present and former school principals, teachers, social and youth workers, psychologists, parents and teenagers as I sought to craft this user-friendly, practical guide to encourage teenagers to reach their potential. Their comments and contributions were significant.”
Robin has promoted the spirit of mentoring in five published books, workshops and seminars for teachers and, most recently, in his position as Career Transition Manager with the Schools Industry Partnership, serving 41 high schools in the Blue Mountains, Penrith and Hawkesbury regions of Outer Western Sydney, he has delivered career presentations to Year 9 to 12 students and given talks on ‘Generation Y2Z’ to parents and teachers.
Why Letter 2 a Teen?
“From my personal experiences in a variety of education, community and sporting settings, I have seen many teenagers drifting through school without direction and support, falling through the cracks and simply not realizing their potential,” Robin says. “On a weekly, if not daily basis, the global media communicates how the problems of teenage binge drinking, drug abuse, antisocial behaviour and inappropriate sexual behaviour are negatively impacting the lives of families and communities. More teenagers are growing up in a single parent family which raises other challenges.
“I was also actively working in the field of youth mentoring. After six to 12 months the formally structured program comes to an end,” Robin explains. “I coached and mentored many teenagers and then we went in different directions. I would have liked to have left them with a resource to which they could refer as they continued on life’s journey. I also have two kids, now adults. What encouraging words could I write in a letter to them as they journeyed through adolescence to adulthood? A letter has a more personal touch to it, doesn’t it?”
Conscious of the fact that most teenagers live in a virtual world of instant gratification, seldom taking time out to reflect, Robin wanted to write something that any teenager could pick up, flick through, find words of encouragement and feel challenged and inspired by. He regards the book as a self-empowering journey, containing many tips, ideas and illustrations and communicates a strong message that we have some control over our destiny through the choices we make. “One choice involves building a web of support around ourselves and identifying different cheerleaders and non-judgmental mentors we can turn to at different times.”
Be a dreamer
Robin encourages teenagers to go after their dreams, yet understands that most do not have a clue how to begin this journey. “When they become goal getters and start achieving these goals, their self-confidence and self-esteem increases. They learn that it’s okay to fail if they are giving something their best shot and the importance of taking positive lessons from all their life experiences.” In a user-friendly way, Robin provides teenagers with invaluable tips about how to approach people for encouragement and assistance as they explore career interests, how to communicate effectively with others, write a resume, develop a portfolio, approach a job interview with confidence, handle stress and build quality relationships with positive friends and family.
Promoting Developmental Assets
Robin acknowledges the pioneering work of the Search Institute in Minneapolis and the work they have done promoting the building of assets in the lives of young people when we interact with them so they will grow up to lead healthy, positive and productive lives. “It’s all about creating the best nurturing environment for our young people,” Robin explains. “The asset approach focuses on nurturing positive, supportive and meaningful relationships, promotes positive values, stresses the importance of boundaries, constructive use of time, a commitment to learning, social competencies and having a positive view of oneself, never accepting anything but the best effort. All these assets have been woven into the different sections of this book, hence the importance of the choices teenagers will make along the self-empowering journey I referred to earlier.”
Wise and empathetic parents
Robin points out that the majority of teenagers look first to their parents and then to their peers for guidance and support. Parents are encouraged to appreciate their crucial role in nurturing their children through these roller-coaster adolescent years and not abrogate their responsibilities. “Parents can appreciate the importance of negotiating and enforcing boundaries, expressing unconditional love and care, showing their children they are valued and helping them discover the meaning and purpose of their lives. Effective parenting will significantly assist teenagers to develop social and employability skills and communities will be transformed. Parents who think parenting teenagers is too hard must read this book!”
For further information and to qualify to win a free copy of the book, contact Robin Cox at http://www.yess.co.nz or telephone +61 0411 371 500.
