Having been born and raised in Namibia, Southwest Africa, the guest on December 3, 2012, Gordon Myers grew up as an "at risk" kid, a very angry young man and given up on by his family. In what he calls an "insecure environment", Gordon admits he should have been killed or put in jail several times based off of how he was living. At the age of 25, Gordon came to California, the good old USA, not knowing a soul and from day one- went into survival mode. From these personal experiences, Gordon shares with kids and families how to use life's lessons and tools to build confidence and awareness.
When asked why he thought kids today are struggling, Gordon feels that parents are too busy, with both parents having to work, the lack of patience when they do get some time with their kids, and the negative role models that influence their (Kids) daily lives have already established bad habits in them. Kids today are being influenced by the media, peer pressure, computers and music and the music industry that exposes kids to negativity and a warped sense of values.
"Parents need to start earlier in teaching values and influencing their kids. Kids need real role models and to teach kids (redefine) what success means, what it means to be a good person and to empower them to be accountable and to step up and not rely on others for the outcome of their futures. It is never too early to work towards that goal."
To sum up his thoughts, Gordon had two great pieces of advice for kids 1- if they just think 30 seconds before they do something or decide to do something, it can save lots of money and even lives. And 2- Humans are the greatest resource for other humans and relationships are the greatest gifts of all. "My book is to provoke thought and perhaps tap into something they (you) may have already learned or lived."
To listen to the full interview go to
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Lon Woodbury is the owner/founder of Woodbury Reports Inc. and
www.strugglingteens.com. He has worked with families and struggling teens since 1984 and is the host of Parent Choices for Struggling Teens.
Gordon Myers, speaker, author and coach was born and raised in Namibia in Southwest Africa and the Union of South Africa. Gordon "grew up in an environment that spelled trouble, insecurity and chaos around every corner". Through these life lessons, Gordon passes on his insights into some of the challenges today's kids are facing and relates to them with humor, respect and though he doesn't "candy coat" anything, he still makes kids feel important.
This segment was sponsored by Spring Ridge Academy, 928-632-4602,
www.springridgeacademy.com, a Therapeutic Boarding School for Girls in Arizona.
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