The Adulting Edition

Delaying Adulthood

There has been some recent interest about a newly-published study that followed teens over several decades that suggests teenagers are taking longer to hit the traditional markers associated with adult behavior. The study used self-reported information about traditionally adult behaviors, like drinking and sexual activity, as well as other proof of “adulting,” such as getting a job and driving. I all of these cases, teenagers’ participation in these behaviors is on the decline.

Source: http://www.wakingtimes.com/2017/08/25/truth-becoming-adult/

Another interesting finding of this study is that teenagers hang out less with their friends. While we can only speculate about the reasons, I’d venture to guess that the internet and technology are part of this trend, as well as parents taking a greater interest in their children’s lives.

So what do we do with this information?

It’s hard to say whether or not it is a good thing that teens are delaying adulthood. In this article, though, the author suggests that we need to continue to find ways to build independence in our teens, but not at the expense of weakening our bond with them. Here are some tangible things you can do to navigate this balance:

• Encourage your teen to seek out interests and hobbies that can be done with friends. Fremd has over 60 clubs, and most clubs are actively looking for new members.
• Give your teen age-appropriate responsibilities around the home. Fulfilling the responsibilities is one thing. Getting them to do it without constant hounding? That may be next-level parenting at its finest!
• Consider tech-free times or spaces. Every moment of our lives doesn’t need to be SnapChatted. No phones at the dinner table or study table! Turn off app alerts. Take the steps to limit distractions caused by our devices.
• Let your teen experience frustrations and disappointments. That’s part of the way that we build resilience.

Interested in reading more about this subject? Check out this article from CNN.

Highlights and Successes:

• Congratulations to the Viking Marching Band for being awarded 2nd place in the AA Division at the 50th annual “Chicagoland Marching Band Festival” at Wheeling HS.  The VMB’s “Haunted Manor” show also received the second highest point total from the 13 bands performing in the A and AA Divisions.  The VMB is directed by Matt Moore and JT Teichert.
• Congratulations to Coach Martin Zacharia and the Fremd Congressional Debate Team for earning 2nd Place Sweepstakes among large schools at the ICDA tournament at Rolling Meadows High School. The following debaters earned individual awards:  Varsha Krishnan, 1st Place Chamber Award, Arash Abbas, 1st Place Chamber Award, Abhi Balu, 2nd Place Chamber Award, Danny Lu, 3rd Place Chamber Award and Best Presiding Officer, Ben Wilson, 3rd Place Chamber Award, Shruthi Kumar, 3rd Place Chamber Award, Shreya Mukherjee, 3rd Place Chamber Award and Best Presiding Officer, Ameena Madani, 3rd Place Chamber Award, Michael Murakami, 3rd Place Chamber Award, Breity Breitenstein, Best Presiding Officer.

Upcoming Home Activities and Varsity Events

September 29	Boys Soccer vs. Prospect -5:00 p.m. Boys Golf Invitational @ Village Links Golf Club - 7:30 a.m. Girls Tennis Invitational @ RMHS - 8:00 a.m. Boys/Girls Cross Country Invitational @ Detweiller Park - 9:30 a.m.
October 2	Boys Soccer vs. New Trier - 7:00 p.m.
October 3	Late Start - 8:5 a.m. start time Fall Band Concert - Cafe, 7:00 p.m. Boys Golf Regional @ Hilldale Golf Club -9:00 a.m. Girls Volleyball @ Barrington - 6:00 p.m. Boys Soccer @ RMHS - 6:30 p.m.
October 4	Girls Golf Regional @ Palatine Hills Golf Course - 8:30 a.m.
October 5	Girls Tennis Conference - 4:30 p.m. Girls Swimming & Diving vs. Barrington - 4:45 p.m. Girls Volleyball @ HEHS - 6:00 p.m. Boys Soccer vs Schaumburg - 7:00 p.m.

For a more complete list, please visit our Athletics Page or the Athletic Department Blog.

Staff Spotlight

Name: Steven Balsley

Position: Building & Grounds Manager

Years at Fremd: 4 years

Life Before Fremd:  Purchasing Manager in the Housing industry (Par Development/Plote Homes) Operations Manager in the Food Service industry (Kraft Foods/Alliant Foods)       

Hobbies/Interests: Golf, Gardening, Movies and spending time with family and friends

Insider Tip for Parents: Try to know who your children friends are and know their interests.

Ask the Principal

Are you curious about something at Fremd but have never asked? Email me at ktenopir@d211.org. If your question is pertinent to a wider audience, I will include it in the next blog post.