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28 Feb 2010 - Second Sunday of Lent, Cycle C

Saint Paul talks about being aware of who you are imitating. When I ask parents to list some of their biggest challenges they often mention the effects of peer pressure. And I tell them, “You’re right. Peer pressure is hurting your children.” And what I’m talking about is the peer pressure adults put on one another. Look at what’s happened to birthday parties: It used to be a few kids, some party games, balloons, and a cake. Then it became a trip to McDonald’s Funland. Then Chuck E. Cheese. Then renting a clown. Then a magician. Then day-long trips to water parks. What’s next? Chartering a jet to take the kids to Vegas to see the latest pop star? The best way to teach your kids not to succumb to peer pressure is to show them how you effectively do so yourself.

peer pressure Saint Paul parents

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Teens screen out relationships

07 Mar 2010 - Preaching the News for Sunday

"I must go over to look at this remarkable sight," Moses decided when an angel of the Lord appeared in fire flaming out of a bush. These days teens are more likely to be drawn to what they see on a screen. A new study suggests that the more time they spend in front of computer or television screens, the more problems they have relating to their parents or peers. Researchers looked at 3,043 New Zealand teens, aged 14 to 15, who provided details about how they spent their free time and how close they were with other people. The more time the teens spent watching TV or using a computer, the more likely they were to report having difficulty forming a relationship or an emotional bond with their parents. The likelihood of having what the researchers called "low attachment" to parents increased 4 percent for every hour spent watching TV and 5 percent for every hour spent using a computer. Teens who spent more time doing homework or reading had a higher level of attachment to their parents, the study authors noted in their report published in the March issue of the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. There are a number of possible reasons why too much screen time may affect teens' relationships with family and peers, the study authors said. For example, teens who have TVs in their bedroom spend more time watching TV and may share fewer meals with their family. "Given the importance of attachment to parents and peers in adolescent health and development, concern about high levels of screen time among adolescents is warranted," the researchers concluded. "With the rapid advance of screen-based options for entertainment, communication, and education, ongoing research is needed to monitor the effect that these technologies have on social development and psychological and physical well-being among adolescents." Source: An article by Robert Preidt for HealthDay News

teenagers friends low attachment screens computers teens television adolescents parents relationships peers

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Jewish bagel shop saved by former Muslim cab drivers

13 Nov 2011 - Preaching the News for Sunday

In this Sunday’s gospel, a man going on a journey takes a leap of faith in entrusting his possessions to others while he is away. The longtime owner of a 91-year-old Coney Island Jewish bagel shop has decided to entrust his struggling business to two Muslim men who promise to keep it kosher. Coney Island Bialys and Bagels was set to close its doors this fall, with longtime owner Steve Ross citing a bad economy as the culprit. Peerzada Shah and Zafaryab Ali said they couldn't let that happen, so the two former New York cab drivers and one-time roommates bought the store together. Ali had worked at the shop for about 10 years and didn't want to see the iconic neighborhood store shut down. Shah went to culinary school in Manhattan and was knowledgeable about ovens and baking equipment. Both men immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan. Ross' grandfather, Morris Rosenzweig immigrated from Poland and opened the shop in 1920. Some might wonder whether the "geopolitics that divide Muslims and Jews" pose a problem, but all three men say it doesn't factor in anywhere. "It doesn't matter," said Ali. "I make the food for everyone." "I'd like to see them flourish because they're making a product that my grandfather brought to this country,” said Ross. Source: An article in The Huffington Post, crediting the Jewish Daily Forward

Muslims jews zafaryab ali peerzada shah steve ross coney island bialys and bagels

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