[September 9, 2021] Several months ago, one of my blog’s readers suggested I put together a list of inspired rules for teenagers. Having been a teenager, I certainly would not think I am any kind of expert, far from it.
What I did today was put together some “guidelines” rather than rules. Maybe “rules” is the better word because it carries more directive rather than suggestive ideas. Perhaps I should consider developing this idea further.
Here are some inspired rules for teenagers listed in bullet form. After some of them, I infer a military lesson. I plan to elaborate on some of them soon:
- Be prepared (wear your helmet)
- Don’t lie
- Work hard
- Accept responsibility (take the guidon)
- Act morally and ethically (you have one bullet)
- Obey the rules but know when to break them
- Be loyal to all
- Inspire others
- Choose your sacrifice
- Focus on your goal
- Know your weaknesses (be humble)
- Avoid illegal drugs, tobacco, and alcohol
- Be disciplined
- Act to help others (caring) (eat last)
- Treat your body and brain properly (sleep and exercise)
- Take care in making decisions that affect others (don’t move my foxhole)
- Give respect to others (attend funerals)
- Read good books
- Write and write often (learn to put your thoughts on paper)
- Attend church or a religious service of your choice regularly
- Do somebody a favor so they can do you a favor
- Speak with the elderly
- Tell stories of heroic deeds
- Learn relevant history and lessons from them
- Face those things you fear and do so often
- Volunteer time to your community
- Have a life plan and a backup plan
- Do not betray others
- Be open and warm
- Learn about evil and how to act against it
- Treat your family properly regardless of how they treat you
- Be polite
- Ask for help if you need it
- Take great care in your assumptions; they are often wrong
- Smile more often
- Never complain, be part of the solution
- Let people know who you are
- Associate with those who are better than you
- Be clear and concise in what you say
- Look beyond what is obvious (see the enemy first)
- Never give up (don’t surrender your sword)
- You will be called names, so grow a tough skin
- Finish school
- Be patriotic
- Nobody owes you anything
- Practice doing what is right
- Be a team player (lock shields)
- Learn to prioritize what is in your life
- Do not bow or kneel before any person
- Greet people as you pass them (no saluting in the field)
- Fear is debilitating; not let it get you
- Suffering is universal, victimhood is a bad choice
- Be there, be at important events
- You will be judged by your deeds, not so much by your words
- Help make others successful
- Have gratitude for what you have
- If you don’t succeed today, then succeed tomorrow
- … and in the end, your feelings don’t matter, so get over yourself
Earlier this year, I wrote an article called “Life’s Lessons for a Boy Scout.” I believe it remains relevant and is something that compliments my article today. You can read it here (see link).
For another view on this topic, see “20 Important Life Lessons Every Teen Must Learn” by Sherry White. Her article is here (see link).
This is a great list.
Teenagers need clear rules about driving privileges and safety. Set limits on cell phone use in the car. Establish clear rules about passengers, speeding, and other safety violations. Drugs and alcohol: Teenagers need to be informed about the realities of drug
Nice list, Gen. Satterfield. I agree with some of the others here who are saying that you should at least consider writing a book on this for young people. Today, our youth are being tortured by CRT and other radical anti-American ideas, the same ideas that resulted in 100 plus million deaths in the last century (not counting war).
I love the whole list but #1 is my favorite, “Be prepared (wear your helmet).”
Gen. Satterfield has some powerful ideas here. Let’s not overlook them. Print and cut this list out for your kids.
Hi RED, great to see you online.
“34. Take great care in your assumptions; they are often wrong.” This is an example that teenagers need to give some real thought to. We all make assumptions and most adults have also learned that doing so will often make an ASS out of U and ME.
Good one, KenF. More should be written by Gen. Satterfield on making assumptions.
Ha Ha, yep, that’s an oldie but goodie. Hey, did anyone hear about Gen. Satterfield’s book that is supposed to be coming out soon. I hope it does. I plan on buying it.
Not yet, maybe Gen. S. will let us know soon.
Yes, it was published yesterday. The link can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09FSQ9BD5/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Doug+Satterfield&qid=1631179849&sr=8-1
Congratulations. I went online and there is only the eBook for Kindle. I’m looking for the paperback version. Personally, I like to read books, and these electronic books are not my forte. I underline and make notes in my books. That is how I learn and am entertained. Once again, this website is the best I’ve come across and why I’m such a fan.
Great news! Thanks Gen. Satterfield. Also congratulations.
General Satterfield, another great article. Simple but detailed list. Thanks. 😊
Wow, do they need to read what you have to say? Yes. Will they read and listen? No. In fact, kids nowadays don’t read at all unless it’s in a porn mag. The teachers don’t care and those that do won’t teach any more. Sad commentary but our whole formal education system is imploding and the lockdowns and voluntary mask diaper wearing continues to destroy our ability to be social and good to one another.
Great job, Gen. Satterfield. This begins to pull together much of what you have written here in these pages for the past 8 years (congrats on the anniversary). You are an inspiration, so keep up the great work and expand upon this article.
… and don’t forget patriotic for America as well.
Yeah, you beat me to it, Bryan.
Nice list. It would be great if you wrote a book on these. Use military-inspired language as well.