My readers know that I’m a fan of good books written by psychics/mediums. Right now I’m in the middle of The Gift: Understand and Develop Your Psychic Abilities by Echo Bodine, which was a book that Chip Coffey suggested to an audience member when I saw him this last fall.
In her book, Echo includes a section called “A Special Note to Teenagers”, where she talks about how teens should probably not be encouraged to develop their psychic abilities or gifts, because of how challenging being a teenager can be already. According to her inner voice, this isn’t a good idea because it would just be too much for them.
Keep in mind that this book was written ten years ago, and that Bodine isn’t suggesting we not be supportive of teens and their psychic abilities or gifts… just that they shouldn’t be encouraged to develop these gifts further… I guess. Even so, I was shocked by what she was suggesting.
So I’ll just put it out there. I disagree completely. As a middle school teacher for twelve years now, I’ve seen students overcome so many obstacles, and prove that they’re wise beyond their years. I’ve also seen that, in general, we have much to learn from most young people. Who are we to decide to hold them back from developing the exceptional gifts that they may have been given?
I’m interested in your thoughts on this. What do you think?
You might also like:
Children who have spirit friends (Big Séance)
Was it a Ghost? A Sliver of a Very Early Memory. (Big Séance)
Yesterday’s Moment (Big Séance)
March 9th, 2014 at 7:33 pm
I say follow your passion. Imagine if everyone teen followed the advice not to try to develop an ability — be it something with sports, music, art, etc. — because it would be too much work. Sometimes when life gets overwhelming, it’s these forays into following your passion that make it easier.
March 9th, 2014 at 8:38 pm
That is a fabulous point, Janene! Sounds good to me.
March 9th, 2014 at 7:45 pm
Both my girls have psychic abilities. I can tell you as an intuitive and a parent, this is something that is not talked about in most circles. I have 1 daughter who openly talked about the spirits and the other doesn’t. I think they are not the norm. As parents it’s up yo us to help them sort it out.
March 9th, 2014 at 8:40 pm
Yeah… I’m missing the parent experience side of things… unless, of course, we’re talking of the four-legged kind. Meril hasn’t confronted me with these issues… yet.
March 9th, 2014 at 7:47 pm
I agree with you, Patrick. I think that any child, teen or not, who expresses an interest or an ability, should be encouraged to explore their potential, and be validated. In fact, they may be able to find strength and comfort in a spiritual perspective. Just my thought…….
March 9th, 2014 at 8:43 pm
And I think it’s a good thought. You mentioned validation. That’s a big thing… in many areas of a middle school student’s life!
March 10th, 2014 at 1:29 am
I disagree for the same reasons you cited. I am a medium who couldn’t get out from under my abilities in my teens. My own children need to develop their communication and decision making skills. I taught mine the key skills of controlling their abilities before their teen years. But I know deep down that things have changed for them during puberty.
They need to be able to express what they’re experiencing, and tweak their abilities to synch up with bodily changes. I need to be there when they need me. That’s part of being an involved and empathetic parent.
March 26th, 2014 at 11:44 pm
Yeah. I’m wondering if her thoughts on this has changed any in a decade? Maybe I should look her up and ask her. 🙂
March 10th, 2014 at 3:44 pm
I would say: Learn to use them carefully. Emphasis on carefully. Ideally there should be somebody there to act as a mentor, pointing them away from things that could backfire.
March 26th, 2014 at 11:44 pm
I would have to concur. This all makes me think of Psychic Kids with Chip Coffey. That needs to come back, like yesterday.
March 11th, 2014 at 12:11 am
This is such a tough question to answer, and since you asked… I haven’t a clue! Useless, right? But it seems to me that sensitive (or whatever words fit better) teens will develop their gift as they wish. We don’t need to encourage per se, as long as we don’t discourage. It’s been my experience that if we are honest and supportive; if we allow our children to be who they are; if we’re always there to be leaned on and they know it, teens will take care of their own business quite nicely. They don’t need us to make most decisions for them – they need us by their side as they sort stuff out. I’m sure I’m missing something, but I think sensitive children will make the right choice for themselves – usually whether we like it or not. I dunno…
March 26th, 2014 at 11:48 pm
Hey, it sounds good to me. Just “be there”, right? And that’s good advice for many situations, and anybody, child or not, I suppose.
March 18th, 2014 at 2:10 am
I’m not sure this is even a real concern. Any abilities a teen has are going to intensify at their own pace. (And likely at this particular time anyway.) The idea that one can choose not to work with them while they are changing and fluctuating seems sort of silly to me.
March 26th, 2014 at 11:50 pm
It’s like coming to terms with sexuality and coming out of the closet. 🙂