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Nourishing Relationships

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How Rihanna Can Be a Positive Role Model for Teenagers


Children today are caught in the crosshairs of modern media. Technology has become 
their babysitter – reality TV, nude photos on the Internet, bizarre videos on YouTube, 
seductive text messages. It's time for these young people to be exposed instead to role 
models who have the potential to inspire them to do the right thing. But instead of 
symbols of stability, they're finding other adolescents living through their own crises. 

On the day of the Grammys, R&B singer Chris Brown allegedly beat up his girlfriend, pop 
star Rihanna, after an altercation over text messages that Brown received from another 
woman. Pundits, bloggers and reporters are weighing in. Some support Rihanna and are intent 
on not blaming the victim. Others want her to face the situation head-on and take a strong stand.


Rihanna is young, talented, and at the top of the musical charts. She's also a potential 
example for our youth. But first she has to heal herself. Oprah Winfrey suggested that 
Rihanna give it some time and get counseling. What follows are ideas that she could take 
to heart for herself - and as a spokeswoman for all of the young women and men who look up to her.


1.	Take a step back and take care of yourself. You deserve some time alone. And the chance
to be safe, both physically and emotionally. This will help you see the details of your situation
from a different angle. Listening to your inner voice can provide comfort and reassurance as you 
recognize your basic character strengths. Focus on what's important, as you try to integrate core
values and personal ideals into how you want to live your life. 


2.	Explore your negative emotions. When trust is broken, if you or your partner have made bad
decisions, there can be a buildup of frustration, anger or disappointment, even despair as you 
make efforts to adapt to the new reality. It may become apparent how much you've changed and how
far apart the two of you have grown. And you'll see what steps to take next, for your own good.


3.	Get the help you need now. Find an individual therapist or life coach who will guide your 
healing as you decide how to move forward. It's important to develop positive self-regard, confidence 
and the life skills for this. The therapy should focus on areas such as cognitive behavioral change, 
communication, anger management, stress reduction and control strategies. Stay in treatment as long 
as you need in order to figure out what to do.

4.	Recognize the value of support from others. Talking to friends and family can clarify your
needs as you work through your feelings. Listening to a second or third objective opinion will 
provide you with further insight, direction and encouragement. 


5.	Find perspective in order to grow. Whether you're hit in the face with a crisis, adjusting 
to changes in your identity or making a slow transition into the next chapter of your life, expect 
a cascade of feelings - anxiety, the desire to hold on, resentment, sadness, fear, eventually a sense 
of freedom. The emotional roller coaster ride is normal. If you have the fortitude to step back, take 
a deep breath and face the situation squarely, you can't help but grow from the challenges.


6.	Search for deeper meaning in your life. As you redefine your self, it can lead to your gradually 
feeling more powerful. By accepting the person you are becoming, you will be able to go from being afraid 
of being alone to feeling excited about what’s ahead in your future.

Rihanna's situation has been tried in the court of public opinion. And it doesn't seem as if anyone
is in favor of her taking Chris back. It must be hard for her to be a public face in private pain.
But she is dealing with a reality that all teenagers need to be informed about – that physical and 
emotional abuse are dangerous. Rihanna has the platform to demonstrate the benefits of making smart 
choices. And she can act in her own best interests, for herself and all the young fans who admire her 
and continue to watch her every move. 



© 2009, Her Mentor Center


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