The transition from child to adult includes many changes for today's teens. According to University of Maryland sociology professors John Robinson and Suzanne Blanch, teenagers:

• sleep less than children (about 8 hours a week less)
• spend less time at meals (about 2 hours a week less)
• spend more time on school and homework (about 7 hours a week more)
• spend more time helping around the house and working for pay(about 1 1/2 hours and one hour a week more, respectively)
• watch more TV ( about 4-6 hours)
• spend more time reading, listening to music and going to movies or concerts (about 1-2 hours a week more)
• spend less time on religious activities ( about 30 minutes less)

Source: Trendwatch Group Publishing, 2000, p. 40.

Reverend John Eich is the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Alma, Michigan.