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Issue 00492 |
October 27 - November 2, 2007 |
issn 0856 - 9135 |
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Parenthood |
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Doing things with juniors
I have found that one of the best ways to show juniors that you readily like them is to do things with them that are not required of you. After all they know that you are going to be involved with them in programs and meetings, teaching classes and even visiting them on occasion because it is your job. That is what you are expected to do as a youth leader. But when you are willing to give up some of your own free time to be with them, that’s different. Only a friend would do that. Perhaps you could take a junior on a camping or invite some of them they will be so delighted. Or inviting them to your home during the week, will be a story all over. These are good ways to let kids know that you enjoy their company. Any time you give personal attention to your juniors, you are letting them know that you are serious when you say that you care about them. Sometimes all it takes is checking up on how they are doing. You can be a friend to juniors without acting like a junior kid. It is important to retain your identity as an adult. You are not an overgrown kid. Likewise juniors need encouragement just to be themselves and not try to be little adults. Your role should be that of an adult friend who sincerely likes them, care about them, listens of them and tries to help whenever possible. Young adolescents left to their own devices will always gravitate toward the oldest person they can find who will take them seriously and treat them with dignity and respect. This of course flies in the face of the common belief that adolescents hate adults and want nothing to do with them. Granted many youths are turned off by adults who they perceive as being hostile toward them a sizeable group. But they are very responsive to older adults who show a genuine interest in them and will look to those people for guidance and support. Liking juniors is not always something that comes naturally, especially as you grow older. Still most of the time, building a relationship with them is easier than you might think. It does require a commitment as most relationships do and it also requires cultivation and care to help it along. In other words it’s no different from any other kind of relationship. You have to work at it. Left to their own devices, young adolescents will gravitate toward the oldest person who will take them seriously.
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by Rev. Andrew
Gama