The social landscape for your kids is radically different than it was when you were a kid. We in NOPOYO have seen a disturbing trend in kids: they don’t really have friends. They may have a buddy or two that they hang out with at school or at band, but they aren’t really taking part in deep relationships. Even though they’re “just kids,” we believe that they’re losing, or at least missing out on, the ability to have strong Christian friendships, that can support, encourage, and grow them through the crazy teenage years.
One of the things we’ve tried to do with kids is have them plan “fun” events, as opposed to the youth team planning them. This takes on a whole different feel for kids. The two greatest things it does are it forces kids to take ownership of their community, and as a kid it feels a lot better if your peer asks you to come than if only your Youth Leader does.
This article is about that social landscape, and has some awesome ideas about how you can help your kid process relationships, and help them develop healthy ones. Not convinced you need to read it? Here’s a snippet:
Recently, I attended an interview with the creators of the show [Glee]. During the interview they were asked why there are so few parents on the show. (Out of 10 teen characters on the show, only two parents appear; both are widowed).
The main writer’s response was telling: “Because parents disappear in high school.”
Or how about this:
If we get too involved, kids will not adequately learn the skills of negotiating their social relationships. We also have to remember that struggle is part of how we all grow, so we cannot try to fix everything immediately. But their lack of experience and insight, along with a sometimes desperate need to fit in, may blind teens to some of the dangerous ways their peers treat them.
That enough to whet your appetite? Go ahead then, read the article.
http://fulleryouthinstitute.org/2011/01/friends-frenemies/
This week is going to be “Parent Week” on the NOPOYO blog. Hopefully, there’ll be a new article every day with some insights and suggestions to help you parent in the new year. After all, what better New Year’s Resolution is there than to be a better parent?