A Right Way and a Wrong Way

You’ve heard the saying, “There’s a right way and a wrong way to do everything.”  Sometimes teenagers make the wrong choice, but thankfully many often take the right path.

  

 

17-year-old “Carrie” knows the right way to voice her concerns and ideas about school and work.  She puts them in writing.  Carrie feels she has some good ideas on how things can function better, allowing her to become more productive.

 

 

But Carrie didn’t always use this method.  Like many other kids, she dealt with her emotions and troubles by blaming everyone around her and seeking ways to gain control.  Over time, a change came.  Carrie realized there was a better way to get things done.  And it is having a tremendous impact on her and the adults around her.

 

 

It’s important that we take young people’s ideas into consideration and emphasize their contributions rather than always call attention to their problems.  Research has shown that youth benefit from their relationships with adults when they are seen and treated as competent individuals who are able to contribute to important decisions that impact themselves and others.  It results in decreased at-risk behaviors, stronger communications skills and leadership experience, and improved self-esteem.

 

 

 

Carrie was able to make things happen ─ including getting a wage increase ─ thanks to her compelling writing and interesting viewpoints.  Perhaps no one was more stunned than Carrie.  It meant so much to her to be treated with respect and to feel as though she had something to contribute.  It made her feel very important.

   

 

You never know what is going to make an impact on a young person.  Carrie discovered that if she presented herself appropriately, instead of letting loose with anger or violence, someone really will listen.  Young people need to know that when they do something the right way, it will have positive results.

 

 

Research shows that an adult can make a tremendous difference in the life of a child.  And it doesn’t take much to make an impact.  Sometimes it’s just an incidental interaction.  Sometimes it’s just a vote of confidence.  Or sometimes it’s just listening to a fresh new idea or perspective.  If we treat kids with respect and they really feel like they’re being heard, it will have a huge impact. No, it doesn’t mean we have to give them everything they want, but we can be welcoming to their thoughts and contributions.

 

 

 

Never underestimate the significant impact you can have on a young person and that a young person can have on you.  They’ll show their appreciation in ways you could never image.

—————————————————————————————————

 

Crossroads for Youth provides troubled children a supportive, positive environment in which they learn how to succeed in life. The organization teaches them self-discipline, responsibility and respect by offering a range of experiences. All of CFY’s programs incorporate academics, vocational training, individual and family counseling, community service and adventure therapy, as well as aftercare.

For more information about Crossroads for Youth contact our Director of Development and Agency Relations at 248-628-2561, ext. 250, email us at info@crossroadsforyouth.org or visit our Web site at www.crossroadsforyouth.org.