By Dudley Chancey | Teaches youth ministry & family studies at Oklahoma Christian University, Edmond. | February 2009
Many of today’s adolescents are hiding behind masks of busyness, mimicking what their greatest role models (parents) do. They get busy, and most parents applaud this “work.”
We can address this reality with the adolescents in our sphere of influence. This will allow more time to deal with true success, the home front and all other relationships. Getting rid of some of the busyness that causes much of the overstress in our own lives is a must. We—as mentors, teachers and parents—can help adolescents by equipping them with coping skills, communication skills (talking and listening) and problem-solving skills. We must have unconditional love and limits to go along with these skills. As adults, we must model these skills in our own lives, as well.
Our adolescents are watching us and doing what we do—good or bad.
