Letters September 14, 1998 Issue

YOUR LETTERS

"When teens feel involved, loved, and in control of their lives, they are responsible, thoughtful, and dependable."

with contributions from Don L. Griffith, Ronald Walker

Teens' behaviors stem from the same things that motivate adults. When teens feel involved, loved, and somewhat in control of their lives, they are responsible, thoughtful, and dependable. Qualities of disruption, anger, and disrespect become purposeless and disappear.

Listening to young people, staying in touch with their world, and above all, believing in them and truly caring for them, is the relatively simple formula for adults to remain "connected" and effective.

Once such a bond is struck, guiding and teaching them becomes a gentle and enriching experience for all. In this atmosphere, a teen is eager to take responsibility, to be a leader or a team player, to make decisions and to live with the consequences of those decisions. Without such bonds, teens appear reckless, uncaring, and frightening—a great way to get attention and stay in control.

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