Model Behavior
Friday, November 24th, 2006Why is it that ~ when our young people have free time on their hands… and many of them do ~ they invariably drift into poor choices for mischief, instead of plugging in positive behaviors? Simply put – it seems next to impossible for them to summon the energy to clean their room, or do their homework – but one phone call from a buddy suggesting there is a ‘place to be’ is met with a boundless burst of energy and a need to ‘be there!’
I once asked the students in an alternative charter high school this very question. Together we pondered the reasons why it seems so easy to find ‘trouble’ (or to have trouble find them!), while each of these same youths knew that all around them, there were needy senior citizens, community service opportunities and pro-social projects that were in desperate need of energetic volunteers. The need has always been great. There is plenty of ‘down time’ to fill. Consider how many hours are spent watching television, playing video games, and simply talking on the phone. Still, for many youths, the suggestion of getting involved in community service is met with a roll of the eyes, and a deep sigh. You may as well ask them to do their algebra homework.
Somehow, we must communicate new values to our children. And, the best way to produce good behavior is to simply - model it. Studies show that young people raised with a sense of indebtedness and responsibility to both God and mankind, tend to enter in to those same behaviors themselves. So, the next time you are frustrated with an unhealthy neighborhood of young people who just ‘hang out’ on the corner after school, take an honest look at what the adult population is doing - after work. We entitle ourselves… “My free time is my own, and I deserve to do nothing…” we often say. Well, our children are quick learners… and our neighborhoods bear the brunt of the enormous lack – not of free time – but of the constructive usage thereof.