wondering...

Are kids louder/more disrespectful because...

they're a different group of kids this year?
I'm older and crankier?
my discipline methods no longer work?
they're older and disrespectfulier?
I have a bad memory about how they've been before and they've always been like this?

I want each youth in this community to be unconditionally loved with no agenda. In theory, that's great. In actuality, someone SWEEP UP ALL THE POPCORN YOU JUST THREW ON THE FLOOR!!!

:)

talking to teens

I was able to sit in on Chap Clark's session at the National Youth Workers' Convention in Cincinnati last week. While waiting for everyone to show up, this was one of the videos he played. It's a classic look at a conversation with a teenager. Chap stressed that the important thing for parents to do is keep trying.

Anyway, here's the link to the video. I'm still perculating with thoughts from NYWC. When I get a chance to process and type, I'll blog more about it. Conventions like that are so crucial and important. I feel refreshed, renewed and reminded of why I'm here. :)