Thursday, January 22, 2009

A Tribe Apart

“What kids need from adults is not just rides, pizza, chaperones, and discipline. They need the telling of stories, the close ongoing contact so that they can learn and be accepted. If nobody is there to talk to, it is difficult to get the lessons of your own life so that you are adequately prepared to do the next thing. Without a link across generations, kids will only hear from peers. The Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development report A Matter of Time found: ‘Young adolescents do not want to be left to their own devices. In national surveys and focus groups, America’s youth have given voice to serious longing. They want more regular contact with adults who care about and respect them.’”

A Tribe Apart: A Journey into the Heart of American Adolescence by Patricia Hersch, pg. 364

If you are involved with adolescents at any level of engagement, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!

2 comments:

Alice Robbins said...

You are going to be pumped up for this summer! Our theme is about telling your story! Not everything is done, but Dan, it is right where you live! When I was told about it, I thought of you!

Alice

Janelle said...

I know I am who I am today because many adults discussed and dreamed with me. Great reminder of how important it is to be involved in teenagers' lives.