In my seminary studies I have the opportunity to glean from a variety of sources on topics of theology, church history, youth ministry, and many other topics. The book I am currently reading is called Hear My Story by Dean Borgman. I'm only in the beginning, but so far this book has already helped me so much in understanding youth culture and the situations they are facing today. This book is a great resource for those of you who want to dive more deeply into understanding teenagers, adolescent development, and all the problems and pitfalls that hit our students on a daily basis.
I just got through reading two chapters on growth, socialization, and fostering healthy development in kids during their formative years. Borgman cites several very interesting stories about children lacking socialization. For instance, two girls named Kamala and Amala in the 1920's were found in the jungle having been raised by wolves. These girls did not learn how to speak, how to interact with people, were not toilet trained, and were unable to perform several other aspects of socialization that children learn from parental figures in their lives. Borgman goes on to say that "these stories highlight the fact that animals live mostly by instinctive behaviors; human beings by learned behaviors."
This is a somewhat obvious fact, but while I was reading these chapters it really struck home with me how much influence parents have on their children. You help them learn to speak. You help them learn decision making processes. You help them learn to eat on their own. You help them learn what it looks like to be human.
You also have the same influence in your child's spiritual development. These students are looking to you as parents and adults to teach them about faith, model authentic Christian love, and demonstrate a genuine Christian lifestyle. You help them learn what it looks like to be a Christian. The beauty of this is that God designed it this way. Your children need you. Kids today need loving and caring adults to "train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it" (Prov. 22:6). Let's take some time to look at our lives and see how we can better raise this next generation to follow God and change the world through His love.
