Today, teens crave genuine, lasting friendships. Not all of them possess a charismatic personality or hold a leadership role. Some may come from homes lacking in emotional awareness, attention, or affection. Others may be grappling with trauma, hardship, or abuse. As they step out of their homes and into the world of school or work, they yearn to connect with someone who can understand and support them.
They look for someone they can trust to confide in. Someone with whom they can be their true selves, without the fear of judgment or ridicule. Yet, there’s no manual for this! Schools have overlooked this vital ‘R’ in education, and churches have lost sight of its significance. Aretha Franklin captured it perfectly: “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.”
Parent’s wanted
When did we stop teaching our children how to respect themselves and others? When did the street code replace family values? Why is social media telling our teens what is good for them instead of their parents, family, seniors, or community elders?
Children don’t want friends for parents! They want someone who will tell them the truth, be real, and still call them out on their mistakes.
Every child needs to know their ‘WWHY’ – Worth, W! They should be growing up with a sense of value about who they are, but not conceit. Understand that they are somebody special, uniquely and wonderfully made. Yet not better than anyone else. Our children need a moral compass, the true and living Word of God/Elohim. Not man’s interpretation. Lastly, they need to understand their purpose. The gifts and tools placed inside of them at birth, and how they have been designed to be truly used. To follow the calling on their life, be the Divine Creator, and not by the whims of others, legacy, preferences of organizations, or their scholastic aptitudes.
Standing in Their Authentic Self
Then our children will stop thinking “likes” brings friendships, nudity brings attention. Sex brings connections, and relationships make you whole!
l for youth to understand their intrinsic value without arrogance, guided by a moral compass rooted in authentic spiritual teachings rather than societal or peer pressures.
Rejecting superficial validation: When teens grasp their worth and purpose, they move away from equating social media approval, physical exposure, or casual relationships with true friendship and wholeness.