Though I never belonged to any youth groups when I was younger, a part of me really wishes that I had. These are sometimes run by churches or other religious organizations, but some are community based.
These are something that tend to help teenagers connect with each other, and it is also a great way to give children the right direction in which to go with their lives. Sometimes, belonging to groups for youth is all that a teen needs to stay out of trouble and to keep them on the right path in life.
Small Towns May Offer More
Most communities have youth groups, even the smallest ones. I know that I came from a small town, and there were quite a few of them. I considered myself too cool for this, which I now think it ridiculous, but many of my friends attended youth groups at last once a week.
They were involved in many community activities. What I notice, looking back, is that they got into far less trouble, if any, than I did, and it may very well have been because of the attention and support they go from these groups and meetings.
Community Demands Accountability
Probably one big reason why those in youth groups tend to be more responsible and make better choices is because they have a group of peers and adults that they feel they have to answer to.
It doesn’t mean they go in and report to their youth groups what they have done that day, or that week, but it does mean that they will care what they think of them.
When a teenager finds this type of support and accountability, they learn something about themselves and they want to do well. This can help them when they are confronted with all types of peer pressure.
Your teenager may not be sure about youth groups, but if they are the least bit interested, you should do your best to encourage them to join one. You can find information about these groups for youth in your local papers or by asking other parents.
Let your child decide which of the youth groups you find would be the best fit for them. Forcing them to join one they don’t like won’t help much, but giving them the choice to choose on their own means they have the best chance at remaining with the group and actually getting something out of it.