By James Love
Rethinking What “Kids Know”
I was a big believer in the idea that kids know way more. And there are some very savvy, intelligent kids out there. But my experience has shown me something else: the kids know what the adults show.
As a counseling student, I have looked at theories around the stages of development. As a human being, I have watched kids emulate the people they are fond of—whether it be their own peers, an admired adult, or a family member like their mother or father.
I hear many adults say that kids today are smart and know way more because of technology, and yet those same adults will say that kids are out of touch and you can’t tell them anything. Well, the kids were not born that way. Somewhere along the line, someone older than them showed them not to care. Someone older than them made it okay to curse, to cheat, and to harm one another. Again, they were not born that way.
Technology and Influence
Technology is a double-edged sword. It can be used for good or for degradation. People often talk about how kids are exposed to too much, but I wonder—who are the ones posting and sharing what is considered “too much”?
The kids are not getting divine revelation to behave the way they do. Somewhere, there is an influence. Even if it’s a peer, that peer has likely been influenced by someone older.
Our Imperfections and Our Example
Of course, we all have our flaws and setbacks. We have all sinned. And it makes sense that there is no perfect, righteous example except Jesus Christ. But that doesn’t mean we should not put our best foot forward.
The youth still need examples. They still need willing teachers—and not just in school, but at home, in neighborhoods, and wherever they may be. This isn’t about passing tests or getting good grades. This is about raising up the youth—not as their pseudo parents, but as fellow community members—so that they have the knowledge and skills to use technology and to live as healthy, productive citizens.
Closing the Generational Gap
We must work together. The generational gaps must be closed, and it must be us, as adults, who humble ourselves and reach out to them. At the same time, they must be open enough to reach back.
I hope I am not preaching. This is simply an article that has been on my heart for some time. We are responsible for the youth we see—we collectively are responsible. We cannot just dismiss them as a problem to be ignored. They are our children, siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A Call to Action
We should not discard them, be absent, or reject them. They need us just as much as we need them. If we let another generation go by without being involved and hands-on, they will be raised by strangers. They will be raised by emotions. They will be raised by people who make a lot of money off their destruction.
Many of us do not want that, so let us do our part to raise our children up—to give them examples and lessons that will shape their minds for good, for the sanctity of life, for the good of humanity, and for the glory of God.
