What do the Youth Need?

Business people tell me that they don’t have time to read, they skim through communications related to their work. When it comes to home and family they often don’t have any energy left for reflection, reading and study and sharing with one another.

A father and daughter walk at a lake. Research has found that a father can be a very important role model for boys and girls and his presence promotes self-esteem, educational success and also positive behaviour. (Photo: Don Blake)

This is sad, because as we know that the home is really the place where life begins and ends.

The same applies to the youth, who are up to their ears in study, sport, friends or social media.

Those who do have more time are possibly elderly and may have different interests to dealing with issues around youth or those who may be unemployed.

The family theme for June is “Committed to the Youth”, and like all family issues, this is a complex one, especially if one considers it from the perspective of “Youth and Family”.

Do they want to belong? Perhaps not, for any number of reasons. Do they want to marry some time in the future? Some do, many not, again for a number of reasons. Have they had positive experiences of observing marriage?

In South Africa, only one third of children live with both biological parents; the most common structure is a mother-headed household.

An interesting finding that emerged from the recent Jesuit questionnaire for the family synod was that in African culture in particular, with the extended family playing a stronger role, the specific attachment to a biological mother or father is more loose than it is in the Western nuclear family form, in spite of the fact that family ties are important.

At the same time research has found that a father can be a very important role model for boys and girls and his presence promotes self-esteem, educational success and also positive behaviour.

A  finding that strong and positive relationships are created when fathers read to and with their children before the age of 7 has prompted a project called Father Story Week, to take place from June 15-21 and promoted by Front Page Fathers. I’ve also heard of parishes preparing for a family fun walk or a dad’n’kids outing.

One can find research and evidence for almost any situation or relationship, but there is no doubt that one of the most valuable things to do in any type of families with youth, as they continue to mature into young adulthood, is to discuss, explore and share on current social and moral issues—not just to tell them but to listen to their views too.

Do they have views, and are they prepared to open up about them? That is a big part of the scenario whether they are considering joining ISIS or the priesthood, are afraid of being sucked into a drug or gang culture by peers, or are stressed out because of load shedding and dividing time between homework and housework.

Many young people are idealistic, but at the same time youth suicide is one of the most common causes of death among youth. Surely this should be prevented by every means.

Families clearly have a role to play and maybe resources like “Thoughts for the Day” can be of help as conversation-starters, leading to a moment of prayer.

For some comments on what young people say about their fathers, see the current issue of Family Matters magazine. It is both heart-warming and heart-breaking.

Having good, clean fun and building a lifelong friendship with Jesus should be high on the agenda for fathers and their children. And any time is good for that. And in this spirit: Happy Youth Day and Happy Fathers’ Day to every young person and every dad of any age. Just be there!