What kind of relationship do you suggest between elders and youths?

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   m abdullah javedposted 9 years ago

   What kind of relationship do you suggest between elders and youths?

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   Ericdierkerposted 9 years ago

   An excellent question. Can it be done to be a best friend and the parent figure? And the answer is yes. Youths respect effort and energy on their behalf.
   For the adult it is very very hard. But it can be done as my adult children tell me it is. It takes an amazing amount of effort and love. Some closeness and some distance. It requires mutual respect which is darned difficult for an adult. We are made into our roles. But we are first made into loving creatures that love others. If we as adults cannot see our purpose of building love and understanding in our youths then we miss out and God loses. We are bound by our existence to nourish other creatures including our youths. It is not easy and takes sacrifice but is well worth our immortal souls to be so good.
   Our relationship must be cultivated. Punishment must be established by our own contrition. If one needs to somehow punish a youth then they have missed the boat. It has sailed. For it is within us to build character so that the youth punishes themselves. Not through guilt but by a firm desire to do better.
   Some days I have not the energy to live in the moment with my young son. But by golly I force myself and push through the time. We must guide by being ever consistent and ever reliant upon our God. We establish our relationship with youth by example and sometimes that is hard. But living the right life is not always easy. But I tell you with certainty it is worth it.
   Thank you for this question as it awakens me to my responsibilities. And it leads to a wonderful sermon that I need to write.

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      m abdullah javedposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Eric Dierker for an excellent insight. I agree with the positive sides and the concerns you have raised. True, this relationship needs cultivation and it should be taught and practice from both the ends.

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   VationSaysposted 9 years ago

   When I was young I used to get punished for standing while elders were sitting and for sitting while elders were standing. Suffice to say I was a really confused kid at first. I mean why couldn't the adults just make up their minds and leave me alone! But with each correction came a lesson. It wasn't the action, it depended on the situation. And the ruling factor was one: respect.
   
   I had to respect my elders. Period. If there wasn't enough seats available, no way was I to seat while an adult stood. If we're in a family meeting and everyone's seated I was not to start hopping up and about. Took a few smacks here and there to drum it into me, but I finally got it and I appreciate my parents for it.
   
   The same principles of childhood apply to youths: respect. Everyone should acknowledge their place in society.

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      m abdullah javedposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Vation,Your childhood experience has a lesson for both elders & youths alike.Youths should respect their elders & elders should shower their love & affection on youths.The society characterized with such a humane relationship is bound to

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   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   youths should stay with the elders for a couple of years. Then they would be able to understand their elders more

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      m abdullah javedposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks peachy, good suggestion.

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   David Bucknerposted 9 years ago

   I think we should all learn from the experiences of others, regardless of their age. Sometimes younger people have stories & lessons for elders, & vise-a-versa.

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      m abdullah javedposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That's true David Buckner, thank you.

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   mark kengaposted 9 years ago

   The elders will be incharge but still engage the youth in decision making.its a symbiotic relationship the old have the wisdom and experience.the youth have the vision and strength for its execution

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      m abdullah javedposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Mark you have mentioned a valid point. Generally the relationship between the two appears to be avoid of this important aspect. Thank you.

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