Teens Are People Too

In my experience as a police officer I have learnedwith concerned parents however other interests have
many things. Most of these things have to do withtaken over in her life. Friends have become everything.
dealing with those that perpetrate crime and thoseThese friends come from different families with
who are victims of crime. These encounters have todifferent values. This is where the conflict has
do with human behavior and the boundaries of properappeared in her life. The challenge for the rest of us is
behavior.helping this girl see how and where her new interests
Have you thought to yourself why is it frequently sowill take her. We have felt mild success as
difficult to deal with teenagers? Well I deal with teensrelationships of trust are built and fostered.
on a daily basis and despite all that has been said IIn the end, however the teen has to make a choice
have found that these teens are people too, at leastregarding this conflict. It is important for adults to
inside somewhere, deep.remember how serious this choice is. For some this
It is always difficult when we are exposed tocan feel like a choice between life and death. It's easy
someone who has a different opinion than our own.for the rest of us to be casual about this because the
When opinions differ or opposing perceptions collideright choice seems so obvious to us. It is important to
there is often conflict. This is where much of theknow it is much different to this young person who is
conflict with adults and teens originates. Therefore it isstill developing and searching. Therefore it is important
important to always make clear the differencethat the adult does everything possible to help the teen
between fact and opinion. Opinions change, factsbe fully informed about the choice before them.
always remain the same.Provide options and show how making different
I have found that it does absolutely no good to tellchoices will improve things and provide security for the
someone they're wrong. I have found that to be moreteen now and in the future.
effective is to help someone see the consequencesThe choice to go with the crowd or with the few can
of their behavior for themselves. It is important forbe a very difficult choice to make. I believe it is
anyone to see this if there is to be significant andabsolutely essential that we never give up on these
lasting change. If you don't know the cliff is there whykids. Our very own future is quite literally at stake
would you ever be concerned about being close toanytime we counsel and guide the youth.
the edge?With patience, determination and perseverance we
I dealt with a teen today who was involved in somecan and will overcome these challenges and guide our
gangster activities. This girl was raised in a good homeyouth to a much better way.