Over-reacting and the lessons that come...
There are several situations among the youth that I feel compelled to fix. The trouble is... I'm thinking it's not really my place to fix them.
I struggle with the question of whether or not the parents should or would want to know. I know I would want to know---but then again... I parent completely different.
For example.. I drive my kids to seminary everyday. I park so that I face the front door and, subsequently, the hallway leading down to each seminary room. I do this to utilize the light that comes from the streetlight, so I can read, or sew or whatever while waiting in the car. I can see when people are skipping class, and sleeping in the foyer. Do I tell the parents? I'd want to know. But why aren't the seminary teachers contacting the parents? So, I've just let it be.
One of the kids I'm giving a ride to this week, because his parents are out of town--he's 14 , had a bunch of youth over to his house well after 10pm last night (school night) after Mutual. I found out when one of the girls called me for a number. This morning she lied about it until she realized I had caller ID. Should I let his parents know? He'll probably lie about it to them anyway (usually what happens with him)...they believe everything he says.
We've been dealing with a problem that involves several YW from our stake, and the bishop has been involved, but the problem persists.
Last night at mutual, it was worse than ever... and I think it was purposely to get a reaction out of me, testing to see if I was the person who involved the bishop,to which I didn't react...and since I was the only YW leader there (combined activity) I came home, feeling frustrated and wishing I could be released. (BTW I was not the one who reported the problem to the bishop...not that it makes much difference).
This morning, our seminary teacher ducked out 10 minutes early, because his wife was scheduled for surgery...leaving the class president in charge (These are Freshmen and Sophomore)...one of the kids (problem child) tried to take the candy that was meant for those who complete their scripture mastery...and a girl took it away. He called her a foul name. First, why didn't the seminary teacher get someone to sit in (There are 4 parents that wait for their kids) when he had to leave early? And--do I mention to the parent that the problem kid is using foul language, even in Seminary? Again, the parents believe everything the kid says... so I feel it would be like talking to a wall.
Dealing with the youth has been exceptionally challenging. I feel I have to turn off my emotions... and put up a wall around me, which goes completely against my nature.
So after much prayer and pondering, I've decided I have no choice. For my own survival's sake... I will have to put up at least a retaining wall.
In the meantime, I'll heed the words of Din Syamsuddin, who said...
“There may be fire in your heart but your head must be cool. Don't overreact."
I struggle with the question of whether or not the parents should or would want to know. I know I would want to know---but then again... I parent completely different.
For example.. I drive my kids to seminary everyday. I park so that I face the front door and, subsequently, the hallway leading down to each seminary room. I do this to utilize the light that comes from the streetlight, so I can read, or sew or whatever while waiting in the car. I can see when people are skipping class, and sleeping in the foyer. Do I tell the parents? I'd want to know. But why aren't the seminary teachers contacting the parents? So, I've just let it be.
One of the kids I'm giving a ride to this week, because his parents are out of town--he's 14 , had a bunch of youth over to his house well after 10pm last night (school night) after Mutual. I found out when one of the girls called me for a number. This morning she lied about it until she realized I had caller ID. Should I let his parents know? He'll probably lie about it to them anyway (usually what happens with him)...they believe everything he says.
We've been dealing with a problem that involves several YW from our stake, and the bishop has been involved, but the problem persists.
Last night at mutual, it was worse than ever... and I think it was purposely to get a reaction out of me, testing to see if I was the person who involved the bishop,to which I didn't react...and since I was the only YW leader there (combined activity) I came home, feeling frustrated and wishing I could be released. (BTW I was not the one who reported the problem to the bishop...not that it makes much difference).
This morning, our seminary teacher ducked out 10 minutes early, because his wife was scheduled for surgery...leaving the class president in charge (These are Freshmen and Sophomore)...one of the kids (problem child) tried to take the candy that was meant for those who complete their scripture mastery...and a girl took it away. He called her a foul name. First, why didn't the seminary teacher get someone to sit in (There are 4 parents that wait for their kids) when he had to leave early? And--do I mention to the parent that the problem kid is using foul language, even in Seminary? Again, the parents believe everything the kid says... so I feel it would be like talking to a wall.
Dealing with the youth has been exceptionally challenging. I feel I have to turn off my emotions... and put up a wall around me, which goes completely against my nature.
So after much prayer and pondering, I've decided I have no choice. For my own survival's sake... I will have to put up at least a retaining wall.
In the meantime, I'll heed the words of Din Syamsuddin, who said...
“There may be fire in your heart but your head must be cool. Don't overreact."
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