Twenty million tweens live in the U.S. They talk and text on their own cellphones (78%). They spend hours looking at a screen (8-12 hours a day). They strive to be famous (53%). They are bullied (20%). They spend money (43 billion a year).
Tweens are at a sometimes confusing; sometimes conflicting vortex between childhood and adulthood. No longer completely dependent on their parents, they have not yet reached independence – but are caught somewhere in the middle.
Many kids navigate tweenhood with a minimum of bumps, but others grow sullen, resulting in poorer grades and an apathetic attitude toward life. Many drop out of activities, including sports, and wander purposelessly through their days. (Re-searchers are studying tweens, attempting to figure out what makes them so suddenly disinterested in their surroundings.)
Anxiety and stress are big issues – sometimes resulting in suicide (2.6 percent of adolescents make an attempt).
Of course, not all the kids we work with fit into all these categories, but we should remember that many of the kids with whom we work do. And of course, we want to encourage those who do well, but we also desire to relate to those who are apathetic and hopeless and give them a purpose for living.
Here is some good news. Most tweens see their parents as their closet confidants and role models. After that comes friends and … then other adults. That’s us. We do have influence.
We can give them hope through the Word of God. We can build their sense of worth through our care and concern. We can teach them to think of others by volunteering alongside them through service projects.
The T&T update and the updated Trek program both give leaders an opportunity to do just that. Through a strong core of long-term discipleship, prayer, Bible study and memory, kids will find purpose. Small group times give the leaders opportunity to get to know the kids and help them navigate the world and at the same time, stay grounded in their faith. Cultural issues and daily concerns will all be addressed to help the kids as they live their lives.
To find out more about our tween curriculum options visit …
… https://www.awana.org/ttupdate for T&T updates
… http://gettrek.org for Trek updates
We want to keep you posted. Keep checking the update pages.
