It is homecoming season for high schoolers. An emotional time with potential for all sorts of emotions! As a mom, it’s tough. So far, my girls are only concerned for their friends. Lessons are being reinforced about how we should treat each other even in high school adn especially when it comes to “THE DANCE”.
It is a time to see the unlikeable in others (or ourselves). Some are blissfully unaware of what they are doing to others or don’t care.
It is open season on teens and parents emotional wellbeing.
Great wisdom and discernment is needed as we advise adn comfort our kids.
The drama that surrounds “THE DANCE” is real and not to be taken lightly.
My girls and I have been talking about how the emotional pressure of asking or waiting to be asked is a lot for kids their age. About dating in general. However, since it does involve you, how is the best way to handle yourself in the tension?
Insecurities pop out as the tension builds. Will the answer be yes? Will there be a question. And the worst of all, will he or she take the yes back.
Yes, it happens. The yes was taken back. Oh, no! She was very sad for a few friends who experienced this. Sad doesn’t begin to describe the blow to these young people. Tears have been shed in commiseration with a friend.
It seems a good time to review how we should treat one another. Here are some principles we hve been emphasizing this homecoming season.
Principle #1
“You do know don’t say yes unless you mean it and keep your word. Don’t say yes to a fellow just so you can go.”
“Weigh your yes’s carefully.”
But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil. Matthew 5:37
Words that a person ought to know but when it happens to friends the only thing you can do is listen and share the sadness. It is a hard thing especially if you are friends with the ones doing the hurtful thing.
Principle #2
Do you want to be treat that way? Then don’t do it.
Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. Luke 6:31
Principle #3
“Let’s try to keep a good perspective on all of this tension and drama and emotion.”
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, Galatians 5:22
Principle #4
Encouraging a godly perspective helps with the emotional tension and handling the sad and pain of living with disappointments and hurts inflicted by others.
Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8
Talking about these emotions and situation ahead of time and during is a good practice. Your wisdom with discernment with a listening ear can do much to build your teen’s confidence and maturity.
Who made you and where does your confidence come from? How do you want to be treated? Are you a mean girl or guy? Or are you one of the good ones?
Principle #5
Take care with your own heart.
Above all else guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4: 23
Oh, the sad tales I have heard this year. Breaks our hearts. Hard life lessons can do that. This time around the lessons are learned by watching and having sympathy. By being kind.
My older son often has said, “Don’t string a boy along just because you can. It is not nice or kind.”
Yes, homecoming is a season that brings a lot of learning and reenforcement of godly character. Sometimes, some real character building.
For not only the kids but moms too.
And finally,
Principle #6
Remember you can’t go wrong if you treat others with compassion and kindness.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:2
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