The younger generation

joanlawson

I'm taking part in a discussion group with teenagers from a local comprehensive school. The aim is to bring the older and younger generations together in my area, and I think it is a very good idea.

Today we had a very lively and interesting discussion on a wide range of subjects, ranging from political questions about world affairs to animal wefare and whether zoos should exist. The young people were very articulate and intelligent in the way they spoke, but they also listened to the views expressed by we older people too.

We hear so many negative things about teenagers these days, but these young people were very impressive. They were polite, well-spoken, and mature beyond their years. It's reassuring to know that there are so many lovely young people around.

Joan

coco67

im glad you enjoyed your discussion time. the kids are great, i used to do a lot of work with them over the years in one form or another and used to love discussion time. its very satifying seeing them open up.

its also good for the kids as not all of them grow up around aunties/uncles, nans and grandads so dont get the chance to interact with adults on a less formal level than teachers etc.

well done, are you continuing to do this or was it a one off?

valval

the many get tared by the same brush as the few even some of the roughest looking youngsters still have manners it depends on how they have been bought up to respect them selves and others or to be selfish. glad you are taking part and alowing them to understand the older generation if the two never mix then how they going to get along in the future val

frogmorton

Glad you enjoyed your time with them Joan.

I have three teenagers in my house all lovely (most of the time!), but they are scared of some teenagers them selves

Hope they carry it on and it DOES something for them and for any older people who are frightened of them....like me :shock:

joanlawson

Thanks for your replies, Coco, Val, and Toni.

The discussion group is going to be on a regular basis, so I'm looking forward to more lively debates. I might also be taking part in a similar thing with young offenders, so that should be interesting.

The young people I met yesterday were a real credit to their parents and teachers. The school is in a very ordinary area, not particularly affluent, but the kids were brilliant.

Joan