“You won’t tell my parents right?” We hear variations on this phrase often but how should a youth worker respond? Do we make the promise? There are two extremes that can influence confidentiality but fortunately they are quite rare: 1) the student is in some type of real danger and confidentiality should be breached, 2) […]

A friend of mine paid his kids $1 for every book they read. As his kids grew older, he gradually upgraded the definition of “a book,” moving them from picture books to Scholastic Books to, well, The Count of Monte Cristo. The challenge before us is daunting. We’re working with students who have technological wonders […]

From YOUthwork, page 140 . . . The volleyball coach from our large high school said it well when speaking to a group of charged-up parents. “Don’t talk to me after a game about how much time your daughter got to play. Give yourself twenty-four hours and then call me.” Emotions are a strange deal. […]

Some kids ask questions that spike your blood pressure. They’re not safe. They want to know what’s behind the curtain. Keep your eye on those students. Pray for them and get to know them. Discover the special gifting that makes them tick. Why? You could be looking at untamed strength. Raw leadership. Here’s a good […]