What do young people truly need from us? First of all, they need relationships that are warm, structured, and consistent. Relationships in which they are given love, support, encouragement, expectations, boundaries, consequences, and the power of adult example.

Children and youth imitate adult behavior. If we model calm, empathy, responsibility, and service, this is what they learn and imitate. From keeping promises to discussing world events with integrity, we (and our actions) shape who they will become.