A pat on the back for teenagers

**yungatart** · 25th October 2007, 15:48

Over Labour weekend Including Friday which is HB anniversary day, I had the absolute privilege to take 10 kids to Wellington for a Senior Arts trip.
These young folk are all music/drama students in Yr 12 or 13. They were aged 16-18.
They were polite, responsible, caring and enthusiastic the whole time. They looked out for each other. They obeyed our instructions, were prompt to meeting places and times.
We took them to the NZSO, a jazz concert, improv idol (theatre sports), La Vie en Rose (a French movie about Edith Piaf). Although not all of this was to their taste, they appreciated the opportunity they were given, enjoyed the experiences and developed respect for different genres.
We picnicked on Oriental Parade and played on the equipment in the playground there at night. We had sing songs with some of the boys performing at Te Papa until 2 am.
They sang constantly in the van on the way to and from Welly (very tunefully, and a broad range of music, I might add).
Our kids aren't all bad, some of them are absolutely delightful young people.
There is so much negative publicity about teenagers, I thought I'd do my little bit to try and redress the balance.
I would do the Arts trip again, with absolutely no hesitation.
If any of you are given similar opportunities, take them, it restores one's faith in human nature.

**MSTRS:Me** · 25th October 2007, 15:49

.....and it will give your other half a four day pass......

**Colapop** · 25th October 2007, 16:23

'cept they're crap buskers!!

I woulda danced like a monkey for them though...

**mstriumph** · 25th October 2007, 16:34

- erm - this is a 'good news' thread ..... it won't last a minute

- where's the DRAMA?
- where's the ANGUISH?
- where's the double-dealing pollies and the sleezy coppers?

tsk tsk woman!!

good to hear, 'though

**Mikkel** · 25th October 2007, 16:38

They'll probably all leave the country or get run down by drunk boy racers...

But nice to hear that there are some of them that know how to behave and appreciate.

Edit: I can't see how this would offend anyone enough to trigger red rep TBQFH... And what does it have to do with ZXRs?

**Spyke** · 25th October 2007, 17:01

sounds like they did alot better than my sixteenth on the weekend lol..... dont drink without a responsible adult, guys its bad, really bad when your parents dont know and a mate goes way over board and an ambulance has to come. what an eventful birthday party actually i didnt really have one.

two things i've learnt: talking to your parents is the key, and know your limits!

ps usually im the most responsible teen in the world.

but yes i think teens do need a pat on the back, we get portreyed wrongly and its the little things that adults remember like my party! so i think adults should have a more positive look at teens and see what some of the good things we do, like helping in the community, putting a smile on your dile and alot more.....

**Edbear** · 25th October 2007, 18:30

Just imagine the state this country would be in if the news media was full of stories every day of all the good kids and what they were doing!

Stories of the hard-working ones who were studying and getting good grades, were working part-time while at school to help their parents!

Stories of the ones who help old ladies across the street and do volunteer work in the community!

Heaven forbid, such behaviour might give the impression there are really good people around!

Who knows, once the media got a hold of this sort of thing, we could be inundated with "good news" stories!!!!

**PirateJafa** · 25th October 2007, 18:37

Fucking bunch of pansies.

**hXc** · 25th October 2007, 18:57

Originally Posted by Mikkel

They'll probably all leave the country or get run down by drunk boy racers...

But nice to hear that there are some of them that know how to behave and appreciate.

Well I was one of these 10, and I am leaving the country. So you may well be right.

It was a great weekend, thanks mum.

**quallman1234** · 25th October 2007, 19:11

As a teenager myself around that age.

I must say thats amazing. However the teenagers involved in arts and music tend to be better behaved versus those who are not into such things. I think it has something to do with the fact.That they have found something they love and appreciate.
For instance if you took a lot of 10 Students who were not interested in arts and music. I would strongly doubt that you would get the same result. Of course thats just common sense!
I believe that as long as you are doing something they enjoy the tend to be well behaved. From my experiences anyway.
Basically my point is that there are so many teenagers these days that are not finding anything they enjoy. And end up turning towards the so called 'fun' things (With reference to the party culture what is growing oh so quickly into a violent affair). Like drugs and so forth.
Teenagers need to find something to do or else they will get distracted. The problem is the government + council are not encouraging and finding new things for teenagers to do. There are so many examples of stupid laws what prohibit new adventures. Like tramping, off road riding and many other things.
The next couple of generations will be interesting to say the lest.

I'm just glad i found something to do with my spare time. (and trust me i have a lot off it!)

Sounds like you had a great weekend nevertheless. Good on you for getting involved with such events.

Kyle

**James Deuce** · 25th October 2007, 19:20

It's too late to try and get people interested in things as teenagers. All that stuff your parents MADE you do as little kids was designed to ferret out something you'd stick to, often after being made to stick to it whether you liked it or not.

Once upon a time you could rely on your local school to help you make little Johnny stick to something, but that requires discipline which is a word that is seldom used in relation to parenting and teaching any more.

I rather suspect that what you're searching for Quallman is actually that people with a disciplined approach to some aspect of their their life tend to make the most of opportunities. It's not so much that they're doing something they "enjoy", it is that they are seeking to improve knowledge and skills and because of that disciplined mind set it appears to come naturally and look "enjoyable".

People often take the piss out of arty creative types. Arty creative types have a better handle on hard work and discipline than most professional football players.

**hXc** · 25th October 2007, 19:29

Originally Posted by quallman1234

I must say thats amazing. However the teenagers involved in arts and music tend to be better behaved versus those who are not into such things.

n general, the music students at my school are well behaved - our music teacher promotes good behaviour in such a way that it works. Mrs P is like another mum to most of us, and she actually cares about us as people, not just us as students.

**quallman1234** · 25th October 2007, 19:49

Originally Posted by Jim2

It's too late to try and get people interested in things as teenagers. All that stuff your parents MADE you do as little kids was designed to ferret out something you'd stick to, often after being made to stick to it whether you liked it or not.

Once upon a time you could rely on your local school to help you make little Johnny stick to something, but that requires discipline which is a word that is seldom used in relation to parenting and teaching any more.

I rather suspect that what you're searching for Quallman is actually that people with a disciplined approach to some aspect of their their life tend to make the most of opportunities. It's not so much that they're doing something they "enjoy", it is that they are seeking to improve knowledge and skills and because of that disciplined mind set it appears to come naturally and look "enjoyable".

People often take the piss out of arty creative types. Arty creative types have a better handle on hard work and discipline than most professional football players.

Exactly what i was searching for. Thanks for clearing that up.

With your comment about getting teenagers motivated into loving something. I believe at any age you can find something you love and are passionate about and have a greater motivation to set goals and achieve them.
Nothings impossible.
Although a notable point is that when you get older it is harder to find something that is you. But surely some encouragement into a new activity can't hurt. Even better if it leads towards a promising and happy career.

Everyone's oppion differs. I am just stating my oppion as a teenager who is exposed to a teenage world everyday. (I am not speaking for my generation i am speaking for myself)
I respect your oppion if it is different too mine.
I would love to hear what your oppion is on this matter.
If you could do anything what would you do to mend some of our next generations problems? (in relation too motivation)

Kyle

**quallman1234** · 25th October 2007, 19:51

Originally Posted by hXc

n general, the music students at my school are well behaved - our music teacher promotes good behaviour in such a way that it works. Mrs P is like another mum to most of us, and she actually cares about us as people, not just us as students.

Totally agree

. Exactly the same with my school. I love the music block at my school. Because i know that the people there will accept you for who you are and try to help you as much as possible to help achieve your goals.

Music motivates good hard learning. What is needed if you want to get anywhere in life

.

p.s If you didn't realise I'm that random guy who's with paddy,jas and glen at most race meetings. Just pointing it out.