It was not that long ago that I was a youth myself, and some days I would rather be classified as a youth rather than an adult. I have noticed,though in today's culture that it is somewhat harder to be a youth than an adult.

My husband and I have worked in youth ministry in baptist churches over the past 7 or so years. The most consistent thing I have noticed over this time is the increase in pressure on today's youth.

We have children that are thrust into the roles of adults due to divorce or abandonment of one or both parents. We have youth that care for parents with addictions or deal with constant abuse. Through all of this the one thing we can offer them is more time to be a youth, by offering plenty of community activities and hosting functions that cater to them rather than trying to sell something to them. My hope is that anyone who reads this that holds a leadership role in their community will think long and hard about returning these youth their childhood.

Learn more about this author, Amanda Dycus.
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