Greetings to you from a mid-November’s day.

 

During these economically tough times, we take pause and reflect on the things for which we are grateful.

 

In today’s American homes, families are grateful when their children are educated and financially independent!  If it seems to you that this financial independence of young people takes longer than it used to, you are right.  William Damon’s study of adolescents and their sense of direction and purpose, speaks to a wider body of evidence that addresses this delayed maturity.  Young people are putting off marriage and parenthood well into their 20s, and sometimes into their 30s!  Mr. Damon’s study has classified adolescents and young adults into four categories, including the following:

• 31% are “The Dabblers”:  Youths who may have tried a number of potentially purposeful pursuits but who have yet to find reason to commit to any of them.
• 25% are “The Dreamers”:  Those who can imagine themselves doing great things in the world but who have yet to do anything to pursue their ideas in a practical way.
• 25% are “The Disengaged”:  Young people who have neither a purpose in life nor an inclination to find one.
• 20% are “The Purposeful”:  Those who have found something meaningful to dedicate themselves to, who have sustained this interest over time, and who express a clear sense of what they are trying to accomplish in the world and why.

What has caused this shift to reflect a smaller percent of young adults seeming purposeful?  Certainly, “rapid societal changes, economic conditions, the defrocking of heroes by the media, the new digital media, and such shocks as the Watergate scandal of the 1970s and the 9/11 attacks have exacerbated the difficulties young people face in finding life’s passion.”  In addition, a family willingness to have a “dependent” child for many more years than in previous generations is an important factor.   

 

Schools, communities, and parents can work collaboratively to reverse this condition that plagues many young people.  Schools are “ramping up” their curriculum and programs to increase the levels of authenticity and meaningfulness.  Communities are involving young people in community wide experiences that connect them to the real world.  Parents and other adult family members can “contribute at home to children’s developing sense of purpose, by listening closely to children’s expressed interest, fanning the flames of those sparks, discussing their own careers, and introducing their children to outside mentors for career guidance.”

 

Students today can be overwhelmed by so many choices before them.  Adult guidance, information, goal support and encouragement are important to the development of their sense of purpose.  A young person’s financial independence is heavily correlated to the complex understanding of the workplace and their possible role in contributing to this community.  In addition, early lessons regarding responsibility and independence are most fruitful.   

 

May we each find moments of gratitude during this season of Thanksgiving.

As always, I appreciate your advocacy on behalf of Coventry’s young people.

 

Cite:  Education Week, June 11, 2008

 

Best regards,

Donna