Building Bridges of Joy with the Next Generation

💥Warning: 26 minute video of pure gold of how to relate to the next generation💫

The connection between generations is fragile, often breaking down in "small, silent, slow moments." As the world grows faster, louder, and more connected yet isolating, older generations must be intentional about building bridges with young people who are increasingly turning to influencers, Instagram, and TikTok to find their identity.

To build meaningful connections, focus on these four core areas:

1. Trust: The Currency of Relationship

Young people will open up when they feel safe, accepted, and not judged, mocked, or compared. Trust is built not by lecturing, but by consistent presence and confidentiality. Be a listener and avoid weaponizing their mistakes against them. Most importantly, be predictable in your reactions.

2. Interest: Gaining Access to Their World

Take a genuine interest in what captivates them—their music, games, and hobbies. Show a desire to learn, even if it confuses you. Ask them to teach you how their favorite game works. Showing interest grants you access to who they truly are and creates opportunities for bonding.

3. Respect: Honoring Individuality

Understand that young people are not "mini-you’s." They have their own passions and opinions. Respect means honoring their space and their viewpoints, even when you disagree respectfully. When the relationship becomes all about control, it becomes a "connection destroyer."

4. Guidance: Being a Partner, Not a Commander

Contrary to popular belief, young people desperately need guidance. Adults lose influence when they act like generals instead of guides. A true guide walks with them, gives advice, and invites their opinion, especially when setting boundaries. This sense of ownership builds influence and creates a partnership.

The Cost of Disconnection

Ignoring this effort leads to teens withdrawing and stopping communication. Issues escalate, and adults lose influence as media and strangers shape young people's values. Ultimately, young people are left to build their identity and belief systems alone, which is dangerous for them and costly for society.

Actionable Next Step:

Here's an audit for you:

• Trust: Do your young people feel safe with you?
• Interest: Do you step into their world?
• Respect: Do you honor their individuality and opinions?
• Guidance: Do you guide, or is it control?

Choose one area—Trust, Interest, Respect, or Guidance—that needs the most improvement in your relationships with young people and turn it into your action plan.Look at all of these and circle the one that needs more improvement for you. Turn that into an action plan that you can work on.

Ready to find your path to consistent joy?

 If you found this post helpful, you’re ready for the next step.

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3 Essentials 

Here’s to Hope for Healing, and Joy for the Journey.