Ask & receive

Group, May/Jun 2003

A few of our teenagers need lessons in the hygiene department. I don't really know how I should go about addressing this issue, or if I should even bother. What's the best solution?

Anonymous

Via Internet

Absolutely address the issue! You may be the only "caring" person in the life of that particular student who actually cares enough to let them know about cleanliness. . . Use common sense and keep their interest at heart, not just the group in the van. . . Meet them where they are, and be that big brother or sister who clues them in-but never embarrass them.

Dustin Sams

Titusville, Florida

Split the kids up (boys and girls), and have someone come in to talk to them about the basics (a man for the guys and a woman for the girls). If you make it a group thing, you won't be singling out or embarrassing one or two kids. I think that these kids need to know how to care for themselves. If they aren't taught at home, they'll certainly be teased, tormented, and ignored in their peer groups. So please "bother."

Linda Braine

Elkins, West Virginia

We've had this problem with several of our youth, regardless of gender. We handle each case individually because their family situation and upbringing plays into it. We've gone to the parents and talked to them about the issue. We've gone directly to the youth and talked to them about it. We've held miniseminars for youth and parents and talked in general about those issues. . . Humor can also be good when used en masse, especially with guys. On retreats, when showering isn't an option for some guys, the rule is that I have a roll-on deodorant, and if I smell them, they have to use it. The thought of using the roll-on after it's been in someone else's armpit is enough to keep them smelling fresh!

Summer Sipes

Frisco, Texas

These students had hearts of gold and truly loved the Lord. . . their only problem was in regard to hygiene. At first I had no idea how to approach this, or even if I should, but then I began to notice that many other students didn't want to be near them. . . I knew I needed to do something, so I spent hours in prayer and talking to my senior pastor. I finally decided to meet with the father one-on-one. I knew this would be hard for him to hear, but I knew my heart was in the right place and that I had sought the Lord on how to approach it. I began our talk by congratulating him on how he'd raised his children. . . I then began to tell him why I'd invited him. He was obviously hurt, but I continued to remind him that I was telling him this out of love for him and his children. . . He then decided to talk to them himself. . . Since then things have been much better, and it's obvious because other teens are interacting with them much more. Every situation is different, but it's essential that love must be the reason behind all that we do.

Anonymous

Via Internet

WHAT I WOULD YOU DO?

I plan to offer an online small-group Bible study using instant messaging. I'm wondering about ground rules and the best way to give the lesson (cut and paste it? email it in advance?). Any pointers?

Anonymous

Via Internet

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