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Last week, I was asked to attend a seminar at which we speak with teenage law offenders, most of whom are on probation, and/or monitoring (ankle bracelet). These are hardcore street kids, many of whom are on the fringes of being kicked out of school for poor attendance, poor grades, poor behavior, etc. Anyway, seemed that no matter what any of us tried to tell them, many of these kids just cackled and snickered - they just laughed at us! So I decided to take another tack: I randomly pointed at 3 or 4 teenagers (boys) and asked each, "Do you have a girlfriend?" They nodded yes. Well, I pointed out, "You laugh and say you're not bothered about getting locked up, but...what do you think your girlfriend's gonna do during that time? Wait for you? She might swear and promise 'I love you' and all, but while you're sitting in jail pining for her, (and I've seen this happen), your girl could very well find herself another man...and all the love letters you sent gets answered with a "Dear John" letter!" So while you're in stir, your girl's knockin' boots with a new man.
Dead silence. Not a single laugh or giggle! Makes me wish more kids would THINK before they act!
Good job. You found what matters to them. Today's society undervalues a lot of important things, especially school (not to mention the general attitude towards school of all of us youth). But human relationships have always mattered to anyone at any age. And if those young criminals truly know what their actions do to those relationships, and truly understand that they will lose those relationships if they continue down their current path, they will take advice seriously, as you saw them do once you brought up girlfriends.
I've learned in my career: Never underestimate your opponent, but once you know his/her weakness, pursue it!
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