• Stress is higher for today’s youth than those of past generations.

• Our group coaching can offer them a place to relax and enjoy interacting with others.

• Group coaching can improve their interpersonal communication, social and leadership skills.

Today’s youth have more demands upon them than those of past generations.

Their lives can be stressful.

Today’s youth have access to what is happening around the world. They are more aware of the challenges facing them and everyone else.

This adds to their stress.

I had a recent a discussion with a parent. Her son has won scholarships. She mentioned it is no longer enough to have good grades to qualify for scholarships. Applicants have to show excellence in extra-curricular activities as well. This has made it demanding on our young people.

They often find it a challenge to have time to relax, play and do enjoyable activities.

As we organize group youth programs our goal should be to not place stress on the participants.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND EASY:

• Keep any preparation for a session role to a minimum.

• There are no tests or homework,

• Offer them with the opportunity to join a session and share their time and thoughts with others.

• Show them how to prepare speeches quickly and present them with ease.

• Offer a safe place to practice a speech and get feedback should he/she want to present it elsewhere.

• Allow them to observe the group. If they are not comfortable, place no pressure on them to take part.

• Keep it simple and easy to take part.

By doing this, we can offer them a time to relax with others and be themselves.

Make it as stress-free as possible.

GROUP SESSIONS CAN ENHANCE SKILLS SUCH AS:

COMMUNICATION, LANGUAGE AND LITERACY:

• Impromptu speaking enables them to communicate effectively.

• Participating in discussions assists them to express themselves.

• Presentations enable them to improve the delivery of their message.

• Feedback improves their listening and communication skills.

BUILD CONFIDENCE AND IMAGINATION:

• Learn impromptu speaking on a variety of topics.

• Speak about their perception of the world.

• Learn to express their feelings about their life and things that are going on around them.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• Working in groups helps develop their social skills.

• Learn to take turns and get along with others.

• Practice teamwork.

• Develop empathy for others of different ages, backgrounds and skills.

• Involvement improves their self-confidence.

• Learn how to share, make decisions, be assertive and resolve conflicts.

• Interacting. discussing and giving feedback enables them to find their voices.

PRACTICE DIFFERENT LEARNING APPROACHES:

• Exposed to different opinions and new topics from group members.

• Experience group discussions and roundtable input on different topics.

• Discuss and even debate various topics.

• Open their minds and improve their readiness to learn.

IMPROVEMENT OF THINKING AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE:

Answering ad hoc questions enhances thinking and communication skills.

Giving feedback to others enhances thinking and interpersonal communication skills.

These are all key areas of development in which we can assist with our group sessions.

Conducting group sessions helps to maximize their future well-being.

What are your experiences with and thoughts about online group meetings?

Please share your ideas on how we can work with our youth in this regard. This will enable them to gain the communication and leadership skills required in the 21st Century.