As a general rule, I try to give teenagers the benefit of the doubt. I know that they can be annoying and loud and obnoxious. They do dumb things and will act oddly just to get the attention. I didn’t think it at the time, but I am confident that adults felt the same about me when I was a teenager.
At the book store, I run two very teenager heavy sections. Some of the teens do get on my nerves because they are still developing their people skills. A couple are just obnoxious in general. But the vast majority of them are awesome people-in-progress.
Adults gave me tons of leeway and patience when I was younger, and I try to extend the same courtesy. As you’ve no doubt heard a million times: if you treat them as adults, they will behave as adults. I take them and their thoughts and ideas seriously. I listen to their opinions and engage them in conversation. We debate who the best Robin is (Dick Grayson). We discuss our theories as to where the MCEU is going. Who would win the Hulk or Batman (Batman).
When I was a teenager, I was aware of the stereotype. I saw waiters not want to take our table because of our age. My friends and I tried to break the stereotype and tip well, not leave a mess, be polite. I have no idea if we actually succeeded. At the time we thought we did, but who knows for sure. But, I like to assume that the teenagers I deal with are doing the same. They are trying to be cool, express themselves, but also be grown-up.
At the book store, I run two very teenager heavy sections. Some of the teens do get on my nerves because they are still developing their people skills. A couple are just obnoxious in general. But the vast majority of them are awesome people-in-progress.
Adults gave me tons of leeway and patience when I was younger, and I try to extend the same courtesy. As you’ve no doubt heard a million times: if you treat them as adults, they will behave as adults. I take them and their thoughts and ideas seriously. I listen to their opinions and engage them in conversation. We debate who the best Robin is (Dick Grayson). We discuss our theories as to where the MCEU is going. Who would win the Hulk or Batman (Batman).
When I was a teenager, I was aware of the stereotype. I saw waiters not want to take our table because of our age. My friends and I tried to break the stereotype and tip well, not leave a mess, be polite. I have no idea if we actually succeeded. At the time we thought we did, but who knows for sure. But, I like to assume that the teenagers I deal with are doing the same. They are trying to be cool, express themselves, but also be grown-up.
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