How to Encourage a Kid to Join a Youth Group

When your kids spend most of their free time playing video games or watching television, encourage them to join a youth group that will enrich their lives by helping them learn new skills and meet new friends. Try these arguments to help them see the benefits of signing up.

Instructions

1. Let your child choose a youth group that fits in with his interests. Ask around at his school, church or local recreation department to discover what types of organizations are available and how often they meet. Arrange for him to attend a meeting of a few different groups to see which activities and kids he likes best.

2. Discuss the ways the group will help her meet personal goals. If she hopes to make a sports team at school, for example, find a group that focuses on athletic activities. You may also be able to discover local organizations that encourage musical, performing arts or academic pursuits.

3. Talk to the parents of your child's friends to find out if their kids would be interested in joining a youth group. Yours might be more enthusiastic and comfortable if he knows other people starting at the same time.

4. Explain that being an active part of a youth group will be a nice extracurricular activity on school applications if your child hopes to attend college or transfer to a private school.

5. Mention that your child will be able to interact with kids of the opposite sex if he's interested in dating. The youth group will allow him to meet girls with similar interests, backgrounds or faith.

6. Share your personal stories if you belonged to a group as a child. Talk about how it helped you overcome shyness, make friends with kids from other schools and boost your self-confidence, for example.