Have you noticed that when you show up to your weekly program at church the boys are running around tackling each other? How they jump on your back, punch your arm, try to wrestle you and knock you over? This is how boys relate to each other and how they show affection and say “I like you.” So, when you are trying to connect with a boy like this, talking with them may not mean much. Playing with them will mean the world.
On the other hand, although there are a few girls who will be running around, they are more likely talking or gathered in packs doing whatever it is they do in those packs. Connecting with girls is more about verbal communication. A colorful note means the world to a girl, and a phone call can be worth ten notes. Someone who will listen to them is what they crave. Will you listen?
Outside of program times contacting can be more challenging. Volunteers have families and responsibilities that may keep them from attending sporting events and other activities on a regular basis. However, don’t let that keep you from encouraging them to try and get to one thing this semester. That one connection can be the thing that makes all the difference in the world. Beyond that, will you make a phone call? Will you take some time to shoot some hoops? Will you go out of your way to say an encouraging word when one can be said? These are big ways to connect with kids.
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