Generation Bridge
T
he Daniel & Justin Show airs on Sunday evenings 8p.m.–10p.m. on The Word (99.3 FM). Daniel & Justin are youth leaders at New Hope Community Church in Round Rock. Each month, they will offer their insight on things they think parents might like to know, in order to “bridge the gap” between generations. We hope our readers find their comments informative and helpful… AFF: What are some current problems with the way kids dress today?
brands, it’s most likely because he/she wants to fit in a certain “crowd” or “group”. Talk to them and find out what they’re really after.
Justin: Mainly the lack of clothes. I think kids are allowed to put too much into “personal expression” in what they wear.
AFF: Do kids treat each other differently, depending on their style of dress? How so?
Daniel: Too much skin! The simple fact is that the clothes don’t make the person! You don’t have to wear revealing clothes to look “good”.
Daniel: Unfortunately, yes. If you wear black, you’re depressed and “emo”, and if you wear expensive “in style” clothes, you’re spoiled. It’s kind of sad. We categorize people like we categorize clothes.
AFF: Does the outfit affect the attitude, and vice-versa? Justin: Most definitely. Image is everything to kids, whether they admit it or not. There are a few basic themes: country, dark, sporty, casual and fashionable. Which is your kid? Daniel: A lot of times, yes it does. If I wear a suit, I feel different and my attitude is more professional. But your attitude can affect anything that you do, and the clothes that you wear won’t, and shouldn’t, change who you are. AFF: Should dress for church be different than dress for school? Why or why not? Daniel: I agree that God wants our best, but your clothes don’t have to affect your attitude. I can bring God my best and be in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals.
Justin: Yes, I think they do a little. Kids can be mean, and one of the first things kids go for is outward appearance, because that’s easy. AFF: If kids show too much skin, how would you counsel them to be “modest”? Justin: You need to explain self-respect; that you don’t need to show skin to be attractive or to get attention. Parents, are you encouraging this behavior? Many times this answer is no, but some parents try to help their kids become more popular or sexier. Daniel: Cover up! Seriously, there is a line between being “cute” and being “revealing” and I think we need to come to a happy medium. AFF: What’s the main thing you want to say to parents regarding how their kids dress?
Justin: Yes, but it depends on the parent. At school you can wear a pair of gym shorts all day, but you shouldn’t wear that to church.
Justin: Explain your stance on why some things are okay and some are not, and your tone in explaining is important.
AFF: What would your advice be to parents whose kids only want name-brand, expensive clothes?
Daniel: Pay Attention! Young people dress to make a statement. Pay attention to what they’re wearing and try to see what message that’s portraying. Use this issue as an opportunity to get closer to your kid and find out what makes them tick.
Justin: If they want it, they pay for it. A compromise can and needs to be reached. This is a classic case of where parents get in trouble of being too much of an “understanding friend.” Put together a budget for clothes and tell your kids what you can afford. This could be a good chance to teach them that money doesn’t grow on trees.
Marcy Lytle
Daniel: Clothes do not make the person! I can’t emphasize that enough. You shouldn’t let your child’s identity be found in something as trivial as clothing. If your child wants name-
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