Working on coexistence in adolescents is a necessary task. Let us remember that young people are in the midst of the transition from childhood to maturity. They need to learn to live in peace with others, since this is what they will find throughout their future life in the family, at work, and in all types of relationships.
How to work on coexistence in adolescents
It should not be forgotten that coexistence is not only at school. Children must learn to respect others at work, in the family, in public spaces and, in short, in all kinds of everyday social situations in which they find themselves.
How do we work in this field? Let's see some interesting proposals that we can develop at home or at school and that will help them to socialize better.
Create cooperation projects
Cooperative activities are the best option for adolescents to improve coexistence. Now, which ones do we bet on?
In fact, any project can be useful in this sense. Of course, we must pay attention to the specific interests of the group of children with whom we are going to work.
Let's think about a group of kids who love sports. Creating a team and training them together so that they understand the value of solidarity and generosity of effort can create very strong bonds between them.
In this way, we could bet on any kind of project. For example, creating a school newspaper or a radio station with several students, setting up a music group...
The important thing is that the adolescents have a common goal, an end that, in order to be achieved, requires teamwork and support from one another.
Establishment of rules of engagement
It is more complicated, but equally necessary. We live in a world of rules and laws, some written, others not, as they are already part of tradition and collective custom.
The establishment of rules has an advantage if it is done well, in a democratic way. That is, if it is something negotiated and accepted by all the children, since they are an active part of the decisions, it will be much more efficient.
Thus, it will encourage critical thinking, reducing the possibility of mistreatment, bullying or mockery of other kids. Therefore, as teachers and parents, we must involve all adolescents.
Conducting dynamics
There are very interesting dynamics that facilitate teamwork. In all of them, the interaction of the children should be promoted, so that they act as a group making consensual and previously negotiated decisions.
For example, we can use the NASA dynamic, in which the children must decide which objects they would take with them on a mission to the Moon in order to survive. Here they will put their knowledge, negotiating skills, etc. to good use.
Respect for time and responsibilities
Beyond the rules, young people will also have their rights, but also their obligations and responsibilities, as well as their own time.
Letting the boys enjoy their free time, alone if they wish, will help to greatly improve coexistence, both with other adolescents and with their parents, teachers and elders.
Then, in addition to giving them their own time, we must negotiate with them their responsibilities, their rights and their time for hobbies. But in exchange, in order to participate in activities with their friends, it is important that they understand that they also have a series of family, school, etc., obligations that they must fulfill.
These four ideas for working on coexistence in adolescents are simple, but very effective. At Logos International School we have a pedagogical office specialized in putting into practice these and many other options that help young people find their place in the world in this complex phase of their lives when they leave childhood behind to become adults.