Early dreams must now be translated into dynamic action refined in their definition, perhaps, but not abandoned cynically. Adolescence needs a cause or, better still, an abundance of causes. It needs something to do. Adolescence, when approached and understood rightly, is a wonderful time, rich with some of life s greatest opportunities for self-development. The im portant thing to understand is the youth s need for action, and not for mere theories.
Physical discipline is important.
So also is any call to good deeds without the expectation of personal reward the greater the self-sacrifice entailed, the better, provided, of course, that the child s welfare isn t endangered. Self-reliance needs to be stressed in numerous ways, including camping out in the wilderness, boy scout activities, tests of personal endurance and the like. Other tests can be given the teenager for developing his will power. If he feels a cold coming on, for example, he might try casting it out of his body by sheer will power. He can be encouraged to test the power of positive thinking, and to see how it affects his own life, the lives of others, and objective circumstances.