'Keepin' It Real'

'Keepin' It Real' aims to help children through the challenges of modern life. It is a resource book for children and youth leaders and aims to help 9 to 13-year-olds focus on the issues of respect, reputation and conflict.

'Keepin’ It Real' is produced by the Methodist Church and ecumenical children’s charity CURBS. It is aimed for use with 9 to 13-year-olds and addresses four main topics: communication, reputation, conflict and negotiation as they affect young people today.

Keepin’ It Real comes at a time when the Government is asking schools to help teach children good manners and behaviour, and also to help them deal with anxiety, anger and conflicts.

Penny Fuller from MethodistChildren says “there are lots of resources to help young people deal with topics like sexuality and drugs, but not to help with less tangible things like reputation. Yet we frequently hear that some teenagers are carrying weapons either for self-protection or ‘Street Cred’, and we see in the news the terrible consequences this can have. 'Keepin’ It Real' aims to help young people deal with these situations in very practical ways.”

Charity CURBS specialises in working with children in urban situations, and its experience enriches the practical wisdom offered by 'Keepin’ It Real'. But, says Penny, it does not only apply to inner cities. “Children and teenagers everywhere are under tremendous pressure. 'Keepin’ It Real' will help equip them to deal with difficult situations. Everyone gains when young people can find their way through life.”

Source: http://methodist.org.uk/opentogod.news 25/10