The David C. Cook Landmark Study asked children’s leaders what the top challenges are for children in grades 3,4 and 5. Peer pressure (56%) topped the list, followed by their need to develop friends (45%) and surprisingly dealing with self-image, how others see them (35%). Children fear failure, even as young as 6. They worry about not achieving what their parents and teachers expect. They are also biblically illiterate.
Teachers gave only 7% of their upper elementary children the grade of ‘A’ in Bible knowledge; ‘B’ (47%); ‘C’ (38%); ‘D’ (7%); ‘F’ (1%). Many do not live in what was once considered a traditional household. Some have no active male role model in their homes, and VBS week may be the only time they get to interact with men who are father and grandfather-ages. Some live in skipped-generation households, homes headed by grandparents raising children’s children. (Christian retailing 11/10/08)
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