Tweens 8yr -12olds

Although this is US based it still can inform us:-

Barna recently shared the following research about the life of tweens (children ages 8 to 12):
94% said they have good friends whom they can trust.
91% get punished by their parents if they are caught using bad language.
79% feel safe when they are at home.
74% said their parents enforce a strict curfew.
69% say their family eats dinner together at least five nights a week.
64% say they feel they can always trust their parents to do what is right for the child.
67% noted that the amount of television they are allowed to watch is limited by their parents.
57% contend that they look forward to spending free time with their family.
56% believe that they will have a great life.
43% rejected the notion that they would rather be popular than do what is morally right.
38% said that churches have made a positive difference in their life.
35% said they find it easy to talk to their parents about everything that is happening in their life these days.
34% said that prayer is very important to them.
31% are bothered by bullies who threaten or scare them.
Young people who get mostly “A’s” in their schoolwork tended to have a much more positive experience and outlook.
Having both parents in their home also makes a big difference.
Born again Christians were also much more likely than non-born again tweens to possess an upbeat life perspective and experience.

Barna concludes that:
Parents must take the lead in establishing the centrality of faith experiences and practices for their children. That begins with parents modeling the significance of faith in their lives. It also highlights the importance of families taking the lead in the spiritual development process, rather than expecting or waiting for a church to produce spiritual growth in adolescents.

At the same time, it is essential that children’s ministers strive to create an environment where students will not only grow deeper in their spiritual development but have fun and actually look forward to going to church. Fun environments enhance the learning experience.