Parenting Teens

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold. The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the Maker of them all. The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it. The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them. Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:1-6 ESV).

The first session of “Parenting Teens” that I am teaching at Gospel City Church began last Sunday. It is not too late for those of you in the area to join us at 9 am and the podcast is available on the church’s web site (https://www.gospelcitychurch.com/). I have found it true that these can be the most challenging of times in parenting. Mark Twain said, “When a child turns thirteen, put them in a barrel and feed them through a hole. When they get to be sixteen, plug up the hole.” That’s certainly not a very positive view of parenting teens, but one that everyone can relate to. Parenting teens isn’t easy. David Gelman writes, “Today’s teenagers face more adult-type stresses than their predecessors did, at a time when adults are much less available to help them.” So here are a few suggestions: Education is not the goal, wisdom is. Education helps, but teaching kids to sort out information is the key. Real decision-making is not accomplished with mere data. The ability to analyze that information and make responsible choices will determine success from failure. Teach them how to take care of their bodies with a good diet and good exercise. I find it so easy to forget that man was created a trichotomy. We are made with a soul, a mind, and a body. We easily take care of feeding our minds. We may do a bit better with taking care of our souls. However, we don’t do well with our bodies. Balance is the essential to growth and maturity. Help them develop a relationship with God. Recognize that much of their development toward God will come from the relationship with the God they see in you. Teach them that there are moral absolutes based on Scripture. Teens need these guidelines. This structure provides the framework for all of the rest of life. Help them make wise decisions about the company they keep. Positive peer pressure is a key. Since our children spend more and more time with their friends as they grow older, we should insure a good influence. For more information, check out the web site; or, better come join us if you are in the area.