 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Links
LinksParents
Parenting OnlineThought for the monthBright Ideas for the FamilyDanger ZonePrograms
Events and IdeasFBC Mineral WellsResources
Ministry Tools|
|
| Thought for the Month |
 |
| School Days |
| ||||||
| Does the title startle you? Did she really use the word joy? Yes, I did. Believe it or not, the teenage years can actually be some of the most fufilling years in the lives of parents and teens. Preparing for this article, I have done some reading on parent/teen relationships and have discovered that for the most part, the teenage years do not have to be one big headache and blur. My personal relationship with my parents as a teen could be classified as overall healthy. Which carries over into adulthood as something to be cherished. My parents, especially my mom, are my best friends (below my husband of course). An article entitled "Teens to Parents: You're OK" from USA Today reports that 75 percent of 584 youth surveyed felt very close to their parents. Luke 2:52 states that "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man." Does it ever blow your mind to think that Jesus went through adolescence, that he, too, had hormonal rages and was confused about his identity? Do you think Mary and Joseph ever found themselves totally baffled over some of his behavior? Of course, he never sinned, but he was a teenager. He grew in spurts physically, mentally, sociallly, and spiritually just as you see your child doing. How can we raise teenagers to be like Christ? The answer, according to Robert Morgan is Horizontalizing. When children are born until adolescence, parents have a vertical relationship with them. You tell them when to do things, how to do things, and why you do things (usually because you said so). But, during adolescence, not only does a frightening change occur in your once loving child, but one also occurs in your relationship with that child. You gradually exchange authority for fellowship; controller to companion; talker to listener. This does not mean you give up your rights as parents. You still set curfews and rules of your household. What this does mean is you allow them to make decisions and suffer the consequences - good or bad. This means you listen to their problems and give advice only when asked. This means you are preparing for their adulthood when you will engage in one of the most meaningful friendships on earth. This means you are letting go. Consider these verses with your spouse or by yourself: Proverbs 12:16 Proverbs 19:11 Proverbs 14:1 Proverbs 15:28 Proverbs 20:5 What do these verses have to do with raising teenagers? How can you apply them to your relationship with your teenagers? In the months ahead, we will explore many topics and issues related to teenagers. If you have any suggestions for topics or would like to share something from your heart, email me at cjmalott@yahoo.com. Give your teenager a hug, tell him/her you love them and have a great day in the Lord. In Him, Amy Malott Taken from "Empowered Parenting" by Robert J. Morgan |
 Sign Guestbook |
 View Guestbook |
 cjmalott@hotmail.com |
|
. |
| Visitors: 00551 |