The Teenage Years

Proverbs 22:6 Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it. (NLT)

The question was recently ask of me how Connie and I have been successful at raising two beautiful daughters who love God, honor their parents, and respect other adults in authority? (Remember you have seen our girls at their best, and while they are truly wonderful girls, like every child they have had their moments.)

“Keep in mind that more battles are won through diplomacy than through combat. Set rules for your teenager, and spell out consequences in advance. That way, when rules are broken, your discipline is rooted in enforcement of standing rules, not angry outburst.” (Quote from Life Magazine)

First of all the greatest tool for parenting is to have great dialog with your kids. Nothing will ever take the place of communication. You must be willing to talk with your children about everything under the sun. Without open communication you will never be able to successfully give instruction or provide meaningful discipline.

Providing an atmosphere where your child can talk to you openly is critical. This has been an area of great success for us. Your willingness to not only speak into their lives, but also listen to their concerns gives them the freedom to express themselves through every situation.

Next week’s article will cover the negotiables and non-negotiables.

Pastor Ray