Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Vol. 5 No. 10
HB
child?
What key things are important for parents to keep
in mind as they approach the teen years with their
the teenager to be the expert, be ready to take a whole lot
of notes. Make sure they understand that what they share
with you will not be held against them. If you ask out of
This does not happen overnight. Like it or not, this begins care and concern, without making them feel like they are
the moment you meet your child. Parents need to be being accused or interrogated, you’ll be amazed about
preparing for the teenage years while their child is just what they know and what they confess to not knowing.
that: a child, an infant who has been held and nurtured, If they do share something that is disturbing,
as a toddler who has been allowed to stretch and grow; remember the Fruits of the Spirit. Keep your self-control.
being picked up when they fall, not only physically, but Be loving, kind, gentle, patient, generous, faithful, and
in all their experiences. The single most important job for initially at peace with the news and with your child. Ask
a parent is helping their child be a good friend. Parents him if he has any concerns about what was shared. Work
need to realize the best role model they have is you. How together in finding understanding and the necessary next
have you treated your child from birth up to adolescents? steps, recognizing most things cannot immediately be
Have they been fortunate enough to experience the Fruit changed. What your son or daughter will need most is a
of the Spirit, which ultimately leads to self-control that will parental friend, who will pick him up, hold her, in times of
carry them through life? need. In doing so, you will have a child who is living the
If you’re reading this after the fact, hope is not lost. promise that his days may go well for him and he may live
Jesus told us to pray, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive a long time in the land and with the Lord.
those who sin against us.” Remember who the adult is.
One of my greatest privileges is to see a parent and child
renew their relationship. This will not happen unless the HB Families may not live in the Kansas-world of
former years, but together, parents and teens
can shape a safe and nurturing home-world that
parent is willing to recognize where he could have done
better and ask for his child’s forgiveness. My children will prepare them to respond to the cultural realities
are only 9 and 5, and I have already heard many times, confronting teens every day.
“That’s OK, Dad.” My sons know I care about them, which
includes being overly concerned sometimes, but thankfully RESOURCE CORNER
our open and honest communication renews us as often
as needed. HEARTLIGHT: Parenting Today’s Teens is a
parenting outreach website of Mark Gregston,
HB
choices?
What key actions would you advise if parents
suspect their teen is involved with dangerous
director of Heartlight Ministries, a residential
counseling program for teens. Through his weekly
broadcasts and publications, Mark “offers biblical
insights and practical wisdom for parents wanting
The key word here is “suspect.” First, don’t make
a deeper relationship with their teen.” Connect
accusations. Start with the three C’s: Care, Concern and
with this powerful parenting tool at www.
Communication. I am now speaking as a youth worker
heartlightministries.org/parentingtodaysteens.
and not a parent. I have always found it helpful to ask a