Your Precious Gift...

Your Precious Gift...
To create a Bible based environment in our home life that allows are children to thrive in constant P.R.A.I.S.E.

Prayer
Righteousness
Abundance
Innocence
Servanthood
Excellence

Romans 12: 2

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good, pleasing and perfect.

Everyone knows that being a teenager is one of the hardest seasons of life, they have peer pressure, academic pressure, life decision making, Family, Relationship, TEMPTATION all while building and maintaining their relationship with God. It’s that defining moment when right in the middle of enjoying being a teenager; maturity slithers in and demands their attention. It’s finding that delicate balance between enjoying their “lack of responsibility” yet at the same time longing for respect and acknowledgement that they are “becoming” adults.
It is our JOB privilege as parents to make sure this process is as smooth as possible with discipleship through relationship. It is so easy to complain about this season of life that we forget to stop and enjoy it. Eighteen years is a precious short time to have our children in our lives and we let that time slip away so fast.
Important Things You’ll Need

*Prayer
*Patience
*Dedication
*Love
*The Word

*DON'T GIVE UP Teenagers struggle with their identity and less than one out of three will find the help and encouragement they need.. It is during the periods of time when teenagers do not feel supported that they can act out. Especially when it’s hard or difficult and your teenager may be communicating a lack of interest in a mentor/discipleship relationship, it is essential to always remain available and persistent.

*SET BOUNDARIES for expectations and communication. Your teenager will act out less if they know the rules in advance and what you expect from them. It also allows better control of situations before they get out of control. Do not let your communication get out of control. Teenagers are great at trying to deflect issues by becoming argumentative or verbally abusive. Two key words allow you to take control of any situation. Regardless and Nevertheless are key tools in letting your teenager know that you have heard their complaint and frustration and allow you at the same time to return to the actual issue.

*COMMUNICATE While it's not necessarily useful to push the teenager to communicate with you about personal issues they have in their life, it is essential that you ask about them. As children grow they begin to develop their own very distinct personalities and even if they aren't able to share with you, it is a great message to hear that you care. This also does not mean that you allow your teenager to run over the top of you, but that you are available to discuss these things with them

*GIVE YOUR ALL It is important for a teenager to get the benefit of having your undivided attention from time to time. Make dates with your teenager and allow him/her to choose the location or activity. Maybe it's as simple as grabbing a soda or taking a walk. Maybe you have a monthly activity or go to a sports event... just the two of you. This behavior reinforces their sense of importance, self esteem, and continues to make available an open and personal line of communication with the teen.

*KEEP YOUR PROMISES It is incredibly important for you to take your role as a parent seriously and to never back out on your teenager. If you tell them you are going to do something… FOLLOW THROUGH. The messages you send when you back out of an obligation quality time can drastically detract from the relationship.

*SPEAK IN POSITIVES Learn to phrase your advice in the affirmative voice rather than the negative voice. Instead of saying "Don't forget to..." say "Remember to..."

*EXPLAIN WHY This is one of the most important parts of communicating with teens. If you don't explain why you are giving the advice that you are giving, it seems like a simple directive and there is no emotional attachment to following your instruction. If you explain WHY you believe that safe sex, abstinence, etc. is a good idea... it will make more sense to a teen.

*TELL THE TRUTH It is important not to deceive your teenager with the intent to try and affect their behavior. Lying to them about why something is dangerous, or what the benefits or liabilities are of a decision is not very fair; nor will they trust you in the future should they catch you in a lie. Instead, teach your teenager responsible decision-making by being honest about all the options and lovingly guiding them.

*DISCIPLINE WITH LOVE News Flash!! Teenagers are not perfect. But let’s be honest… none of us are. By showing disappointment while not simultaneously showing love and understanding can cause your teenager to develop a complex that they can’t ever do anything right. Also it can cause you to jeopardize your relationship. Explain to the teenager what the repercussions of their decisions are. Remember to tell them that you still love them even if they've messed up.

*TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM As often as possible. When they least expect it. And don't just do it with your words. Following some of these aforementioned steps will SHOW them that you love them. It is crucial your teenager know that you love and care about them. Never miss an opportunity to show them how much you love them.

God Bless

Chi