HOW CAN I EDUCATE MY KIDS SO THEY THRIVE IN THE TEEN YEARS?
It’s critical to coach and guide your kids as they grow up, and that includes during the risky teenage years. Their lives and well-being are too important to ignore this God-given responsibility. We are all asked to “go and make disciples,” and the best place to start is with your kids.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)
How can you disciple your kids to live life well, even in the teenage years?
Teach them the way they should go
The teen years bring new challenges, and your kids will benefit from coaching that equips them for risky situations they will face. Examine your parenting to ensure you encourage positive behaviors and discourage negative ones to “train them up in the way they should go.”
Share both grace and truth with them
Being a great parent calls for balance. This includes discerning when to give your kids some space to learn from their mistakes and when to enforce boundaries with consequences. Remember that “the grace of God offers salvation and teaches us to live self-controlled lives.”
Help them get to know and love God
Perhaps the most important goal for a good parent is to model and encourage a personal relationship with God for your kids. Remember that “these words shall be on your heart” so you can you live them out personally as you also “teach them diligently to your children.”
Here are other useful resources to help you educate and disciple your kids:
- “Parenting with Grace and Truth”
- “How a Little Education Can Help Your Family a Lot”
- “How to Enhance Your Kid’s Emotional Well-Being”
- “PACES: Steps to Becoming a Better Parent”
- “How Do You Help Your Kids When They’re Struggling?”
Next Right Steps: The teenage years are a learning experience for both kids and parents. Schedule time on your calendar each month to continue to read material, watch helpful videos, and get educated so you can disciple your kids effectively.
