Teens

With the prominence of living in a digital age, it is easy for young people to be influenced by various voices. This poses a challenge for Christian youth as they can be easily led down the wrong path based on what they are listening to. Fortunately, there have been Christians who have created and utilized their platforms to the glory of God by sharing their faith and equipping the body of Christ.

That being said, here are 5 Christian role models that teens should follow on social media.

Rising high schoolers are one step closer to the self-discovery and independence of adulthood. As a pastor, TV host, and author, I have compiled eight essential markers from life experience to help shape their journey into a spectacular one. Whether you are a parent, youth worker, mentor, or friend, I hope these markers will serve as meaningful conversation starters.

Just as we educate ourselves on how to treat our children’s physical bumps and scrapes, we can comfort our children with the healing balm of Scripture when life leaves them with emotional bruises.

It's important to remind ourselves daily that our primary role right now is not a friend, Uber driver, cook, personal shopper, or even caretaker. As Christian parents trying to guide our teens through the formative years, we are first and foremost protectors, battling on the front lines of a spiritual war for the souls of our children. Period.

Our teens need as much encouragement as we can give them. The following are 10 wisdom nuggets that our teens need to hear from us.

God tells us patience is foundational to our love lives! As parents, we can talk about this simple truth and model it for our kids. We can show them love expressed through patience as a family norm so that when they approach dating, they know patience and love are like inhaling and exhaling - they simply go together.

We all know that parenting is no easy feat, but being a single mom adds an extra layer of complexity. Balancing work, household responsibilities, and parenting can be overwhelming at times, especially when faced with the ever-changing demands of a teenager.

Even though we proactively address issues like sexuality and dating, we’ve seen repeatedly that our teens have questions that we never would have anticipated.

Parents are triggered by the mere fact their kid is a teenager. A lot of it is fear that creates this triggered response. So, when your teenager does something you're not a fan of, or they ask for something you're totally against, instead of responding rationally and with a conversation, we react. Reactions create emotional tension, and emotional tension creates familial nuclear wars. It just does!

Unfortunately, we've been here before, and while my "momma bear" wanted so badly to kick in, aiming to protect my daughter's heart, I also realized she needed freedom. Freedom from my meddling and control and the chance to work it out.

Teens and young adults are facing challenges that previous generations did not confront as they move from childhood to adulthood, the study says, noting that young people are growing up “in a world that’s overwhelmed by more digital access than their minds can process.”

There are so many things I know now, that I wish I could have known then. Here are 10 things I wish every girl could hear.

All my pampering and kid-pleasing needs to go, not only for my sake—but for the sake of my children. But how can I alter the way I parent, after so many years?

Remember that under that tough exterior, they really do love you, and this season will pass. Hang on to those small glimmers of hope when they offer an unexpected hug or say thank you out of the blue. Keep praying for and over them, building them up with your annoying (as they see it) comments. Stay calm and love them anyway.

One thing I’ve learned is that this conversation needs to start at a young age before puberty hits in full force. You need to start the conversation and make sure there is space to continuously revisit it as they grow and change.

What can you do if your teenage boy is openly disobeying you, and your husband won't back you up?

Including them doesn’t mean you’re lessening your authority, but you are teaching them self-discipline and determination. Teaching them the value of face-to-face conversations, respect by uninterrupted socialization, and good old-fashioned reading is never a bad thing, but including your child in that process of creating boundaries is even better.

Teenagers crave being heard and understood while navigating school, friends and other relationships and additional external pressures. Here are four things to keep in mind when your teen snaps at you.

The truth of the matter is that keeping romance alive while raising teens isn’t easy. It can be some of the most challenging years of a marriage! Learning how to be lovers again and rekindle the romance without losing your mind during these years may seem downright impossible. But it can be done. And, yes, it is totally possible!

If your kids don't want to go to church, should you force them or let them make that decision themselves? What is best for their relationship with God in the long run?