Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
How do I tell my kids this is happening?
Answer:
As a father of two teenagers, I've learned that when it comes to addressing behavior, it's essential to approach the conversation in a way that's supportive and non-judgmental. When my children are acting out or making poor choices, I try to come alongside them to help, comfort, and bring courage. I remind them that they are loved and that I'm there to help them navigate difficult situations. I ask open-ended questions to understand the motive behind their behavior and try to couch my words in a supportive way. I've found that it's not about being a referee or trying to fix the problem immediately. Rather, it's about creating a safe space for my children to express themselves and learn from their mistakes. I remind them that I've made mistakes too and that God was with us through it all. This approach helps them feel heard and understood, and it allows them to take ownership of their decisions. As they get older, they'll begin to make more independent choices, and it's essential to trust that they'll make good decisions. As a pastor, I've seen many families struggle with how to navigate difficult conversations with their teenagers. My advice is to pray for your children and trust that God is working in their lives. Don't try to force a decision or dictate what they should do. Instead, pray that what they learn will penetrate their heart and give them a desire for a close relationship with God. When the time is right, they'll come to you with questions about Jesus and may even want to receive Him as Savior. That's the greatest peace a parent can have – knowing their child's eternal future is joy-filled and secure.
Sources:
raising passionate jesus followers
phil diane comer
raising kids to follow christ
lee ann mancini
depression
edward welch
power of a praying parent
stormie omartian
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