Parenting Teens is Not for the Faint of Heart

“They who sow in tears shall reap with joyful singing.” – Psalm 126:5 (AMP)

God sees you today, sweet mama.  He loves you and knows the desires of your heart.  He is a good, good Father. Isaiah 40:11 reveals God’s heart for moms, “He carries them close to his heart, he gently leads those that have young.” Motherhood is the ultimate sacrifice. It’s sowing seeds for years and not receiving much recognition. But it’s defining work. It’s character making work.

Parenting is hard. And parenting teens is when the journey is coming to a close…but don’t slow down!!! You only have a few more years with your precious son or daughter, and then they will be released to the world. Today, I want to encourage you to deeply trust Jesus. He is going with them to college, and for the time being, He will go with them to every sleepover, movie date, and school dance. Trust that Your Savior has it ALL in His hands. I also want to leave you with some words of encouragement to get you to the finish line.

1. Do WAY more listening than talking.  Our tweens and teens don’t want to be talked at constantly.  They truly desire to chat with us and share their thoughts if we are a “soft” place for them to do so.

2. Along the listening lines, do not always try to fix their problems or concerns.  Some things cannot be fixed, they will happen.  Kids will be mean to your kids, your children will be left out or overlooked, and your girls will have insecurities and hesitations.  We all did at that age and you, as their mom, cannot make these things go away.

3. Be available and present when your kids need you. Put the phone down, stop doing laundry or dinner, etc. When they come to you, give them your attention and affections.

4. Try to remember being that age.  It takes a long time for the brain to develop and for humans to mature. Don’t become annoyed at their stupid choices.  Kids are kids!  Let them mess up and do the wrong thing – in moderation of course.  It is how they learn.

5. Don’t police their every move.  Pick your battles.  Start giving them more freedom.  They will have more good will towards you if they feel like you trust them and value them.  Also, ask for their opinion occasionally.  They will love it.

Love, Rachel Jones

Rachel Jones
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