Fathers And Sons

A wise son responds to his father’s discipline, but a mocker doesn’t listen to rebuke.

Proverbs 13:1, HCSB

WE LIVE IN A TIME when it’s harder than ever for teens to be different from the world. There are plenty of Jesus-following students who love the Lord and are respectful to their parents. But our culture seems to be taking countless teens hostage, changing them into rebellious, unreachable kids. Not only do they not listen to their parents, but they also openly rebel against them. A lot of parents are wondering, Where did we go wrong? They are desperate to find help and get their kids back on the right track.

Mark Gregston is director of Heartlight, an east Texas home for thirteen- to seventeen-year-olds in desperate need of an alternative residential setting. Typically, residents stay for nine months to a year at the facility, where they attend high school classes and are challenged by counselors and mentors to take another look at where their lives are headed.

Mark says that when he coaches parents in connecting with their teens, he recommends three things to restore damaged relationships. All three have to do with respect and honest communication: (1) Ask relevant questions (don’t fake it). (2) Let them think about the answer (don’t supply it). (3) Value their response (don’t correct it). Connecting with your teenager doesn’t have to be complicated, but it must be intentional and loving. Ask God to give you the wisdom and patience you need to love your teenagers well.

BOTTOM LINE

Look for ways to better communicate with the teenagers in your life—your children, your grandchildren, or the teens in your neighborhood or church.

Moment of Strength: Proverbs 17:1-10