Understanding the World of Your Teen – Podcast Links

In recent days I had the privilege of recording a podcast with my friend Evan Magelssen, high school pastor at Faith Bible Chapel in Arvada, Colorado. Evan recently started a podcast, Teens Need Grace, and invited me to join him for a conversation regarding understanding the world of teenagers. Below you will find multiple links to listen to the podcast. Further, you will also see the show notes I provided as well.

Show Notes

Understanding the World of Your Teen

A Challenging Context (which leads to possible rebellion)

1.  Consider the parents: age, position, lifestyle, friends

Possible idols – comfort, respect, appreciation, success, control, independence

2.   Consider the teen: age, position, lifestyle, friends

Possible idols –
1)   Material possessions
2)   Relationships / acceptance / approval
3)   Appearance
4)   Pleasure
5)   Comfort / laziness
6)   Control
7)   Sexual satisfaction
8)   Selfish (vs. serving)
9)   Self (vs. trusting God)

3.   Three obstacles to life as a teen:

1. “God isn’t playing my game.”
2. “My family is so not perfect.”
3. “The world around me is hard and dangerous.”

Foundational Issues for Wise Parents to Teach Their Teens 

1. God’s opinion matters most – the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).
2. Children need to listen to their parents and remember the wise things they say (Proverbs 1:8; 6:20). For each parent, the challenge is to make wisdom attractive.
3. The teen must be careful in choosing friends – abstain from the wicked (Proverbs 1:10-15; Psalm 1).
4. Be sure to help your teen understand the difference between a wise and foolish son. The way both the parents and the teen handle conflict identifies often who is wise and who is foolish. Be aware of both characteristics (Prov 26:4-5; 12:15; 18:2; 19:1; 20:3; 26:12; 28:26; 29:11; James 3:13-18).

Other Links to the Show Podcast