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 possessions2) Relationships / acceptance / approval3) Appearance4) Pleasure5) Comfort / laziness6) Control7) Sexual satisfaction8) Selfish (vs. serving)9) Self (vs. trusting God)
3. Three obstacles to life as a teen:
- “God isn’t playing my game.”
- “My family is so not perfect.”
- “The world around me is hard and dangerous.”
Foundational Issues for Wise Parents to Teach Their Teens
- God’s opinion matters most – the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7).
- 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.
- The teen must be careful in choosing friends – abstain from the wicked (Proverbs 1:10-15; Psalm 1).
- 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