Disc. Board

The adolescent years are among the most tumultuous of the entire lifespan. What do you think is the most challenging area of growth for an adolescent? For the parent of the adolescent?

The journey of childhood to adolescence can be a difficult adventure for all involved. Dr. Chap Clark touched on many aspects throughout his video presentation about the do’s and don’ts that we as parents/guardians need to be made aware of. The 1st key that Dr. Clark talked about was understanding their journey. I believe this, in many ways, can be very difficult in today’s world. This can be a challenge not only for the child, but the parents as well. We as parents, need to realize that this journey, this season, is about them. As much as we may want to live out some of our childhood dreams through our children, this is their time to write their own story. This is not our time to mold them into what we wish we could have been, or have them try to experience or feel things we wish we could of felt. It is their time to become their own unique self. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” Romans 12:2 (ESV). Adolesence is a time that they need us to truly listen and hear what they are saying. We need to let them know they are valued, that we are their supporters and their fans. We need to relish in their uniqueness and understand that they are eager to become their own person. I have a 9, 11, 12 and 21 year old. Life has changed dramatically since I was their age(s). We as parents have to look at ourselves and how we our handling situations. We need to realize what we feel and what they feel may be at opposite ends of the spectrum. We need to know it is not our job to “fix” everything. As a mother I have the notion that I want to make everything “ok”. I have to learn to let my children struggle, learn, grow and make choices on their own. I will be there when they fall and I will be there when they celebrate. In the meantime I will pray and watch the story unfold.