Dear Parents of Preteens & Teenagers, What is the difference between Reacting and Responding? Actually there is a huge difference. If we can understand that difference we can build bridges instead of walls in our relationships with preteens and teenagers. This week's online parenting tip is focused on helping you as a parent learn some ways to “Respond” to your teenager in a healthy way, instead of REACTING. Look up Proverbs 15:1
This great truth is the first thought that you can bring to your minds and hearts when your teenager opens the door of frustration in your relationship. Here are also three more thoughts that you can go through like a checklist in your head to keep you from losing your temper: 1) Pray this short prayer first: “God give me grace in the moment”. It is impossible to maintain control of your emotion apart from the grace of God, so be willing to ask for it. 2) Ask yourself, “What can I teach them right now?” This thought will keep you focused on the greater parenting task which is teaching them the beliefs and life skills they need to become an adult. 3) Consider the context. What physical changes could be causing this behavior? What relational pressures or circumstances might be fueling your teenager’s emotional response? Here is a 6 minute and 29 second video from a Parent Seminar that talks more about understanding the Physical Changes that are going on inside of your teenager. Understanding these changes can give you the context you need to RESPOND instead of REACT to their wild mood swings. Follow this link to watch the video. Our goal is to encourage you, and open the lines of communication between our church and your home. With that in mind, feel free to email us any questions or prayer requests you may have. Please also let us know if you would like help getting your student connected during this time away from church. Have a great day,
Willowbrook Students Staff
