Early Adolescence: Friends Make a Difference - Living Free - December 22
Early Adolescence: Friends Make a Difference
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces." Proverbs 13:20 MSG
Thoughts for Today
Today's scripture makes it clear that our choice of friends plays a vital role in our lives. This is especially true for teenagers. They are no longer a child, and they are not yet an adult. Teens are trying to figure out who they are and tend to pick up many of the values, as well as characteristics, of their friends.
This is a difficult age for teens. They don't understand their limitations or recognize many dangers. Parents can allow them to make many more independent decisions than they have in the past but must enforce boundaries where there are activities or relationships that could cause them harm.
Consider this ...
Recognize the peer pressure that will be placed on your teen and offer alternative answers. Do not "put down" your child's friends, but rather encourage godly relationships.
Church attendance is especially important and should not be optional. Church youth groups can be invaluable sources of godly friends and activities. Encourage your teen to take part in these.
Strongly encourage involvement in extra-curricular activities. Sports, band, specialty clubs, dance or music lessons are all possibilities for involvement.
Be involved as a family in godly activities with godly people the same age as your teenager. Don't have ungodly relationships yourself--your teen will perceive the hypocrisy. Sometimes, a change of schools is advisable or necessary.
Prayer
Father, lead my child into relationships that will influence her in a positive way. Give me wisdom to guide her, courage to protect her. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from ... Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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