Help Your Teenager to Thrive

WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

If parents have not already inculcated in their children an appreciation for honesty and hard work, they should by all means do so during the teen years.  (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:10)  It is also vital for them to make sure that their children  wholeheartedly believe in the importance of living a moral and clean life.  (Proverbs 20:11)  A parent communicates much in these areas by way of example. Just as unbelieving husbands can be "won without a word through the conduct of their wives," so teenagers can learn right principles through the conduct of their parents.  (1 Peter 3:1) Still, an example on its own is never enough, since children are also exposed  to many bad examples and to a flood of enticing propaganda outside the home.  Caring parents, therefore, need to know their teenagers' views on what they see and hear, and this calls for meaningful conversation. -Proverbs 20:5. 

This is particularly true when it comes to sexual matters. Parents, are you embarrassed to discuss sex  with your children?  Even if you are, make the effort to do so, for your young ones will surely learn about the subject from someone.  If they do not learn from you, who knows what distorted information they will get? In the Bible, Jehovah does not shy away from matters of sexual nature, and neither should parents. -Proverbs 4:1-4; 5:1-21. 

Thankfully, the Bible contains clear guidance in the area of sexual conduct, and the Watchtower Society has published much helpful information showing that this guidance still applies int he modern world. Why not make use of this help?  For example, why not review with your son or daughter the section "Sex and Morals" in the book Questions  Young People Ask-Answers That Work? You may by pleasantly surprised at the results. 

Next time: Help Your Teenager to Thrive/Conclusion of WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

From the book:  The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS