Help Your Teenager to Thrive

FROM TEENAGER TO ADULT

Even when you have problems with your teenager, the scripture holds true: "Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:8)  Never cease to show the love that you undoubtedly feel.  Ask yourself, 'Do I compliment each child on his successes in handling problems or overcoming obstacles?  Do I seize opportunities  or express my love and appreciation for my children, before those opportunities pass?  Although at times there may be misunderstandings, if teenagers feel assured of your love for them, they are more likely to return that love. 

Of course, as children grow to adulthood, they will eventually make very weighty decisions for themselves. In some cases parents may not like those decisions. What if their child decides not to continue serving Jehovah God?  This can occur. Even some of Jehovah's own spirit sons rejected his counsel and proved rebellious.  (Genesis 6:2; Jude 6) Children are not computers, which can be programmed to act the way we want.  They are creatures with free will, responsible before Jehovah for the decisions they make. Still, Proverbs 2:6 hold true as a general rule:  "Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it."

So then, show your children plenty of love. Do your best to follow Bible principles in raising them. Set a fine example of godly conduct.  Thus you will give your children the best opportunity to grow up  to be responsible, God-fearing adults. This is the finest way for parents to show gratitude to Jehovah for the privilege of parenthood.

Next time: CHAPTER SEVEN:  Is There a Rebel in the House? 

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS