Keys to Family Happiness / Adolescence - A Milestone

From birth onward, a child's life is a list of firsts-the first steps taken, the first word spoken, the first day of school, to name just a few. Parents rejoice when they child reaching a milestone.  The accomplishment provides evidence of something they yearn to see -growth. 

Adolescence too is a milestone-although some parents may not greet its arrival  with applause.  Their apprehension is understandable. After all, what dad or mom is happy to see is a compliant child turned into a moody teen?  Still, adolescence is a vital phase of growth.  In what way?

The Bible states that in time "a man will leave his father and mother." (Genesis 2:24)  A major function of adolescence is to help prepare your son or daughter fort that bittersweet day. At that time, your child should be able to say, ad the apostle Paul: When I was a babe, I use to think as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe." - 1 CORINTHIANS 13:11.

In essence, that is what you son or daughter is doing during the last years-shedding the traits of childhood and learning to become a responsible young adult who is self-reliant and mature enough to leave home.   In fact, one reference work poignantly describes adolescence as "one lone goodbye." 

Next time: Keys to Family Happiness /Conclusion of Adolescence A Milestone

From the jw.org publications