The Value of Adult Guidance

 HOW TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE

Spend time with your children.

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "Train a child in the way he should go; even when he grows old he will not depart from it." - PROVERBS 22:6.

Children naturally look to their parents for guidance.  In fact, experts say that even as children enter the teen years, they tend to value the advice of their parents over that of their peers.  "Parents remain the major influence on their child's attitudes and behavior through adolescence and adulthood," writes Dr. Laurence Steinberg in the book You and Your Adolescent. He adds: "Adolescents care what you think and listen to what you say, even if they don't always admit it or agree with every point." 

Take advantage of your children's natural inclination to look up to you. Spend time with your children and share your viewpoints, values, and experiences with them.

Provide a mentor

BIBLE PRINCIPLE: "The one walking with the wise will become wise." - PROVERBS 13:20. 

Can you think of an adult who might be a good role mode; for your adolescent?  Why not arrange for that person to spend time with him or her?  Of course, you should not abdicate your parental authority. But the encouragement from a trusted adult who you know will not harm your child can supplement the training you provide.  In the Bible, Timothy-even as an adult- benefited greatly from the association he had the apostle Paul, and Paul benefited from Timothy's companionship. - PHILIPPIANS 2:20, 22.

During  the past century, many families have become somewhat fragmented, as grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other relatives may live in another part of the world If that is true in your case, try to  provide your teens with opportunities to learn from adults who have traits that you would like to see in your children.

Next time: The Value of Adult Guidance - TRAIN NOW

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