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5/17/2018 May 17, 2018
TALK ABOUT THIS // WEEK 1 Share with your teen how Jesus has shown up and made a difference in your own life. Share how you’ve been connecting with God lately. Invite them into a conversation about faith by asking, “What about you?” Avoid lecturing or looking for correct answers. Listen and be curious about what they have to say. REMEMBER THIS So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NIV  DO THIS // MORNING TIME Oh how sweet it is to treat your teen and kick off lazy summer mornings (or just the arrival of the weekend) with a donut run. Get up before your sleepy teen and bring home a dozen donuts. Leave the box on your kitchen table with a note to surprise your teen.  Some days don’t turn out the way you planned. Some lives take a different course than expected. I think that’s the hardest part of being the parent of a Junior or Senior. Or even a young adult. You guide, you direct, you help where needed, but ultimately the choice is up to them. You may think you have a part in the decision, but it’s up to them . . . to look both ways in the intersection. to do that project. to dream of what they would want to do or be. to take the SAT. to make wise choices with their friends. Ultimately it’s their choice. Each age stage has its challenge: The infant and toddler years—and the vigilance and work they require. The elementary years—when you can breathe a little, and let them enjoy childhood. The middle school years—when you ride a daily roller coaster of emotions, independence/dependence, and change. The high school years—when they begin to pull away and establish their own lives. But then you realize your time is running out. And you can either react in fear and clutch them close . . . Or you can begin to let them soar. Even if they’re not ready to fly. Even if they’re not ready to soar. Even if you’re not ready for them to fly. Even if you’re not ready for them to soar. It looks differently for different kids, but you let them succeed or fail based on their own choices. They’ll have to do it eventually. They might as well begin making choices while they are under your roof so you can help them learn from it. And it will be the hardest thing in the world. At least it is for me. I’m a protector. I want to keep those around me safe from any kind of harm. Letting them make those choices will wrench your heart sometimes. READ MORE ON THE PARENT CUE BLOG  Comments are closed.
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