Daniel 1:8-21; 6:1-10

Today, like during the lifetime of Daniel, children, especially teenagers 

are challenged by our society and the world to live lives with diminished 

principle and integrity.  Daniel withstood those pressures by being led by purpose 

rather than by the influence of others.

 

Six Tips For A Healthy Relationship

With Your Teenager

By Dr. Tracy Scott

 

1.                  Provide a loving and happy home life with a sound marriage bond.  Teenager’s emotional security is heavily linked and dependent upon the marital bond.

2.                  Love your teenager without conditions.  Never, never encourage your teenagers to believe that your love for them is tied to their success.  This will build resentment.  Only by demonstrating unconditional love can problems such as anger, self hatred and insecurity be decreased and or prevented.

3.                  Give your teenager a “real” sacrifice called attention.  Providing “real attention” requires time and sacrifice, especially when you least feel like giving it.  Help your teenager to feel that he/she is the priority.  Ask yourself, where do your teenager fit into the things you value most?  What are your, priorities?

4.                  Provide your teenager with physical affection (hugs).  Look for opportunities to provide physical emotional nurturance without making your teenager uncomfortable.  Remember, “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth”-Virginia Satir

5.                  Protect you teenager by shepherding his/her heart.  You can’t assume that the places your teenager goes, the people the hang around with or the activities they are involved in are wholesome.  Don’t be afraid to check up on them.  Call other parents, visit and involve yourself in your teenager’s life.  Your teenager will appreciate that you cared enough to find out what was going on.

6.                  Learn to set limits.  But be fair!  Taking away your teenager’s cell phone for the year because he ran up a $500.00 phone bill, is cruel, mean-spirited and will lead to provoking anger within your teenager.  The measure of discipline enforced, should be directly related to the disobedience committed.  Don’t be afraid to parent, but know that you can stand your ground, while building a meaningful relationship.

 

For more information about family life challenges, visit us on the web at http://www.healthylivingseminars.org.  There you will find additional resources that will benefit you and your family.  Or call us 1-888-805-6616.