Teenage years are tumultuous and full of transitions. From being a child to turning into an adult can be an arduous process, as it involves going through a lot of changes physically, mentally and emotionally.
The ages 13 to 19 are the teenage years, when officially a child becomes an adult, ready to face the world as an individual. Our responsibility as parents, guardians, teachers, pastors and counsellors is very important to shepherd our teens along life’s path. Placing signposts along the way, will help them navigate the tricky areas which are otherwise sure to lead them astray.
God has given us His Word which is a light unto our path, to ensure that we stay safe, away from harm and danger. Thus, we must build close relationships with our teens, in order to influence and encourage them to find God’s purpose in their lives.
The close bond between a parent and child must be carefully built from childhood itself. It cannot suddenly appear in the teenage years, when the teenagers have already distanced themselves from parents, while classmates and friends influence them greatly. Right from childhood, a relationship of love and trust, must be built step by step, between parents and children. This will enable a parent to give timely advice and play the role of a confidante. Over the years, the child must experience the comfort and unconditional support in all areas of life, where they can seek guidance in all matters and this openness will naturally continue into the teenage years.
Communication channels must be kept open, so that small problems at school or play, during the childhood years, can be dealt with, in a compassionate way. This will help in paving the way for future open communication, during the challenging teenage years. Timely, factual and regular conversations on all topics will help teens make informed choices. Their opinions, decisions and ideas, must be taken into consideration, to help them in becoming confident individuals. As adults, we must be aware of the temptations and challenges facing teenagers in school and society.
Peer pressure and the herd mentality is sure to influence them during their teenage years, and will play its role in their behaviour. As responsible adults, we need to lay down rules which will keep them on the straight path. Explaining to our teens the result of taking drugs, underage dating, late night parties, overnight outings etc. will help them understand the dangers of wild behaviour. Deviant behaviour results from their inability to deal with the intensity of their emotions. Being sensitive to teens and their needs to feel included by their friends, can be helped by inviting their friends over and getting to know them.
Organizing healthy outdoor activities and sports will keep them engaged. Conducting quiz competitions, eco-friendly projects, creative activities for fund raising for the down-trodden, will build healthy self-esteem in teens. Such activities will receive validation from parents, teachers and guardians, thus keeping teens busy in fulfilling their emotional wellbeing.
Cyber addiction is a real problem faced by teens today. It causes changes in sleep patterns, disinterest in studies, isolation and many more problems. Therefore, making teens aware of cyber safety is an important duty of parents and teachers. Proper reasons must be given to them regarding the necessity for taking precautions and placing restrictions. Professional help from Christian pastors and counsellors can be sought, if parents are unable to deal with any problem their teenager face.
The emphasis on close bonds between parents and children cannot be overemphasized, as that is the only way to help them in their teenage years, to overcome the challenges they face daily. Depression is also widespread among teenagers, especially those who are not able to differentiate between “right and wrong” behaviour. Hormonal changes during puberty too, add to the confusion, hence teenagers are overwhelmed. Refraining from criticizing and judging, will enable parents to take a compassionate stand, towards the teenager. Today, the Internet provides all the information required in any field and so becomes the ‘best friend’ of teenagers.
In today’s world, the Christian home and family, must effectively compete for the teenagers attention, against world views, attitudes, beliefs, which are rampant in the real world, outside. Just as a seedling requires loving attention, and one day grows into a large tree, having weathered storms and seasons, so too, we must enable our teens to withstand the pressures of life, with careful attention, guidance, motivation, counselling and correction, ensuring that they develop into confident adults.
Vibrant youth groups at church and school, instilling Christian values, and developing talents in music, games, art and craft, will help teenagers progress confidently towards the goal they have set before them. Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed according to Thy Word.” The Lord is willing to forgive our mistakes if we truly repent and ask for forgiveness, so that is a hope for teenagers, who may have committed sins and mistakes along the way.
Let us encourage our teens to be lights shining in this dark world, where there seems no hope. We must pray for them daily, beseeching the Lord to transform them into vessels for His use. Worldly pleasures and fun last for a short time, but the wonderful life God has planned for everyone, must be patiently sought, as it is worthy of lasting fulfillment. His mercies are new every morning, great is Thy faithfulness O Lord.
Christian homes and churches must be the building blocks of society, in order to raise a truly inspired generation of people, who have sailed through all the stages of life, finding peace, joy and fulfillment. The world today, needs shepherds (parents, guardians, teachers and youth pastors) at every level, who will give of their time and energy to build up this new generation of youngsters, in God’s way.
