What do our teens need from us in order to grow up to become what God intends them to be?

After years of managing the Rainey Zoo, Barbara and I have learned the following lessons:

Need #1: Your teenagers need you to prayerfully ask questions. Check up on them and ask them what they’ve been doing. Ask, “What’s going on?” Listen carefully to what they say and to the things they don’t say. Never forget that their ability to deceive you is greater than your ability to catch them!

Need #2: Your teens need you to persevere when they push you out. Teens tend to want their space, and they will often push you away. Give them some space, but don’t give in to this dangerous game of isolation.

Need #3: Your teens need you to believe in them. The teenage years are clouded with self-doubt and insecurities. Your teens need you to create a harbor in the storms of puberty. Express your belief in them verbally and frequently.

Need #4: Your teen needs you to help him establish boundaries. God has given you an assignment of drawing boundaries—who he can hang out with, where he can go, etc.

Need #5: Your teen needs you to do battle over sin. Prayer is your most powerful weapon, and tough love is a close second. After you’ve prayed, don’t hesitate to call sin what it really is and call them to the right standard.

Taken from FamilyLife Marriage Bible