Encouraging Those Raising Teens

I have never considered myself a blogger. But I find myself writing at the top of my to do list every week “encourage parents”. The longer I work with teenagers, I know parents can use all the help that they can get. As a parent of three beautiful little girls myself, I often wonder if I am doing everything I need to do as a parent. Am I missing something? Am I taking the time to teach them everything I am supposed? Am I preparing them for all they will face when they are on their own? What about everything the world will throw at them? I only get to do this once.

I have worked in Youth & Family for over 15 years now and love what I get to do. But one thing I want to do better is the support I give to parents in a more consistent way. As a parent of three growing girls, one quickly approaching the teen years, I know firsthand how hard parenting is. It may be the most exhausting job you can ever take on. I want to be committed to helping parents grow the faith of those teens they are raising. Good news parents, for decades now, teens list parents as the most influential influences in their lives. Parents, look past all the eye rolls, and disrespectful comments murmured under your teens breathe and know that you still have the greatest influence on your teen that almost anyone else will on the planet. What are you doing with your influence?

So blog post #1. A few things about this blog site. I plan on having short blog posts. Singular thoughts. I can guarantee that I will have grammatical errors. I am not an English teacher. I’m sorry. I will do my best. I want to use this venue to point you to resources that may be helpful for you in different ways as you raise your teen. I want you to know that I am here if you need any help with your teen. Do you have a topic you want me to write about or expert opinion you want me to point you to? Let me know and I will do my best. It is my prayer that this effort encourages you as carry out the most valuable job there is; parenting.