by Sally Matheny
Is your teen feeling overwhelmed with school, relationships, or work?
Transitioning into young adulthood can be stressful. How can parents assure their teens they have what it takes?
No matter what teens may say, it means a
great deal to them when parents show they care.
 |
| Is Your Teen Stressing Out? |
Is your teen feeling overwhelmed with school, relationships, or work?
Transitioning into young adulthood can be stressful. How can parents assure their teens they have what it takes?
Moreover, how can parents help, but not too much?
In an article on USA Today’s website, "Teens Feeling Stressed, and Many Not Managing It Well" , psychologist, Michael Bradley commented on the level of parental help:
In an article on USA Today’s website, "Teens Feeling Stressed, and Many Not Managing It Well" , psychologist, Michael Bradley commented on the level of parental help:
"Some parents set out on
a mission to get rid of stress in their kids, but the fact is, some degree of
stress is very therapeutic and an appropriate amount of stress is what helps us
become strong. The hard part is what's appropriate. We do know the more we try
to mitigate all stress in our children's life the less resilient that child
becomes and they feel hopeless about their own future."
Numerous articles, such as this one, point to the
symptoms, and the reasons, for the anxieties teens face. Helpful suggestions are
offered on how to curtail the stress, such as cutting back on activities and minimizing
negative factors.
However, I suggest Christian parents counsel their
teens to add more to their lives.
That’s right—more. Allow me to explain.
The following suggestion is presupposing your teen
already has a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. If he doesn’t, this is a great
time to explain our need for Christ.
However, this post is addressing teens who already have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Teens become anxious about the uncertainties of
life, especially when it concerns their future. Whether that’s the prom this
spring, or making education choices for a career ten years from now. Quite
often we hear young people express, “I don’t know what God wants me to do with my life!”
Parents can encourage their teens by looking at 2 Peter
1:
“For this very reason, make every effort to add
to your faith, goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control;
and to
self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
and to
godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
For if you
possess these qualities in increasing measure,
they will keep you from
being ineffective and unproductive
in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV)
Ask your teens what they think God means by faith,
goodness, and knowledge. How can we increase
these?
Will something have to decrease in order for this to
happen?
What does self-control, perseverance, and godliness
look like in their day-to-day lives? In what ways can they strengthen these
qualities? Discuss how that affects others around them.
Talk about examples of brotherly kindness and love we
show at home, at work, and at school. Which area do they find it most difficult
to show love? Why? Brainstorm for ways to help show more kindness and
love to people.
Based on scripture, what do they know about God’s love?
Encourage them to make a list and post it as a reminder of the
magnitude of His powerful love.
At some point in this conversation, a slight eye roll
or a heavy sigh may take place. It’s okay. Just tell your teens the same thing
Peter told his “children.”
“So I will always remind
you of these things, even though you know them…I think it is right to refresh
your memory as long as I live…and I will make every effort to see that…you will
always be able to remember these things.” 2 Peter 1:12-15 (NIV)
 |
| Teens Need Parents Refreshing Their Minds and Hearts |
There's not a one-size-fits-all answer for reducing stress. Occasionally, teens may need a little parental guidance in time
management and decision-making. Ultimately, they need godly,
loving parents refreshing their minds and
hearts.
Assure them if they increase in God’s ways, there is no
need to stress out. Everything is going to be okay, because they have what it
takes.
Does your teen have what it takes?
Do you?
[i]
Jayson, Sharon. “Teens Feeling Stressed, and Many Not Managing It Well.”USAToday.com. Web. 2014/02/11
