I am reminded on a regular basis that this simple blessing is one that many teens simply do not have. To actually be able to sit down and talk to their parents, and be heard, is a rare thing. On top of that you have other teens that never have that opportunity because the parents have pushed them away. At times the teen causes the rift, but not always.
A book I am reading at this time discusses situations that teens go through, especially as it relates to emotional abuse and harassment. It is not written from a Christian perspective, yet it is full of great advice. The topic being discussed in one section was communication and building strong families.
Here are some of the helpful and strategic ways to grow strong caring families where teens will share what is going on in their lives:
- appreciate each other with words of encouragement
- spend time together without competing things like television, attend events together, eat meals around a table together
- be committed to the family, make it a priority
- do spiritual things together, pray together, go to church together
- deal with family crisis in an open and positive manner, all families face times of crisis and hurt from time to time, open communication and working together makes a family stronger
- create an atmosphere of openness that will facilitate communication
It is so basic right? If only we would take the time to do it. Sadly many teens have been forced to deal with issues on their own or with "the facebook family" because their parents are not available to them.
How important is family to you? How are you doing with the six ways to create stronger families? I know I have lots of work to do in some of those areas, but I am working on it. With God's help I will be a better husband and dad!!
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