Communication Among Family Members
Does this sound familiar?
Parent: What’s going on with you? Why are you acting this way?
Teenager: You don’t understand anything. Leave me alone.
Insert more angry outbursts, hurt feelings, perhaps even a slamming door.
Could parenting be any harder these days?
We live in a rapidly changing world, and unfortunately, not all the changes are beneficial.
With new technology, social media, and reality shows often encouraging bad behavior, it’s no wonder parents are feeling overwhelmed.
Parental controls on home computers and televisions are not enough.
There’s a whole new language now that some teenagers are speaking.
For instance, did you know that the word “broccoli” (depending on who is saying it), can mean marijuana? It’s true.
You can read about it here.
https://axis.org/vol-2-issue-34/
Teenagers are facing a lot of peer pressure, and the bad guys aren’t stupid.
They want access to your kids, and they’ll keep looking for ways to get it.
They also want to teach your kids how to hide their misbehavior.
How can you be prepared?
Unfortunately, there’s no one definitive answer since families have different challenges.
Step number one is praying for the safety of your child.
It’s also important to know who your kids hang out with, as well as the other parents.
Help For Moms And Dads
Communicating openly and honestly with your kids is vital.
Besides prayers for safety, you may also want to consider signing up for the Cultural Translator.
One way to encourage open communication with your teenager is knowing their “teen speak.”
The Cultural Translator emails can give you a no-nonsense, no sugar-coating it, look into how today’s pop culture is profoundly influencing your kids. Familiarizing yourself with the slang that’s used, plus knowing what is popular on social media, are necessary tools in a toolbox that you can use as a discerning parent.
The younger generation faces an onslaught of negative, rebellious messages. It’s often heartbreaking.
Please don’t think for a second that teenagers raised in Christian families are immune. From talking over the years with several parents, plus my own specific research about this, concerning influences continue to filter through.
You can sign up for the free Cultural Translator at this link: https://axis.org/ct/.
Check out their mission statement below:
*Being aware of the pulse of culture allows us to bridge the gap between generations by translating pop culture into the ideas it espouses for younger generations, while explaining and interpreting youth culture in ways that older generations understand. By speaking the languages of both generations, we bring common ground and open the way for understanding. – Axis, The Cultural Translator
Be Prepared
Moms and Dads, you have a difficult job as parents.
You (and your church), can start “discipling” your kids at an early age. But, it’s a lifelong process – not a “one salvation prayer, and you’re good” kind of thing.
As servants of Christ, it’s important to pray that you can plant enduring seeds of faith that will continue to grow as your child becomes an adult.
I can get criticized for telling you about these things that are going on, but I have to be willing to take that risk because I care.
Feel free to share this post if you think it is helpful.
God bless.
# # #
*Quotation from Axis. [About]. Our Story. (n.d.). para.5). Retrieved from https://axis.org/mission/.
