Contrary to popular belief, many teens thrive in an active spiritual life. However, many also feel overwhelmed, confused, and even lost. This is where parents and community can step in to offer them support and guidance.
Moms and dads may assist these spiritually curious and confused kids in the following ways:
1. Choose the School Well
Teens, even children, are less likely to deal with confusion and overwhelm when their knowledge and experience on spirituality and religion are consistent. The lessons and practices they learned at home from their parents don’t depart from the ones taught by the educational institution.
Fortunately, many states have a variety of sectarian schools. For those in the Grand Canyon State, they can look for high school education. The curriculum can include a special time knowing the tenets of the Bible. These schools also tend to hire staff who profess the same faith.
2. Be Active in Church
Shared belief is powerful. It encourages people to be more open to practicing their religion and spirituality. They are less likely to feel alienated or different. Teenagers can learn from the actions and stories of the elders, while parents can have extra helping hands to help guide their children.
Families can actively participate in their church in different ways:
- Attend services, such as masses or Bible studies
- Volunteer in different committees
- Organize projects for and with their community
- Allow young adults and teens to teach in Sunday school
- Encourage teens to join activities for the young ones, like retreats or summer camps
- Welcome friends from the church into their home
3. Lead by Example
Nothing confuses a child more than seeing parents who don’t breathe the teachings of the church. Kids learn by example, so moms and dads need to lead by example too.
How can parents do it? Here are a few ideas:
- Set aside time for the church. For example, Christians can block off their Sunday schedule for services and community building.
- Allot a quiet or prayer time every day.
- Pray together.
- Be compassionate, loving, and gentle with each other.
4. Be Open to Their Journey
For Christian parents, it can increase their concern to see children moving away from the church and even exploring other religions. However, they need to realize that spirituality is a journey. These teens would have to decide for themselves which path they will pursue eventually.
Parents, though, can still help by reminding their children constantly that they are available to answer questions or even discuss sensitive topics, like those found in the Bible or taught in church.
Moms and dads also need to educate themselves regularly. This way, they are better prepared to reply to questions with confidence and conviction. They can even share their journey, so they become more relatable to their teens.
The teenage years can be a tumultuous period of confusion, but it doesn’t exempt children who grow up in Christian communities or homes. However, they are less likely to run away or reject their beliefs if they can count on support and guidance, especially from their parents.
