preparing for adolescence
Question and Answer
My children are still in elementary school, and I want to avoid adolescent rebellion in the future if I can. What can you tell me to help me get ready for this scary time?
I can understand why you look toward the adolescent years with some apprehension. This is a tough time to raise kids. Many youngsters sail right through that period with no unusual stresses and problems, but others get caught in a pattern of rebellion that disrupts families and scares their moms and dads to death. I've spent several decades trying to understand that phenomenon and how to prevent it. The encouraging thing is that the most rebellious teens usually grow up to be responsible and stable adults who can't remember why they were so angry in earlier days.
I once devoted a radio program to a panel of formerly rebellious teens that included three successful ministers, Rev. Raul Ries, Pastor Mike MacIntosh, and Rev. Franklin Graham, son of Dr. Billy and Ruth Graham. Each of them had been a difficult adolescent who gave his parents fits. With the exception of Raul, who had been abused at home, the other two couldn't recall what motivated their misbehavior or why they didn't just go along and get along.1 That is often the way with adolescence. It's like a tornado that drops unexpectedly out of a dark sky, tyrannizes a family, shakes up the community, and then blows on by. Then the sun comes out and spreads its warmth again.
Even though the teen years can be challenging, they're also filled with excitement and growth. Rather than fearing that experience, therefore, I think you ought to anticipate it as a dynamic time when your kids transition from childhood to full-fledged adulthood.
Background Information
Caution: Changes Ahead
Prepare your children for adolescence before they embark on its rocky road.
Preparing for Change
Surviving one of life's most turbulent passages comes down to preparation, communication and a whole lot of understanding.
Questions and Answers
How can I avoid a communication blackout during the teen years?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Predators in the Tall Grass
Sometimes it's what you can't see that poses the biggest threat.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Mr. Toad's Wild Ride: Lessons Learned About Adolescence
How do you survive your kids' adolescent years? Listen to the advice of Mr. Toad.
Where is God in the Midst of All My Troubles?
So many cry out to Him in times of need, but is God really listening? And, more important, does He care?
Related Topics
Life Pressures: Working Moms, Stay-at-Home Moms
Relationships: Blended Families, Divorce, Parents and Adult Children, Caring for Elderly Parents
